If you have a milk on breast, but you are not pregnant you may be scared and confused. Often, discharge from a nipple is nothing to worry about. Sometimes leaking breast but not pregnant can be serious, but it is most often normal. If you are still concerned, you are not nursing a baby and have nipple discharge, you should contact your doctor so that tests may be run.

I'm Not Pregnant, But Why Is My Breast Leaking?

Galactorrhea is a condition where a non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding woman leaks from one or both breasts. This is actually discharge that can be green or yellow in color. It happens to women who have been pregnant in the past, although can happen to anyone. It is sometimes milk production caused by squeezing the nipples, sexual arousal or clothing rubbing. Other causes include:

• Hormonal medications or psychotropic drugs
• Herbs (Anise, Fennel)
• Illegal drug use (marijuana)
• Tumors in the Pituitary gland
• Hypothyroidism

Checking repeatedly for leakage by squeezing the nipples can also stimulate more discharge. Women who are overly worried may touch their breasts too often and make the problem worse. If you have a leaking breast, try not to touch it too much and this may help things clear up.

What Should I Do?

The first thing to do is to stop any form of stimulation to the breasts. Refrain from touching the nipple area, squeezing, tight clothing and sexual stimulation of the breasts. If those things do not work, you can talk to your doctor about omitting any medications or making medication changes if this is the cause. You can also try dietary changes and exercise changes. 

You may not need to worry about breast cancer, but you may have something going on that needs a doctor’s attention. Wait one menstrual cycle and if the issue does not clear up, give your doctor a call. After you’re no longer having periods, you need to contact your doctor as soon as possible.

When to Worry About Leaking Breast But Not Pregnant

Only your doctor can tell you if what you are experiencing is normal or not based on testing.

• One cause for concern is when the discharge from the nipple is bloody. This is not a normal sign.
• When discharge only happens on one side or comes on suddenly without nipple stimulation, it is also cause for concern.
• Nipple discharge cannot be judged by color. When discharge is normal or not, in both cases discharge can range from yellow, green, white or clear.

What Are the Causes of Abnormal Nipple Discharge?

The causes for a leaking breast but not pregnant vary from mild to serious, below are the detailed explanation:

1. Minor Causes

• ŸHormonal Changes. Hormonal changes during puberty, after pregnancy and during menopause may cause leaking milk on breast. Thyroid hormone changes or Cushing’s disease can also cause milk production and breast leakage.
• ŸContraceptive Use. The pill can cause the nipples to leak due to the hormones in the medication. This is usually just temporary and can also cause breast enlargement and soreness.
• ŸRecent History of Breastfeeding. It is possible for your body to make milk as long as two years after your baby is weaned.
• ŸBlocked Milk Duct. If you choose not to breastfeed after the birth of a baby, the lack of milk flow from the nipple can cause blockage in a milk duct. This may cause mild leakage from the breast until the milk dries up.
• ŸSSRI Antidepressants. These medications increase prolactin in the body. This is the hormone that causes the body to produce milk.
• Nipple Stimulation. Handling of the nipples during a breast exam or sex can cause them to leak.

2. More Serious Causes