Breast Pain Breast pain is very common. Most women experience some degree of pain, tenderness, or aching. For some women the pain is mild and barely noticeable. However, other women may find the pain very uncomfortable, causing annoyance and anxiety. Breast pain may be experienced in both breasts, only one breast, or in a specific are of a breast.
There are several causes for breast pain. The most frequent cause is cyclical hormonal changes. Normal breasts responses to the surge of estrogen just before the menstrual period includes: tenderness, shooting pain, aching, and increases generalized lumpiness. These responses occur about one week prior to menses and usually dissipate with the end of your menstrual cycle.
Women may experience cyclical pain in both breasts, although some may find one breast is more painful then the other. Many times hormonal replacement therapy will simulate natural hormonal responses and therefore cause breast pain.
Pain may be aggravated by certain substances in the diet. Caffeine along with the herbs Ginseng and Dong Quai have often been associated with breast pain. Some medications, particularly those used to treat hypertension and heart disease, may cause sensitivity and pain in the breast. Women who smoke tend to experience a higher incidence of breast pain. The nicotine in cigarettes narrows the blood vessels above the waist in women, contributing to breast pain.
Injury to the breast may cause short-term tenderness and pain. Commonly, women will experience some bruising at the affected area. As discoloration decreases, the pain usually subsides. There is no increased risk of breast cancer from trauma. It is important to provide proper fit and style of brassieres. Experiment with different styles and non-underwire bras to find the one that works best.
Many of our patients have found
some relief from their breast pain by
using one or a combination of the following suggestions:
Vitamin E. 400-800 I U/daily
Reduction of caffeine intake
Anti-inflammatories (Advil, Aleve, Aspirin)
Eliminate smoking
Evening Primrose Oil, 6 capsules/daily
Very warm compresses
Decreasing intake of Ginseng and/or Dong Quai
*These measures may take up to a month to be effective.
Estimates indicate ninety percent of women experience some degree of breast pain at some point in their lives. Breast pain is not a specific marker for cancer and most commonly is caused by some of the reasons mentioned earlier. This pain may be uncomfortable and disconcerting, but is manageable. Hopefully, this information sheet will be helpful and provide some assistance in your management of breast pain.
Breast pain is very common. Most women experience some degree of pain, tenderness, or aching. For some women the pain is mild and barely noticeable. However, other women may find the pain very uncomfortable, causing annoyance and anxiety. Breast pain may be experienced in both breasts, only one breast, or in a specific are of a breast.