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Overview
High prolactin is a common cause.
Headaches or vision changes need prompt care.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayDischarge with headaches or vision changes.
See a doctor soonMilky discharge.
Causes
Causes include medicines, hypothyroidism, and pituitary tumors.
OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause milky nipple discharge without breastfeeding. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Milky nipple discharge (galactorrhea)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
Milk-like discharge from one or both nipples when not breastfeeding.
- Pituitary tumorSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
A growth in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.
What you can do at home
- Don't squeeze.
Medicines
Depends on cause.
At the doctor
Blood tests.
Questions you may be asked
- Medicines
- Periods
The exam
A breast exam.
Tests
- Prolactin
- Thyroid
- MRI
Prevention
Get checked.
- Review medicines
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.