---
title: What causes nipple discharge in women with normal periods? | Niyora
description: Nipple discharge may be caused by low thyroid hormone or high stress hormones and anxiety. These were found in different groups of women with this symptom.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/endocrinologic-and-psychologic-aspects-of-galactorrhea-associated-with-normal-1981/
---

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- What causes nipple discharge in women with normal periods?

Cohort study, 1981

# What causes nipple discharge in women with normal periods?

Nipple discharge may be caused by low thyroid hormone or high stress hormones and anxiety. These were found in different groups of women with this symptom.

 Early or limited evidence

12 women with nipple discharge and normal menstrual cycles

## What they did

Studied 12 women with nipple discharge who had normal periods and no pituitary tumors, measuring hormone levels and psychological health.

## What they found

Eight women showed low thyroid function with high prolactin hormone. Four women showed high stress hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine) combined with anxiety and neuroticism on psychological tests.

## What it means for you

Nipple discharge may signal thyroid problems or stress-related hormone changes. Treatment included thyroid replacement and psychological therapy. This is a very small study that describes patterns but cannot prove cause and effect.

12

women with nipple discharge studied

8

with thyroid dysfunction

4

with high stress hormones

## About the study

Original title Endocrinologic and psychologic aspects of galactorrhea associated with normal menstrual cycles Authors Naguib YA, Darwish NA, Shaarawy M et al. Journal International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Year 1981 Study design Cohort study What was tested None (diagnostic and observational study) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/0020-7292(81)90076-x](https://doi.org/10.1016/0020-7292(81)90076-x)

## Topics

[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[Thyroid disorders](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-thyroid/)

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