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I Am A 31yr Old Woman, No Children, Never Pregnant.

Posted on Fri, 19 Apr 2019

Question: I am a 31yr old woman, no children, never pregnant. I used to have my nipples pirced but took them out about 5 yrs ago. I believe they are closed up now but the holes on the outside are still visable. I started having a white discharge coming out of both the previous pierced holes as well as my nipples themselves, do you have any idea what it could be? it's happening every couple of days. I also have PCOS but I don't know if that would cause anything nipple related.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
hormone imbalance related issue. explained in details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services.
I have read your query and here is my advise.

* As per my surgical experience, discharge from both nipples as well as previously
pierced holes relate to the Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome causing hormone imbalance
and possible alteration at prolactin levels.

* Infection is very less likely possibility because
usually it is unilateral
not associated with nipple discharge ( as internal ducts are not involved )
history of PCOS

Kindly provide me further details so that I can answer your query completely

1. Are you taking any treatment of PCOS ?
2. Menstrual pattern at present ?
3. Any noticeable breast tenderness before 1-2 weeks of menses ?

Awaiting for your response.
Regards.

Dr Bhagyesh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (16 hours later)

the only meds I take currently are birth control and sleeping pills, my period is erratic, most of the time I don't know when or if it will happen. my breast do tend to get tender when I'm on my period, but I don't believe it starts weeks in advance. maybe a day or two before but not every time. when I talked to my Dr previously he said nothing could be done for my PCOS. I could have the cyst cut out but more would grow and it would probably leave scar tissue making it worse in the long run.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
serum prolactin level required to be checked for further management.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the relevant details.

* The cause of nipple discharge is hormone imbalance affecting the hypothalamus and
pituitary gland which is governing the prolactin secretion in the body.

* Should discuss the need of lab report of serum prolactin with your consultant when you
visit for the follow up.

Till that time, should take care of prevention of secondary bacterial infection of the nipple.

Wish you best health.
Regards.

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad