I’ve had tests, mammograms, and all were normal. I leak every month and hurt sometimes really bad. I don’t have any lumps or any wrong color to the liquid. I’ve been leaking for about a year now, always around my period. No one can tell me why all of a sudden at 34 I began to leak. It just reminded me of the importance of research on female issues. If it was a man who had to put up with a leaky breast that hurt to the touch, there would be a huge push for research to at least find out the cause. I don’t know of any reason why my breast would be leaking but if it is menopause then at least there would be a reason for it. It’s rather bothersome.
-Terra
Answer:
I completely agree with Terra. There is still so much more research that needs to be done on female issues. But you have to admit that we have come a long way. Back in the middle to end of the 19th century, all health or emotional problems in a woman were attributed to her uterus. It was coined the term “hysteria”, hystera being the Greek word for uterus. Treatment for any problem was either massage of the genitals by a doctor, or the complete removal of the uterus!
Luckily we have moved way past this, but there is still a lot to be learned. If you’re interested in women’s health issues, visit the Society for Women’s Health Research online. You can find out how you can support women’s research.
And yes, a leaking breast can be quite bothersome, especially when there seems to be no obvious cause. I’m glad to hear that you’ve been to a doctor and have had tests done to make sure that the leaking breast is not a sign of a more serious health problem.
Some women do experience regular breast pain associated with their menstrual cycle - this is called cyclical breast pain. Non-cyclical breast pain has no relation to the menstrual cycle and is more often associated with menopause, occurring in women between the ages of 40-50. It is not a typical symptom of menopause, but leaking breasts do happen for some women experiencing the early signs of menopause. Breast pain could also be caused by an injury.
Most nipple discharge is completely harmless and is associated with hormonal imbalances, something that occurs quite frequently throughout a woman’s life. This could occur because of certain medications, thyroid problems, or (rarely) tumors. If your breast discharge is worrisome or if you experience the following, you should see a doctor:
· Discharge on only one side of breasts (one breast)
· Blood in discharge
· The discharge is sticky, brown, or off-colored
· Is a fluid besides breast milk
· Appears unexpectedly without stimulation
Mammograms, sonograms, breast examinations, and possibly a biopsy may be completed if the doctor suspects any kind of breast disease.
