Blood Upon Expression of Breast

[Adrienne Wingfield]

I was giving myself my monthly breast exam and noticed upon expression of my right breast only, I have blood that comes out of my nipple/milk duct. I am a 29 year old female with one child, finished breastfeeding over a year ago. Otherwise health issues include an Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (treated with Plaquenil), allergies and a thyroid cyst without T3, T4 or TSH irregularities (all within normal range...though TSH is only .761). I am late on my period with two negative home pregnancy tests. At my last visit my doctor did notice some mild swelling and tenderness of my liver and spleen. All bloodwork came back normal. Can you please advise on the breast issue? Is it something to be concerned about? I read that only if blood comes out naturally (vs. through manual expression) that it is something to be concerned with. Thank you for your response.

[MattieC]

A related discussion, blood from nipple with expression was started.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Adrienne, Many women have some type of nipple discharge or fluid when their breasts are squeezed, and its 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