Breast pain is a common breast related problem faced by women. It is also known as mastalgia and can occur due to several causes, the most common being pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstrual cycle and ill-fitted bra etc. Breast pain may occur in one breast or both the breasts. It is important to know the causes of breast pain and to find the correct treatment to ease the pain.
There can be various causes of breast pain like
- Hormone changes during period
- Breastfeeding or nursing
- Pregnancy
- Ill fitted bra
- Oversized breasts
- Breast cancer
Breast pain during menstrual cycle
Most common form of breast pain occurs cyclically when women have their menstrual cycle. This type of pain occurs every month. Stimulated by the hormones, the breasts feel swollen, lumpy and tender. The changing levels of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin cause pain in the breasts. Fluid retention in the breasts makes them swell also. New cells are added in the milk-producing glands and ducts which also causes swelling and breast tenderness.
Although most women accept and suffer through this pain every month yet there are some simple strategies and treatment that can ease the discomfort.
Breast pain and treatment
Breast pain during early pregnancy
Often non-cyclic pain in breasts is experienced during pregnancy. The breasts may feel tender and heavy also due to the development of milk ducts. The change in the levels of hormone is suspected to be behind such pains which normally go away once the baby is born.
Breast pain during breastfeeding
Often new mothers complain of breast pain while they nurse their babies. Breasts become tender and lumpy during feeding and they cause pain. Often clogged ducts are behind such pains. Sudden refilling of breasts in earlier months can cause such pain also.
Changing your position during breastfeeding can help you to get rid of breast pain.
Feed your baby as frequently as possible. This will empty the breasts and relieve you from lumpy breasts.
While feeding your baby you can gently massage the breasts. This will help in normal flow of milk.
Breast pain caused by ill –fitted bra
Breast pain may be caused by bra. Underwire bras or too –tight ones may pinch on the skin and cause irritation. These bras rub on the skin and lead to breast pain. Wearing a fitted bra after knowing your exact size will maintain your breast health. Even you can opt for not wearing bra for a few days till the pain ceases. Many women have opinion that they feel very comfort or get relief from breast pain while thy stay home alone without bra.
Heavy breast may cause breast pain
Women with large breasts often complain of breast pain. This type of pain is generally non-cyclic. This pain may also result in pain in the neck, shoulder or back pain also.
Reducing weight is the safest way out of this problem. Breast reduction surgery can also relieve this kind of pain.
Imbalance of fatty acids
Breast tissues become sensitive to the hormones when there is imbalance in the fatty acids of the cells.
Medication for breast pain
Women who are undergoing infertility treatment or take oral pills often complain of breast pains. Breast pain is also associated with intake of certain antidepressants. Breast tenderness is a side effect of hormonal therapy.
Diagnosis of breast pain
Although breast pain is seldom a symptom of breast cancer, yet it is always advisable to consult a doctor if you find your breasts swollen or tender or even breast pain.
Presence of lumps should be checked in breasts and if you are over 35 years of age then your doctor may suggest mammogram and sonogram.
Treatment of breast pain
The treatment of breast pain depends on the cause of it. Mostly the pain goes away naturally. Otherwise the doctor may prescribe some medicine.
You can take certain measures on your own to ease breast pain.
Right bra can relieve you of breast pain
Instead of underwire bra, go for support bra during periods. The breasts should be firmly held to prevent tenderness.
Healthy Diet is necessary for breast health
- A diet rich in dietary fiber like fruits, whole grains and vegetables can lower the levels of estrogen in the blood.
- Salt is known to help in retaining fluid in the body. Reducing salt intake will provide relief from tenderness and swelling.
- Go for a low fat diet. Dietary fat gets converted into body fat and fatty tissues hamper the working of estrogen which may induce breast pain. Moreover your chances of getting also increases which is definitely not good for breast pain.
- If possible cut back your daily intake of caffeine as research has shown that women who gave up caffeine got less of breast pain.
There can never be any substitute of exercising. Staying fit will definitely help you in getting a fit body and also trim your fats away. Reduced breast size definitely will lead to less of breast pain. Moreover, exercising is also good for cyclic breast pain.
Often women feel uncomfortable to speak to doctors about breast pain but keeping in mind the complications that may arise later on, it is better to seek medical help in case of persistent breast pain.
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