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Anecdotal medical condition
Sad nipple syndrome (SNS) is a condition in which people[1] (or women in particular[2]) experience dysphoria – deep unease, sadness or unhappiness – on light stimulation of their nipples, such as when changing clothes or drying their chest with a towel.[1] It generally resolves within minutes, but leaves those affected confused and disturbed.[1]
SNS is not a recognized medical condition, there is very little research into it, and evidence for it is anecdotal.[1] The term "sad nipple syndrome" emerged from social media discussions among those affected.[1][2]
As of 2026, increasing attention is paid to SNS by medical practitioners.[1] Gynaecologists interviewed by The Guardian expressed the assumption that the condition is in some way related to the endocrine system, particularly the pathways for the hormones oxytocin, prolactin and dopamine.[1] This is also the case in the better-studied and similar conditions dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) and post-coital dysphoria, in which the dysphoria is a result of breastfeeding or orgasm, respectively.[1]
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Rihter, Ivana (2026-11-03). "'The nipple touch of doom': what is sad nipple syndrome and what causes it?". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-11-03.
- 1 2 Fike, Ashley (2026-06-09). "One Woman's 'Sad Nipple Syndrome' Experience Caused Thousands to Admit They Have the Same Condition". VICE. Retrieved 2026-11-03.