Breast pain can manifest in many ways – soreness, swelling, heaviness, sharp pangs, or a burning sensation. It’s understandable to feel concerned, as many women worry if breast pain could be a sign of breast cancer.
Doctors refer to breast pain as “mastalgia.” Identifying the cause is important, but it’s crucial to know that breast pain, in itself, is not usually an indicator of breast cancer. Breast tenderness and discomfort can arise from various factors. Let’s explore some of the most frequent reasons behind breast pain.
Cyclical Breast Pain: The Hormone Connection
If your breast pain follows a pattern linked to your menstrual cycle, it’s likely cyclical breast pain. Common signs include:
- An achy, heavy sensation in your breasts
- Breast swelling or lumpiness
- Pain affecting both breasts, particularly the upper and outer areas, sometimes extending to the armpits
- Occurrence during your childbearing years (20s and 30s) or as you approach menopause
To manage cyclical breast pain, your doctor might suggest oral contraceptives or adjust your current dosage. Lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine intake and using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium can also provide relief.
Hormone Levels and Breast Discomfort
The majority of breast pain cases appear to be related to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. While the exact trigger for breast pain remains unclear, it often coincides with hormonal shifts at different stages of a woman’s reproductive life, including:
Nipple soreness can be an early indicator of your approaching period. This pain, along with other breast discomfort, should subside once your period begins. Pregnancy can also lead to nipple tenderness and breast swelling due to hormonal changes.
Breastfeeding and Nipple Pain
Breastfeeding can be a source of nipple pain as your baby learns to latch. This pain may feel like a sharp pinch and can sometimes cause nipples to crack and bleed. To soothe soreness, consider using nipple ointments or applying a few drops of breast milk to your nipples to soften them before feeding.
