The appearance of small, raised bumps on the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple, is a common anatomical feature. These bumps are a normal and universal component of female anatomy, present whether or not a person has been pregnant or breastfed. They are specialized structures known formally as Montgomery glands, or areolar glands, and they serve a specific biological purpose.
Identifying the Bumps: Montgomery Glands
These small protrusions are the external openings for specialized glands located just beneath the surface of the areola. The Montgomery glands are classified primarily as sebaceous glands, meaning they are oil-producing, though they also contain some features of apocrine sweat glands. They are typically visible as small, pale, or flesh-toned bumps scattered across the areola, sometimes extending onto the nipple itself. The number of these glands varies significantly, ranging from as few as zero to over 40 on each areola, though an average often falls between 10 and 15. They become more pronounced in response to hormonal fluctuations.
The Essential Biological Function
The primary role of the Montgomery glands is to prepare and protect the nipple-areola complex, especially for breastfeeding. They secrete a complex, oily fluid that coats the skin, providing natural lubrication. This secretion helps to keep the skin moisturized and supple, preventing dryness, cracking, and chafing, particularly during frequent nursing. This protective oil also possesses antimicrobial properties, reducing the risk of infection in the delicate skin of the areola.
The secretions also serve as an olfactory cue for newborns. The glands produce volatile organic compounds that emit a scent, which some research suggests is similar to the smell of amniotic fluid. This unique aroma acts as a chemical signal, guiding a newborn to the nipple and stimulating the instinctual rooting and suckling behaviors needed for effective latching.
Hormonal Changes and Appearance
The visibility and size of the Montgomery glands are sensitive to the hormonal landscape. They often become more prominent during puberty as estrogen and progesterone levels rise. Throughout the reproductive years, the bumps temporarily enlarge or become more raised in the days leading up to their menstrual period, linked to pre-menstrual hormonal surges.
The most significant change occurs during pregnancy, where the glands often become noticeably larger, darker, and more numerous due to the sustained elevation of hormones like estrogen and prolactin. This hypertrophy is part of the body’s preparation for lactation, ensuring the glands are functional to lubricate and guide the infant. Once breastfeeding ceases, or following a pregnancy, the glands typically shrink and become less noticeable, though they may not fully revert to their original pre-pregnancy size.
When to Consult a Doctor
While the Montgomery glands are a normal part of the anatomy, specific changes warrant a consultation with a healthcare provider. The glands can occasionally become blocked, similar to a clogged pore, which can lead to a small, tender cyst. These blockages often resolve on their own, but persistent or painful lumps should be evaluated.
Signs of an infection require medical attention. Symptoms include persistent or worsening pain, significant redness or warmth surrounding a bump, visible pus, or swelling that does not subside. Any unusual discharge, especially if it is bloody or purulent and occurs when the individual is not pregnant or breastfeeding, should also be reported to a doctor.