Breast Pain is common for women of all ages. Pain is usually felt during the Menstrual period, during and after Menopause, although the severity of the pain can vary. Medically speaking, Doctors call Breast Pain, “Mastalgia”. While most women worry that the pain in the Breast is a sign of Cancer, Tumors, or serious illnesses, it’s not wholly associated with any medical condition. However, it’s still crucial to have a doctor check your breast health to trace the cause of the pain and to ensure that proper diagnosis and treatments are given.
Having sore breasts is usually felt during your Menopausal years, which can result in discomfort and irritability. Fortunately, women can take some measures to alleviate the pain. So what are the possible causes of Breast Pain? Read on to learn about the most common causes of Why Your Breasts Hurt?
- Hormonal Fluctuations
Although Doctors do not quite understand the underlying mechanism of Breast pain, women go through it during their reproductive life, such as Puberty, Menstrual cycles, Pregnancy and Menopause. A woman’s Menstrual cycle is one reason why you feel pain in your breasts. When you are in your period, it affects the hormonal levels of Estrogen and Progesterone, thereby, causing the breasts to be swollen, painful, and sometimes lumpy. While some women feel pain during their period, others are already experiencing soreness three days before their menstruation.
- Breast Cysts
Breast Cysts are fluid-filled sacs, or lumps that are felt in the upper and outer portion of the breasts but are not associated with Cancer. They are formed as a result of involution wherein the breast tissue is replaced by fat. Women in their 20’s to 50’s are likely to experience Breast Cysts and Breast pain. However, if the pain is severe, you must visit your doctor to provide the proper treatment.
- Breastfeeding
Mothers who Breast feed their newborns are susceptible to Breast pain. One symptom of this is Mastitis which is an infection of the milk ducts. Severe pain is felt on the nipples alongside fever and chills. Another symptom is engorgement which occurs if your breasts are overfull and will appear enlarged and become painful. Pumping the milk is a way to eliminate the pain. Improper latching while Breast feeding is another reason for Breast pain. When your nipples begin to show cracking or soreness, you need to consult a Lactation Specialist or your Doctor for creams or potions.
- Medications
Several medications like your prescription drugs and hormone medicines may cause you to experience breast pain. If you are taking such drugs and medications and suffering from pain, you should talk to your Doctor.
- Cyclical Breast Pain
Cyclical Breast Pain is commonly associated with your Reproductive cycle. Most women feel heaviness, tenderness of the breasts, as well as stabbing and prickling pain. The level of pain can vary from one individual to another. For women who feel severe pain, remedies may help alleviate the discomfort. Wearing a well-supporting bra before your period can ease the pain.
- Chest Wall Pain
You may be experiencing discomfort due to the pain in your chest wall. Several symptoms include a pulled muscle, inflammation around the ribs, trauma to the chest or fractured bones.
- Fatty Acid Imbalance
Fatty acids come from vegetable oils and animal fats to which a high amount of these fatty acids will affect the hormones. The breasts become sensitive and painful, causing irritability, mood swings, and discomfort. Your doctor may also require you to change your diet by eating less fat. Moreover, you also need to reduce the consumption of refined carbohydrates.
- Injury
Trauma or injury in the areas of your breasts can greatly contribute to pain. This is because the injury can cause veins in the breast to swell or cause a blood clot.
Although Breast pain is not a serious condition, it is still essential to seek the help of medical professionals. Living a healthy lifestyle and eating a well-balanced diet can alleviate the symptoms of Breast pain. Moreover, if you are in your Menopausal stages, taking regular herbal Menopause Teas will assist you with the discomfort.
