Sad Nipple Syndrome: A Booby Baffler

Sad Nipple Syndrome: A Booby Baffler

From Science Vs by Spotify Studios

March 12, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

This episode explores the phenomenon known as Sad Nipple Syndrome and its associated emotional responses.

People are reporting a very strange phenomenon: They say that when their nipples get touched, they feel this weird sinking feeling. People describe it like being homesick, or hung over. Some feel anguish and despair, others call it dread. The condition has a name: "Sad Nipple Syndrome." But how could just touching a nipple set off all of these feelings?? To get to the bottom of this booby baffler, we go deep into the mysteries of anatomy and through a world of hormones and nipple erections. You might never look at your nipples the same way again! Distinguished Professor Barry Komisurak and Lactation Specialist Alia Macrina Heise join us. Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsSadNippleSyndrome In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Meet Sad Nipple Syndrome (05:14) Why is Nipple Play Arousing? (09:58) Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER) (15:14) How Milk Ejects From a Booby (17:33) Is Oxytocin to blame? (19:36) Suspect Number 2: Dopamine (20:52) What might help This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman, with help from Meryl Horn, Rose Rimler, Michelle Dang and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and sound design…

People in this episode

Hosts: Wendy Zukerman, Bobby Lord

Guests: Barry Komisurak, Alia Macrina Heise

Topics covered

  • Sad Nipple Syndrome
  • anatomy
  • hormones
  • nipple sensations
  • Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex
  • oxytocin
  • dopamine

Keywords

  • Sad Nipple Syndrome
  • nipple sensations
  • Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex
  • hormones
  • oxytocin
  • dopamine
  • anatomy

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