The nipples themselves do not change color , but the circular area of skin that surrounds each nipple, which is known as the areola , may change. Most of the time, color changes in the areola are benign. However, there are occasions when a change in the color of the nipples needs medical attention. Likewise, why are areolas different colors? Areolas are around the nipple in a circular area and are darker in color than the other skin of the breast. The areolas can vary in size and shape, including round or oval shapes.
The skin of the areola is darker because the ducts of the mammary glands are located under it. After menopause, your nipple area may become smaller and paler. This is perfectly normal and one of the many common changes that can affect your breasts over time. Changing hormone levels. Your hormones can have a lot to do with the darkening or lightening of your nipples and areolae. The areolae can range from pink to red to chocolate brown to dark brown or nearly black, but generally tend to be paler among people with lighter skin tones and darker among people with darker skin tones.
A reason for the differing color may be to make the nipple area more visible to the infant. The primary reason for color changes is high levels of progesterone and estrogen, because these hormones cause your body to increase its pigment development.
Darker areolae might be a sign of a hormone imbalance — or just the normal fluctuation of your body as it travels through the menstrual cycle. Why is my areola so big? But if you were born with nipples that stuck out and have since become flattened, you should talk to your healthcare provider, especially if the change only affects one side.
Retracted nipples have a slit-like area that is pulled inward. Retracted nipples may appear at birth, or develop gradually over time. A retracted nipple on one side or a retracted nipple that develops quickly should be checked out.
In some cases, this can be a sign of breast cancer. Females with inverted or retracted nipples may find it difficult to breastfeed. Typically, a baby's mouth will "latch" firmly onto the protruding nipple and part of the areola in order to stimulate milk production. There are techniques and devices such as pumps to pull the nipple out that can help you breastfeed with inverted nipples. You may also want to see a lactation consultant. Some females and males have an extra nipple, also called a supernumerary nipple or polythelia.
Polythelia is estimated to affect around 0. Extra nipples are usually small, located under the breast line, and may not be noticed at all until hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy affect breast tissue. Supernumerary nipples are benign and do not require treatment or removal. The areola often enlarges or swells as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you notice a change in the areola of one breast only, or are concerned for any reason, it is best to give your healthcare provider a call. Montgomery's glands tend to enlarge during pregnancy and lactation, but go back to their normal size once you have stopped breastfeeding your baby. You should never ignore changes of the nipple—especially when the changes only affect one side.
If you are at all concerned, mention it to your healthcare provider. More likely than not, the change is due to a benign condition. If it is something more worrisome, it's always best to have it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Get honest information, the latest research, and support for you or a loved one with breast cancer right to your inbox. Anatomy of the nipple and breast ducts. Gland Surg. Association of the nipple-areola complexes with age, parity, and breastfeeding in Korean premenopausal women.
J Hum Lact. Cleveland Clinic. If you have breast pain, should you worry? National Cancer Institute. Inflammatory breast cancer. Geffroy D, Doutriaux-Dumoulins I. Clinical abnormalities of the nipple-areola complex: The role of imaging.
Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging. The secretion of areolar Montgomery's glands from lactating women elicits selective, unconditional responses in neonates. PLoS One. Published Oct Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women's Health. Polycystic ovary syndrome. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Benign nipple conditions. Clevelnad Clinic. Dinner plates.
These are some of the creative items people have used to describe the size of the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple , aka the areola. Everyone with nipples has areola — it just comes with the territory. But why are some people in the quarter size range while others are much larger? The not shocking truth is that everyone's nipples are a different size , and that's perfectly fine.
Your doctor should be able to sort this out quickly with a physical examination. Another condition that needs to be ruled out is vitiligo.
This is an autoimmune condition of the skin in whic the pigment cells within the skin are targeted. The result is slowly enlarging patches of skin without pigment. Generally speaking, vitiligo results in markedly white patches of skin, which isn't exactly what you are describing; nevertheless, because the condition is cosmetically quite important, your doctor should rule it out.
I would start by going to your primary care doctor. If they are not sure what is going on, they can always refer you to a dermatologist. Zocdoc Answers is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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