Enlarged nipples during pregnancy. Why are the nipples darkened? Breast nipples. Is there a change in the color of the halo

The darkening of the nipples of the female breast is due to the body's reaction to various physiological processes taking place in it. In most situations, such a change in the color of the nipple-areola zone is not an anomaly, but on the contrary is considered a characteristic sign of the emergence of a new small life.

Let us consider why the breast nipple darkens during pregnancy or other physiological conditions of the body and is it necessary to take any therapeutic actions?

Why do nipples darken in pregnant women? Darkening of the nipple skin is one of the first signs of pregnancy. With conception, the nipples not only acquire a dark color, they become much rougher, and their sensitivity increases to such an extent that even a light touch causes painful discomfort.

Brown or dark pigmentation can be either uniform or appear in different parts of the breast.

Why is this happening, which causes darkening of the nipples in expectant mothers? The main processes occurring in the female body after the conception of a child should be highlighted:

According to experts, excessive pigmentation during the period of gestation is the result of a simultaneous combination of all these factors.

There is a hypothesis that babies who still have poor vision after birth find it much easier to distinguish dark nipples against the background of the white skin of the mammary glands. With regard to areoles, they do not always turn brown - mostly pigmentation appears only on the nipples.

The intensity of darkening of the nipples of the mammary glands depends on how sensitive the woman is to hormonal fluctuations:

  • In some pregnant women, the discoloration of the nipple skin is mild, while in others the color may turn dark brown or almost black, especially in dark-haired pregnant women.
  • In women with fair skin type, pigmentation appears red, which is also considered normal.

Not a deviation is also too sharp appearance of a brown tint of the areola and nipples in the first trimester, as well as on the white line of the abdomen or on the face, which disappears over time.

Also, such a situation is not a pathology when, after the birth of a baby, pigmentation does not go away, or it fades a little, without returning to its original shade.


Dark pigmentation of the nipples begins to appear already at an early stage, around the fourth to sixth week of pregnancy. The familiar pink skin tone gradually turns brown. However, in other pregnant women, the manifestation of pigmentation occurs imperceptibly and becomes more pronounced at 36-37 weeks, and in others there are no changes at all, either with the nipples or with the glands.

As mentioned earlier, the color change is explained by an increased level of melanin in the body, which is produced in large quantities by the fetus. Sex hormones also contribute to the active production of this substance.

Dark nipples during lactation


Areola and dark nipples in lactating women indicate hormonal surges.

However, the manifestation of brown pigmentation can also manifest itself with improper attachment of the child to the breast - the baby strongly compresses with the gums, which further leads to injury and darkening of the nipples, and then they.

When the natural color of the nipples returns

The previous color of the nipples will return after pregnancy or with the end of breastfeeding, so there is no cause for concern if there are no clinical symptoms that could indicate the presence of some kind of disease.

Often in the third trimester, the nipple skin lightens a little, and before the very birth it sometimes becomes milky white.


Why does a woman get dark nipples outside of pregnancy? The manifestation of such a symptom may be due to the following reasons:

  1. Onset of menstruation.
  2. Different periods of the menstrual cycle.
  3. Physiological restructuring of the body.


The reason for the darkening of the nipples a few days before the onset of menstruation is due to sharp fluctuations in hormonal levels. This phenomenon is absolutely not dangerous. Once your period begins, your nipples will become less sensitive and return to their original state.

During SCI, the dark color of the nipple and areola is not the only symptom, however, the manifestation of other symptoms for each woman is individual, so in some women they are pronounced, while in others nothing at all. The most common ones are:

  • Breast augmentation.
  • Increased sensitivity of the breast and nipples.

Different periods of the monthly cycle

With the beginning of the second phase of the monthly cycle, the mammary glands swell, while they become more susceptible and painful. Doctors explain the manifestation of such sensations by an increased level of progesterone. Similar mechanisms are noted in the epithelium of the uterus.

If a woman noticed darkening of the nipples, such a symptom is most likely an individual reaction of the body to the processes occurring in the hormonal system. After a few days, the dark pigmentation disappears and the nipples return to their normal color.

The greatest discomfort in the chest area appears with the onset of the seventh day of the second phase of the cycle. The second factor is ovulation, during which the hormone estrogen is actively produced. In addition, it causes certain physiological processes:

  • Promotes the development of the egg.
  • Promotes the entry of the egg into the fallopian tubes.
  • Helps to connect with the sperm.

Most women say that they ovulate without symptoms, but others say that the skin of the nipples darkens significantly.

When estrogen levels begin to fall at the third stage of the monthly cycle, you will notice characteristic signs:

  • Enlargement of the nipples.
  • Strengthening the voltage in the MF.

Doctors note that if these symptoms appear synchronously with the darkening of the nipples at approximately the same time, then this is not an anomaly, but a natural reaction of the body.

Additional reasons

In addition to being associated with the menstrual cycle, dark pigmentation can manifest itself for the following reasons:

  1. During puberty in adolescents and with the onset of menopause.
  2. Hereditary predisposition. If the mother's nipples and areola darkened at some point in her life, then the daughter may also have brown pigmentation.
  3. The use of hormonal drugs, including contraceptives.
  4. Incorrectly fitted bra squeezing or chafing the breast.


A woman's breast is an extremely vulnerable organ, therefore it reacts sharply to various changes in the body. If the mammary glands have increased, while the nipples have begun to darken, but pregnancy and menstruation are absent, then this usually means the presence of some kind of disease:

Pathological condition The nature of the manifestation
Polycystic ovary The disease develops against the background of an increased level of estrogen.
Myoma of the uterus Benign lesion is a complex disease that can disrupt the balance of hormones.
Diseases of the thyroid gland An endocrinologist's consultation is necessary to identify the exact type of pathology.
Endometriosis The breasts are poured, the nipples become very sensitive.
Carcinoma of the breast A malignant tumor that forms in the milk ducts of the breast.
Hormonal abnormalities caused by latent illness or stress Blue or purple nipples.
Improper attachment of the baby to the breast or pathology of the lungs, heart and blood vessels Areola purple.
Obstruction of the milk ducts due to blockage .
Malignant tumors in the breast Inverted or reshaped nipples.
Intraductal papilloma .

Serious reason to see a doctor

Mammologists emphasize that the following clinical manifestations are a pretext for immediate medical attention for darkening of the nipples:

  1. Darkening of the nipple-areola zone is accompanied by bloody or purulent discharge.
  2. The shape of the breast has changed, the nipple is reddened or pulled into the breast.
  3. Redness of the nipple skin is accompanied by engorgement and soreness of the nipples and increased body temperature.
  4. The nipples on both breasts are of different color and size.
  5. Irregularities, knots, bumps and black blotches have formed on the nipple tissue.


What to do if one nipple is darker than the other during pregnancy? In this situation, it is necessary to visit the mammologist's office. The specialist will draw up the features of the patient's history, from birth to the present. Conduct a visual examination of the mammary glands and prescribe a diagnosis of the body.

In this situation, you will need:

  • Blood test for hormones.
  • Ultrasound of both breasts.
  • Mammography of the breast.

Darkening of only one nipple indicates not only the onset of pregnancy, but also the presence of some abnormal processes in the breast with a problem nipple. As mentioned above, purple or blue pigmentation, as well as black blotches, is a sign of many serious diseases.

Is treatment necessary

In the absence of pregnancy After successful conception
If there is no pregnancy, and dark pigmentation is noted on only one nipple, and the other is of a normal color, one should not hope that the anomaly will disappear by itself. It is necessary to immediately consult a doctor to identify the cause of this condition and do not forget that any self-medication is fraught with irreparable consequences. The dark skin around the nipple during the period of gestation is a transient phenomenon, but some pregnant women try to lighten it with folk remedies, which in no case should be done. The only way is to try to avoid direct exposure to sunlight on the delicate skin of this part of the breast.

The use of special whitening creams and masks is permissible only outside of pregnancy, since some of the components present in their composition, for example hydroquinone, can cause significant harm to the baby.

A woman should remember that dark pigmentation during pregnancy is a sign that the mammary glands are actively preparing for hepatitis B, so it is undesirable to interfere with this natural process. After the birth of the baby, the dark color will gradually disappear, but if it does not decrease, it is allowed to use ointments and masks with a lightening effect or natural remedies:

  • Clay lotions (white).
  • Appliques from chopped homemade strawberries or strawberries.
  • Juice of cucumber, lemon, pomegranate, birch, fresh parsley.

It is important to be careful about your breasts, not to use aggressive hygiene products, to wear the right bra and to eat a balanced, healthy diet. If necessary, 1-2 times a year, it is necessary to carry out a course of taking vitamin complexes.

Conclusion

Darkening and swelling of the nipples, although it is a characteristic sign of pregnancy, however, the appearance of brown pigmentation does not always indicate its presence. In some situations, a dark color can have a pathological origin, so you should not ignore its manifestation.

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When carrying a baby, the whole body of the expectant mother changes. The breast also changes, which begins to prepare in advance for feeding the baby. Let's find out in detail how this happens.

Early changes

Already with the onset of pregnancy, women feel how their mammary glands swell. And this is one of the signs of an “interesting situation”.

The nipples change almost from the first days. By the sixth week of the term, expectant mothers notice that they are not the same as before. If before pregnancy they were light, pink, then with its onset they gradually darken, and later turn brown. Their sensitivity very often increases. Some women just complain that their breasts hurt, they become larger and denser. All of these changes are classic signs of pregnancy. By the way, after the termination of breastfeeding, they brighten again. But they will not be the same as before.

Why does nipple sensitivity appear in the early stages? This is due to the fact that a special hormone begins to be produced in the body of the future mother. He keeps the pregnancy. It is also called lactation hormone. It is this substance that makes the breast more sensitive, increases blood circulation in it. And this leads to further growth and increase in size. In this case, the size of the halo (the area around the nipples) increases significantly. For such changes, the skin of the nipples simply does not keep pace and is greatly stretched. And this also causes sensitivity, sometimes severe pain. You should not be afraid of such a state. This is a completely normal physiological phenomenon. But not all women experience it. Some do not feel any changes in the mammary glands at all, but this is because their body is less sensitive to prolactin. Everything is individual.

You can help yourself with high sensitivity of the nipples and breasts by choosing a suitable cotton bra. It is also necessary to start using drugs for stretch marks at an early stage.

About swollen nipples

Their increase when carrying a baby can be pronounced. The nipples swell because the milky excretory ducts grow. They should be convex so that the baby can capture the mammary gland with his mouth. At the end of breastfeeding, the size of the breasts will decrease, but the nipples will most likely not become smaller in volume.

The type of mammary glands largely depends on heredity. If a woman's nipples are flat, then this can become an obstacle to breastfeeding. And to prevent this from happening, they need special preparation for feeding the child.

About darkening halo

This part of the mammary glands also undergoes changes during the period of gestation. The halos increase in diameter and darken. As for the degree of darkening, this is individual. In some women, they turn brown. The darkening is due to the deposition of the melanin pigment. This substance is produced in the skin under the influence of female sex hormones. The timing of the darkening of juices and the halo are different. In some women, this occurs early, before about 8 weeks of gestation. In others, such changes are possible after eight weeks.

Having darkened strongly at the beginning of pregnancy, the halo by the end of bearing the baby may brighten.

About breast discharge

And this phenomenon is considered normal. In some women, colostrum may appear in the early stages of bearing crumbs. This can also be considered a sign of pregnancy. Still, more often the discharge appears in the third trimester of pregnancy, which symbolizes the next stage in preparing the body for childbirth and breastfeeding.

Colostrum is a clear liquid interspersed with yellow or white. Some women at the end of the third trimester complain that colostrum is literally flowing like a river. And this phenomenon is especially activated at night. Changing the nipples and colostrum secretion is the natural preparation of the female breast for a new stage in life.

It is necessary to specially prepare the mammary glands for lactation only when the breasts and nipples are flat and the halo is inextensible. Then the woman will need the help of a specialist - he will teach you how to do a special massage.

The nipples, as well as the entire body of a woman during pregnancy, undergo changes, which can sometimes cause many questions. But every expectant mother should understand that the mammary gland is preparing for the successful feeding of the child, and therefore the breast increases, the glandular tissue grows, making the breast denser.

For a more successful feeding, the nipples must enlarge and adapt to irritation, and all this must happen before the baby is born. Changes in the nipples during pregnancy can include discharge that can irritate the skin, cause itching and crust formation, and you should not exclude the possibility of diseases not related to the process of carrying a child, the symptoms of which should be recognized in time for a timely visit to a doctor.

The nipples undergo changes almost from the first days of pregnancy, almost every woman at 5-6 weeks of age notices this. If earlier a woman had nipples of a pale pink, light shade, then during pregnancy they become almost brown, dark in color. They often become overly sensitive and sometimes hurt, which are the first classic signs of pregnancy.

Metamorphoses in the breast occur early, but by 20-25 weeks, many women notice minor colostrum, which again draws attention to the breast. After childbirth and subsequent breastfeeding, the nipples begin to lighten and shrink, although they will not be the same as before pregnancy.

Nipple changes: normal or abnormal

Why does nipple sensitivity change early? Prolactin or lactation hormone is one of the hormones that allows you to maintain pregnancy, which is released in considerable quantities at the very beginning of pregnancy. The mammary gland and nipples also contain receptors for prolactin, which contributes to the rapid growth and development of the breasts in the event of an increase in its number. There is a sharp increase in blood circulation in the breast, due to which it grows and swells, the size of the areolas of the nipples increases significantly. Since the skin is not ready for such drastic changes, the nipples become too sensitive and sometimes painful.

Therefore, if during pregnancy itching, nipples sore, or tingling and burning sensations are felt, these signs are normal for this "diagnosis".

Of course, not every woman can have nipple pain, moreover, some do not even notice any changes in the breast, which is also a normal phenomenon. But such indicators do not mean at all that there will be no milk, just each organism is individual.

How to reduce discomfort caused by nipple pain

Of course, every woman who is faced with the problem of excessive sensitivity of the nipples wants to somehow alleviate the pain. Discomfort can be reduced primarily by changing your underwear. You should choose a bra of the right size, made of soft cotton fabric.

Discoloration of the nipples during pregnancy

Appearance nipple during pregnancy largely dependent on heredity. Nipples that are too flat can interfere with breastfeeding, therefore, breasts must be prepared in advance to avoid such problems.

In addition to the shape of the nipples, their color often also changes, they become darker, sometimes even brown. Reddening of the nipples is noted much less often, such metamorphoses are the norm for natural blondes with very light skin.

Darkening of the nipples is caused by the deposition of melanin pigment produced in the skin under the influence of sex hormones. The nipples may darken by 6-8 weeks and by the end of the 3rd trimester.

It is worth noting that the cardinal change in the nipples in the early stages in the last weeks may be less pronounced, since with the increase and extension of the areola it brightens over time.

But, again, the color of the nipples may not change in all pregnant women, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.

Discharge from the nipples during pregnancy

However, a couple of months before giving birth to breastfeeding is still worth taking a break.

Preparing for feeding

In principle, no special preparation for the nipples is required, rather, a psychological attitude is required. The breasts require special preparation only if the nipples are flat and the areola is not stretchable and tight.

It also happens that before pregnancy the nipples were normal, but, over time, instead of becoming bulging and lengthening, they, on the contrary, retract. In this case, the nipples will also need to be given attention, since the period of pregnancy will allow them to train them to respond correctly to stimulation, but, due to the release of oxytocin, such techniques can cause uterine contractions.

To strengthen the nipples, you can use stretching, rolling them between the fingers, but for more than a minute or with violence or aggression, such massages should not be performed. If there is a threat of termination of pregnancy, all sorts of massages and manipulations with the breast are contraindicated.

It is worth remembering only one thing: it does not matter whether your nipples are flat or not, since the baby sucks, and, therefore, you can feed the baby in any case.

Nipple problems

During pregnancy, women often face a problem such as dry nipples. Why is this happening? Dry nipples, as well as other changes, may be due to vitamin deficiency, for example, vitamins B of the group or vitamin A. Often, peeling of the nipples occurs in the last weeks, but some are faced with this already in the first months.

If nothing is done, cracks can form on the nipples, which is almost impossible to endure.

But dry, cracked and peeling nipples are solvable problems. In this case, it is worth lubricating them with ointment for stretch marks. The resulting cracks can be healed with either sea buckthorn oil or bepanten.

Today, in Russia, Purinal and Bepanten are more popular, but the whole world uses lanolin Lansinoh HPA ointment for breastfeeding, which has enormous advantages: it does not need to be washed off before feeding, the breast almost instantly gets rid of cracked pain, the nipple skin also breathes. It is not recommended to use soap when rinsing your breasts.

Moles and papillomas on the nipples during pregnancy

If there are moles or papillomas on the nipples, especially if they are located so that during feeding it will be impossible to avoid them getting into the baby's mouth, it is recommended to get rid of them.

It is not necessary to remove dark flat moles, but it is definitely worth removing a convex papilloma even before the baby is born, so as not to injure the breast when sucking.

In this case, you should consult a mammologist. You can get rid of such formations even during pregnancy.

Symptoms for which you need to see a doctor

  • the nipples changed color, the skin above them turned red and its temperature increased;
  • discharge is not normal (greenish, with an unpleasant odor, blood and other discharge that you do not understand);
  • nipple sensitivity during pregnancy is normal, but the feeling of pain should not be constant, only both breasts can hurt;
  • if the nipples suddenly turn white during pregnancy, for example, with hypothermia, similar symptoms are expressed in Raynaud's syndrome.

The female body is a complex system in which everything is interconnected. The monthly cycle is a consequence of the alternating production of different hormones, which lead to different changes. Mood swings, the condition of the skin and hair, sex drive, all this is the body's response to the activity of the endocrine glands.

Separately, it should be said about the female breast. It is a very sensitive organ that reacts to the release of hormones and changes with metabolism. Therefore, age characteristics, diets and stresses, pregnancy and other events significant for the body do not pass by. The physiological response may be darkening of the nipples, as well as an increase in their sensitivity. In most cases, this is not evidence of illness. Today we'll talk about why the nipples may darken and whether anything needs to be done about it.

Natural cycle

If the nipples darken just before the onset of menstruation, this is due to changes in hormonal levels. It's not dangerous at all. With the onset of menstruation, the nipples will become less sensitive and return to their normal state. These are not the only symptoms. At this time, the breasts usually increase in size and become painful. However, this is all very individual. Someone complains that walking without a bra becomes uncomfortable even at night. Others, on the contrary, do not feel any changes. PMS symptoms are very individual, for some it is a real torment, but for others it is completely invisible phenomenon.

Different periods of the month

The second phase of the cycle is usually marked by breast tenderness and swelling. The reason lies in the increased concentration of progesterone, which leads to these symptoms. Similar processes take place in the epithelial layer of the uterus. If the nipples darken, then this may be an individual reaction to hormonal changes. Usually, after a few days, their condition will return to normal. The maximum discomfort occurs on the 7th day of the second phase of the cycle.

The second point that women note is ovulation. At this time, estrogen is released, which also lead to a number of necessary changes. In particular, the maturation of the egg takes place and its release into the fallopian tubes, where it can meet with the sperm. Usually, the breast reaction to ovulation is not noticeable, but some women claim that their nipples have darkened. This can also be attributed to individual changes in the body.

The third stage, as a rule, occurs in the very middle of the cycle. It is characterized by a decrease in estrogen levels. Small nipples most often enlarge during this period. In parallel, the tension in the chest increases. These are completely physiological symptoms that do not indicate the presence of any pathology. If tension in the breasts, enlargement and darkening of the nipples are observed regularly, at about the same time, then this is considered a normal reaction of your body.

What to do to relieve the condition?

Experts recommend reducing salt intake a week before your period. This will ease the symptoms of PMS. When the next peak is approaching, ditch the lace underwear with underwear. Better to take a sports bra. For severe pain, you can take aspirin or ibuprofen. Doctors recommend diuretics - parsley or celery, green tea. If there is no improvement in the next few days, then you should not delay further, contact your doctor and get tested.

Discharge from the nipples

This is not only normal during pregnancy. Before menstruation, many women note that small crusts appear on the nipple. If discharge appears, then you need to wash your chest with warm water more often, while trying not to injure her much. Sometimes peeling and dryness of the nipples may occur, which is also not a pathology. This can be easily dealt with in safe ways. You can use creams for stretch marks or sea buckthorn oil.

You should be alarmed if the temperature rises sharply, and the nipples not only darkened, but also began to bleed. Constant nipple pain or its concentration in one breast are suspicious symptoms that require medical attention.

Changes during puberty

This is the first stage when changes take place in the body of a young girl. Suddenly the nipples become very painful, they swell slightly and rise. Most girls note that during this period, even a light touch causes severe pain. At this time, you should start wearing special underwear that will reduce the contact of swollen nipples with clothes.

Changes during pregnancy

Quite often, you can determine your new interesting position not by a delay in menstruation, but by a change in breast sensitivity. Here, too, every woman has a different course. Some say that long before the delay they felt that their breasts began to increase. Other patients attribute this to yesterday's cakes and weight gain, but in any case, such drastic changes should be alarming. Often experienced women have an alarming thought: "The nipples have darkened, are you really pregnant?" In order to find the exact answer to this question, you can take a test at the pharmacy or go to a consultation with a gynecologist.

But these are only the first news. Very soon, the woman notices that the nipples have darkened. Once delicate and pink, they not only change color, but also become rough. Moreover, it is easier to determine by sight, but it is very difficult to touch them during this period. The sensitivity increases so much that it can even turn into pain. Let's look at what happens to a woman's nipples, what anatomical changes lead to such consequences.

Physiological features

From the first days, when a fertilized egg takes its place in the uterus, the body begins to actively produce an important hormone - prolactin. It is he who is responsible for the preservation and further course of pregnancy. The woman's nipples at this time significantly increase in size, as well as the breast itself.

Prolactin is essential for successful lactation in the future. Despite the fact that your baby is still only a few millimeters in size, the body knows very well that there is not so much time. Therefore, hormones cause breast tissue to change, starting from the first days of pregnancy.

The blood begins to circulate actively, as a result of which the areoles rapidly increase. Even small nipples get larger. Why does a woman feel pain? Because the areoles and nipples start to grow rapidly. The skin does not keep up with them, and therefore there is a feeling of tension and discomfort. To weaken it, it is recommended to lubricate the breast with a special cream from the first days. And when the pain recedes slightly, you need to start rubbing your chest daily with a towel. This will allow you to avoid cracking the nipples in the future.This is a normal condition, and you should not worry about this.

Rapid change

The size of the nipples continues to change rapidly. Of course, a lot here depends on the physiological characteristics. For some, the areola becomes only slightly larger, while for others it stretches like a saucer. Sometimes women worry that they will remain so. No, this is a temporary phenomenon. After the end of feeding, they will gradually begin to brighten. True, some note that the size of the nipple did not change after pregnancy.

The main reason for the enlargement of small nipples is the proliferation of the milk ducts. This process occurs because the newborn should be able to easily and comfortably grasp the breast from the first minutes of his life. Why do nipples darken? Another mechanism works here. The color change occurs due to the active work of melanin - a pigment that is produced under the influence of sex hormones. This is also normal and does not require correction. Most often, very dark nipples are also naturally dark women. Natural blondes and women with delicate, very fair skin say that they have become rather reddish.

Change continues

We looked at how they are changing It remains to add only that the increase in pain will persist until the third trimester. You may now notice that clear fluid is leaking from the nipples. This suggests that the body is serious about the appearance of the baby and his breastfeeding. It is not necessary to specifically squeeze it out, since this can provoke a contraction of the uterus and lead to premature birth.

Another change is the appearance of small bumps near the nipples. This may excite a young woman, but really, nothing terrible happens. Painful nipples are enlarged, and the glands, which were hiding until now, now look out. It won't be long before they disappear again without a trace.

Diseases and pathologies

The mammary glands respond to any changes that occur in a woman's body. Therefore, if the breasts have increased, the nipples have darkened, but there is no pregnancy, then it is necessary to look for another reason. This could be a sign of certain medical conditions. Let's list the main ones:

  • Polycystic ovary disease. This disease causes an increase in estrogen production. As a result, the breast becomes painful, sensitive. The disease is diagnosed by the attending gynecologist.
  • Myoma of the uterus. This is not just a benign tumor, but a complex disease that significantly alters hormonal metabolism.
  • Endometriosis With this disease, the nipples of the mammary glands also become more sensitive.

Systemic hormonal diseases

Our body reacts to any changes in the secretion that the endocrine glands produce. And the body will react to any violations by a change in the tissues of the breast. Therefore, if the nipples are enlarged and darkened, this may be a symptom of pathology. If you suspect this, you must definitely visit a mammologist. It is especially important to seek help if there are other symptoms, such as breast reshaping, nipple retraction, or redness.

Inflammatory diseases

This is a fairly large group of pathologies, which is primarily characterized by redness and fever, darkening and engorgement of the nipples. Discharge often appears. Be sure to carefully examine and tell your doctor about the nature of these secretions. If there is blood in them, then we should talk about the pathology of the ducts of the mammary glands. It could be intraductal papilloma or something even more serious. Pay attention to the appearance of the nipples. If they lost their shape and seemed to be pulled inward, this may indicate the development of oncology. In any case, if you consult a doctor, it won't get any worse.

Prevention

The statistics are relentless. Today, every third woman seeks help in connection with suspected breast swelling. Most of them confirm the diagnosis. Fortunately, benign tumors, which do not pose a threat to life and health, are much more common. But they can be reborn and lead to oncology. At the same time, a change in breast sensitivity may be the first symptom that will lead to a doctor in time.

The best prevention is a timely appeal to a qualified specialist. Even if nothing bothers you, you need to visit your doctor regularly. A healthy lifestyle, regular self-examination and consultation with a mammologist is the best way to avoid complications. Women over 40 should pay special attention to their breasts. It is at this age that the risk of developing hormonal diseases increases.

What shouldn't you do?

It is not uncommon for women to postpone visiting a doctor. And since unpleasant and painful sensations persist, they use improvised means to eliminate them. These can be pain relievers or antibiotics. Often, medicinal herbs, tinctures and lotions are used. In fact, it is impossible to cure an unknown pathology with such methods. Therefore, take the time to visit the clinic.

If you are firmly convinced that the cause is not ovulation or pregnancy, then you need to additionally undergo an ultrasound or mammography. Important information is given by a blood test for hormones. After the examination, the doctor will make a decision and prescribe treatment.

Instead of a conclusion

As you can see, darkening and enlargement of the nipples does not always mean that a woman is pregnant. There are a number of other reasons to consider. It is no secret that a pregnancy can be diagnosed using a test with high reliability and minimum costs. You don't even need to go to the doctor for this. In addition, every woman knows that every month she is haunted by the same sensations, including increased breast sensitivity. It is quite another matter if you see for the first time that the nipples have darkened and began to hurt. Having excluded pregnancy, you need to look for the likelihood of developing inflammatory or neoplastic processes.

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