Dark Nipples: 7 Causes And When To See A Doctor

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SubscribeWhat causes dark nipples?Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — Written by Jenna Fletcher — Updated on June 13, 2025

• Oral contraceptives
• Puberty
• Pregnancy
• Menstruation
• Hyperkeratosis
• Cancer
• Contacting a doctor
• Is it possible to lighten dark nipples?
• Summary

The color of a person’s areola — the circular area around the nipple — may darken in color. Hormonal changes can cause this, such as during pregnancy.

Nipples vary widely in color. People with darker skin tones tend to have darker nipples and those with light skin tones have lighter-colored nipples.

Most of the time, color changes in the areolae do not have a serious cause. However, there are occasions when a change in the color of the nipples needs medical attention.

Read on to learn more about the causes of darkening nipples.

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Oral contraceptives

Birth control pills contain synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Taking these pills can help prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Birth control pills may affect the body in a similar way to other hormonal changes. They may cause the area around the nipples to darken, but this should clear up once a person stops taking the pill.

Birth controls pills can also cause melasma, which is when brown or grey pigmented patches form.

»Learn more:most common birth control pill side effects

Puberty

A person’s estrogen levels spike during puberty when the ovaries release the hormone. This spike in estrogen causes the breasts to develop.

The nipples may undergo changes that usually include darkening and elevation from the surrounding skin as the breasts grow.

»Learn more:What to know about puberty

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

As a fetus grows in the womb, the breasts start to prepare for feeding the baby.

The body produces additional estrogen and progesterone to help prepare for milk production, and the breasts typically swell and become sore. The areolae often grow larger and darken due to these hormones, which affect the skin’s pigmentation. Dark veins may appear on the breasts due to increased blood flow.

Having darker, larger areolae may be nature’s strategy for helping a newborn find the nipple and latch on.

Darker nipples in pregnancy are temporary. After pregnancy and breast-feeding, the nipples typically lighten again.

»Learn more:Are large areolas normal?

Menstruation

Menstruation is a natural part of the reproductive cycle. The ovaries prepare to release an egg for fertilization during this cycle.

In turn, the breasts experience changes at different points in the menstrual cycle. These alterations occur because the menstrual process is driven by changes in hormone levels in the body.

Breasts will go through some changes during ovulation, as well. Breasts may become tender or swell as the hormone levels change. Similarly, an individual may notice that the nipples become darker while the cycle takes place.

Hyperkeratosis

Hyperkeratosis is a warty thickening of the skin that can affect the nipple and areola, making them darker in some cases. It is uncommon and harmless, but people may seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Hyperkeratosis is most common in females after puberty and during pregnancy. Males may also experience the condition following estrogen therapy, suggesting that hormones play a role.

Cancer

Paget’s disease of the breast is a rare form of cancer that begins in the nipple area.

The early signs include darkening nipple color along with other signs and symptoms that include:

• flattened nipple
• yellow or bloody nipple discharge
• flaking or thick, crusty skin around the nipple
• itching or tingling around the nipple

People may develop this cancer at any time after puberty. However, it is more common in older adults than younger people.

If a person has any signs of this cancer, they should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

»Learn more:What to know about Paget’s disease of the breast

When to contact a doctor

Health events, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can all cause the nipples to darken.

However, a person should talk with a doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms:

• peeling
• flaking
• only one nipple changing color
• itchiness
• redness
• lumps

A doctor may order tests to determine the cause of darkened nipples. They may also provide reassurance that there is no serious cause.

Is it possible to lighten dark nipples?

Many treatments are available that claim to lighten the color of nipples and areolae. However, there is little scientific evidence that they work. Treatments include:

• laser treatment, which removes pigments under the skin’s surface
• bleaching of the areola and nipple using products such as lightening creams
• tattooing to create an even color tone
• nipple embroidery, which involves injecting pigments into the areola

These methods may not be safe or effective. Anyone concerned about dark nipples, can discuss their options with a healthcare professional.

Summary

The areola and nipple may change color depending on health events such as pregnancy, menstruation, and puberty. Hormones likely play a role in color changes.

Rarely, the areolae and nipples change color due to a rare condition, such as hyperkeratosis or Paget’s disease of the breast.

If nipple-darkening is accompanied by other symptoms, such as peeling, redness, itching, or lumps, a person can consult a doctor to rule out serious causes.

 

• Breast Cancer
• Dermatology
• Pregnancy / Obstetrics
• Sexual Health / STDs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Breast changes during pregnancy explained. (n.d.).https://roswellobgyn.org/blog/breast-changes-during-pregnancy-explained/
• Luigi B, et al. (2022). The nipple-areolar complex: anatomy, methods and pathologic findings, between senologist and dermatologist.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10063719/
• Paget’s disease of the breast. (2021).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/types-of-breast-cancer/paget-disease-of-the-nipple.html
• Riley CA, et al. (2022). Hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459144/

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Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — Written by Jenna Fletcher — Updated on June 13, 2025

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