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What Causes Tenderness In Nipples?

Posted on Fri, 10 Apr 2015

Question: I'm a 64 year male, about a month ago first my right nipple became tender, about a week later my left nipple. No lumps or swelling.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Would like to know some more information

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for your query.

I would like to know some more information-
Do you notice any increase in size of breast?
Is there any nipple discharge, crack?
Do you have alcohol frequently?
Any history of liver disease?any other medical illness?
What medication have you been taking?hormones?

Await your reply soon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (11 hours later)

2-3 drinks daily, no history, no cracks or discharge,I am a male, no increase in size

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Stop alcohol.Evaluate liver function

Detailed Answer:
Hi sir.Thanks for sharing the information.

In males, liver normally degrades oestrogen hormone which is produced in small quantities in the body. Alcohol consumption results in the impairment of liver function and thereby its ability to degrade oestrogen.Thus there is a rise in oestrogen level which causes nipple tenderness.

I would-
a. Evaluate of liver function by doing ultrasound abdomen (to rule out cirrhotic changes) and liver function test since nipple tenderness is the initial sign of underlying liver disorder.
b. Recommend to stop alcohol consumption so that the nipple tenderness subsides gradually.
c. Medications for nipple pain provide only temporary relief and donot afford cure.Apply counter-irritant analgesic gel locally to relieve pain.

Hope this answers your query.Get well soon.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar