Most women experience breast pain at one time or another. Breast pain is easy to treat, but in rare cases, it can be a symptom of a more serious condition.
Pamela Wright, medical director of Suburban Hospital’s Breast Center, discusses the most common causes of breast pain (mastalgia), their treatment, and when to see a doctor.
Hormones are making your breasts hurt.
Hormonal fluctuations can cause breast pain in women. Breast pain occurs 3-5 days before menstruation, and after it starts, the pain stops. This is due to the increase in estrogen and progesterone just before menstruation. These hormones cause the breasts to become swollen and tender.
“It’s normal to have breast tenderness around your period,” says Wright. “It’s nothing to worry about.”
If you are pregnant, your breasts may feel sore during the first trimester because of increased hormone production. Breast tenderness is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy for many women.
The following steps can be taken to reduce breast pain.
Eliminate caffeine
Eat low-fat foods
Reduce salt intake
Avoid smoking
Get over-the-counter pain relievers
Ask your doctor if birth control pills or hormone replacement might help
You have a breast injury.
Like any part of your body, breasts can be damaged. This can happen after an accident, sports or breast surgery. During the injury, you may feel sharp and severe pain. After a breast injury, tenderness can last from days to weeks. If the pain does not go away or if you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor.
Severe cancer
A lump in the breast
Redness and warmth that may indicate an infection
A bruise on your breast that won’t go away
Your breasts are sore from not wearing a bra.
Without proper support, the ligaments that connect the breasts to the chest wall can become overstretched and painful by the end of the day. As a result, the breasts are sore and sore. This will be especially noticeable during exercise. Make sure your bra is the right size and provides good support.
The chest pain is actually coming from the chest wall.
Chest pain may originate from the chest wall itself. This is the area of muscle, tissue, and bone that protects and protects your heart and lungs. Common causes of chest wall pain include:
Pulled muscles
Inflammation occurs around the ribs
Injury to the chest wall (blow to the chest)
Bone fracture
Breastfeeding can cause breast tenderness.
Sometimes breastfeeding is the source of breast pain. Some of the things you may experience during nursing include:
Sore nipples due to improper latch (cradle to suckle)
Tingling sensation during sleep (when the milk starts to flow in the baby)
Nipple pain due to bites or dry, cracked skin or infection
If you experience pain while breastfeeding, it’s best to talk to your doctor or lactation consultant. They will help to solve the problem while maintaining the milk supply.