Breast Discharge

I am 32 years old.  In the last couple of months, I've found if I squeeze or "express" my left breast, there is as small amount of clear, non-sticky discharge (much like collostrum).  It has never discharged spontaneously.  But I know it can be of concern if it is only one side (which it is) and it appears to always be the same duct.  My left side, however, has ALWAYS had far more active glands, during my period or ovulation, those glands have always enlarged, whilst the right side did little or nothing.  In the past I breastfed my son for two and a half years, but it has been 3 years since I weaned him.  I realize by squeezing to check the breast I may be encouraging the problem.  My question is, do I need to have this checked at this point, or should I leave it alone for a couple of months and see what it does?  Thank you.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear babsy16:  Many women have some type of nipple discharge or fluid when their breasts are squeezed, and it can be normal. Squeezing the nipple sends message to the brain and the pituitary gland responds by increasing prolactin levels, which in turn produces discharge from the nipple. The discharge can come in a variety of colors - gray, green and brown as well as white. Some women are more prone to more discharge including women on birth control pills, certain blood pressure medications or on major tranquilizers. These medications increase prolactin levels in the body. There is also certain life periods when a person is more likely to get discharge than others: there may be more discharge at puberty and at menopause than the years in-between.

The time to worry about nipple discharge is when it

[mamacita]

I couldn't believe it. I look down and there it was, yellow greenish discharge.  I am so freaked out!!!  I am 35 yrs. old. I have kids, breast fed all 3, had a total hyst., and I am scared to death!!  My breast feels lumpy and is only leaking this wierd discharge from one breast.  Can someone tell me what is going on?  Please!!!!