Breast pain is common. Most women are affected at some time in their lives. The level of pain, where and how it is felt can vary from person to person. This may be sharp pain, stabbing pain, hidden pain, throbbing pain, or throbbing pain. The pain may be in the whole breast or part of the breast, one breast or both breasts. The pain may also affect the armpit area.
For many women, the pain is barely noticeable. For others, the pain is unbearable and daily life is affected. Usually, the symptoms fade away. Breast pain can have a variety of causes.
Hormonal breast pain (often called cyclical breast pain)
Women who are menstruating or on hormone replacement therapy often experience breast pain. This occurs when the breast tissue responds to hormones. The most common type of hormonal breast pain occurs because of increased estrogen levels before menstruation. This causes enlargement of the milk ducts and mammary glands, causing fluid to collect in the breasts. Many women experience chest pain or tenderness before their period, which sometimes lasts throughout their period.
During other phases of the period, some women may experience regular breast pain. What causes breast pain may also cause periodic swelling or lumps. Hormones can also affect the size, shape or sensitivity of cysts and fibrous tumors. Hormonal breast pain usually stops when a woman’s period stops, although it may continue if HRT continues.
Hormonal breast pain is normal, but usually not severe. Pain that lasts for more than a week before or after a period, or pain that is unbearable and interferes with daily activities, is abnormal.
Other types of breast pain
Other common causes of pain in one or both breasts are
1. wearing an ill-fitting or insufficiently supportive bra.
2. pressure.
3. excessive caffeine intake (e.g., consumption of energizing drinks such as coffee, tea, cola, chocolate and Guarana).
4, weight gain (this can lead to heavier breasts)
5, breast injury (this can include surgical scars)
6, taking certain medications, especially birth control pills or cholesterol-lowering drugs
7, breast cysts or fibrous tumors.
8, physical activity causing strain to the chest, shoulders or pectoral muscles (such as lifting heavy objects).
9. Conditions affecting the chest wall, ribs or muscles below the breast.
Breast pain and cancer
For many women, the biggest concern about breast pain is whether it is a sign of cancer. Breast pain is often not associated with cancer.
Breast Pain Diagnosis
To find the cause of breast pain, the physician will consider.
1. whether there is a clear cause of the pain (such as a scar or injury)
2. history of pain.
3. where, when and how the pain is felt.
4. the results of a physical examination and ultrasound, mammogram or other required tests
5. whether you are still menstruating or on hormone replacement therapy.
6. Sometimes, even with all this information, it is still impossible for the physician to state the cause of the pain. This does not mean that the pain is not real.
Managing breast pain
Everyone manages the effects of pain in different ways. The points listed below include tips to help relieve breast pain or discomfort. Most of these points are not scientifically proven, but some women find them effective.
Tips to reduce breast pain
These tips may take several weeks to work.
1. wear a supportive, well-fitting bra.
2. Reduce caffeine intake (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate and energy drinks).
3. using evening primrose oil (do not use it if you have epilepsy)
4. taking Group B vitamins (ask your physician or pharmacist for doses)
5. stop or reduce smoking and/or use of marijuana.
These may work immediately, but will not prevent a recurrence of pain: 1.
1. applying anti-inflammatory medication to the painful area (ask your physician or pharmacist for a recommendation)
2. using a hot pack on the breast or taking a hot bath.
3.Use an ice pack on the breast.
4.If you take medication regularly for pain, be sure to discuss with your physician. If you take prescription medications, you should also discuss them with your physician to find out if they cause pain.
What to do now?
Your breast pain does not increase your risk of developing cancer. You should follow the breast cancer screening recommendations for your age and family medical history. All women should be alert to unusual changes in their breasts. If changes in your breasts are different from your normal hormonal changes, they should be examined by a specialist.