Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Fluid Leakage From Breasts After Steriod Intake?
Question: My daughter is 31 years old. Had to take a steroid a few months ago for an ear problem. Evber since then one of her breast is leaking a clear fluid intermittantly. Do steroids usually have this effect???
Brief Answer:
Steroids may worsen an infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Steroids can worsen an infection or may cause a hormonal imbalance.
If there was some infection in the ducts of the breast tissue, it may have gotten worse and causing these symptoms. The discharge can be sent for histological examination.
Short term steroids do not cause imbalance in hormonal system. Thus a hormonal cause for discharge should not be there. But to be on the safe side your daughter can get tested for serum prolactin and TSH levels.
A mammography should also be taken to look for lumps causing similar discharge.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have more doubts.
Dr Vaishalee
Steroids may worsen an infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Steroids can worsen an infection or may cause a hormonal imbalance.
If there was some infection in the ducts of the breast tissue, it may have gotten worse and causing these symptoms. The discharge can be sent for histological examination.
Short term steroids do not cause imbalance in hormonal system. Thus a hormonal cause for discharge should not be there. But to be on the safe side your daughter can get tested for serum prolactin and TSH levels.
A mammography should also be taken to look for lumps causing similar discharge.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have more doubts.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Her doctor had given her a breast exam and did not find and lumps. But because my daughter is a nervous person she has ordered a mammo and sonogram.
There is no pain or blood just a very little clear liquid only in one breast.
The doctor originally did not order the mammo but my daughter pressed the issue.
She has no other ill effects
There is no pain or blood just a very little clear liquid only in one breast.
The doctor originally did not order the mammo but my daughter pressed the issue.
She has no other ill effects
Brief Answer:
Let us take it one step at a time
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Let us first go for mammo and sonogram. If negative or positive, then we can go for serum prolactin level and thyroid hormone levels. Then we can send the discharge fluid for examination under the microscope.
Small amount of fluid may be coming from a small intraductal papilloma which may be undetectable on all tests and can be safely ignored.
Hope it helps.
Dr Vaishalee
Let us take it one step at a time
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Let us first go for mammo and sonogram. If negative or positive, then we can go for serum prolactin level and thyroid hormone levels. Then we can send the discharge fluid for examination under the microscope.
Small amount of fluid may be coming from a small intraductal papilloma which may be undetectable on all tests and can be safely ignored.
Hope it helps.
Dr Vaishalee
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
