Symptoms

Signs and symptoms associated with galactorrhea include:

• Persistent or intermittent milky nipple discharge
• Nipple discharge involving multiple milk ducts
• Spontaneously leaked or manually expressed nipple discharge
• One or both breasts affected
• Absent or irregular menstrual periods
• Headaches or vision problems

When to see a doctor

If you have a persistent, spontaneous milky nipple discharge from one or both of your breasts and you're not pregnant or breast-feeding, make an appointment to see your doctor.

If breast stimulation — such as excessive nipple manipulation during sexual activity — triggers nipple discharge from multiple ducts, you have little cause for worry. The discharge probably doesn't signal anything abnormal, and this discharge often resolves on its own. If you have persistent discharge that doesn't go away, make an appointment with your doctor to get it checked out.

Nonmilky nipple discharge — particularly bloody, yellow or clear spontaneous discharge that comes from one duct or is associated with a lump you can feel — requires prompt medical attention, as it may be a sign of an underlying breast cancer.