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Breast Tenderness and Pain
By peace | April 16, 2006
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Breast tenderness refers to any pain or discomfort in one or both breasts. The soreness can be related to a number of changes in the female body, and the pain can be ongoing or it can come and go with monthly hormonal changes. Breast tenderness can affect women of all ages, but it is most common during early pregnancy and the decade prior to menopause.
About one woman in every three notices that her breasts become larger and often tender in the two weeks before menstruation. The breast discomfort is due to the effects of hormones, and tends to be relieved when menstruation starts. A few women have more severe discomfort or breast pain in the premenstrual two weeks, or the pain may persist for three or more weeks. When the woman examines her breasts she finds them ‘lumpy’, especially in the upper outer part, rather as if she had thick string under her skin. The breasts feel heavy, tender to touch and these symptoms may interfere with the woman’s work or her sex life.
Many women with the condition are relieved when they have been reassured that they do not have breast cancer, others require treatment. The most effective treatment seems to be the use of a substance called bromocriptine. The condition is confusing and has been given several names. The one currently favoured is benign breast disease. Older names are fibrocyxtic disease and ‘chronic mastitis’.
Possible Causes of Breast Tenderness
There are many reasons why a woman may experience breast tenderness, but the most common cause is the monthly hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle. Breasts tend to swell and become tender just prior to and during a woman’s period as part of the normal female reproductive cycle. Breasts also swell during pregnancy and while breast feeding. Other common causes of breast pain include puberty, chronic cystic mastitis, approaching menopause, estrogen therapy, medications, alcoholism with liver damage, injury, nipple problems, arthritis in the neck, shingles and PMS. Some adolescent males can experience breast pain during puberty as a normal part of development. Painful breasts are not a symptom of breast cancer.
Possible Symptoms of Breast Tenderness
Symptoms of breast tenderness include pain, sensitivity to touch, heaviness and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. The degree of pain varies from person to person and can range from a mild ache to severe discomfort.
Possible Lifestyle Changes for Breast Tenderness
Eat high fiber foods and avoid caffeine, chocolate, butter and salt. Take a 30- to 60-minute walk daily to get the blood pumping and stretch the muscles. Wear a good quality bra that fits well and properly supports the breasts, especially when exercising. Some women wear bras while they sleep to protect the delicate breast tissues. Take a pain reliever before the period starts to help control pain. Apply ice packs for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce swelling and discomfort. Ask a medical professional if hormone replacement therapy would help reduce pain.
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