Breast tenderness PMS is a very common topic among women. It is an effect of the menstrual cycle and in most cases harmless. There are many causes of breast tenderness before a period, including hormone changes or imbalances. However, there are circumstances when breast pain can be caused by something serious such as gynecological problems or pregnancy.
It is often uncomfortable and can affect many aspects of life including sexual desire, comfort, and quality of sleep, as well as emotional stability. Therefore it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.
In this post, we will help you understand the causes of breast tenderness and how to get a treatment that meets your needs.
Table of Contents
Types of Breast Pain
Cyclic Breast Pain
Cyclic breast pain also called mastalgia is a common condition that can affect women between the age of 20 to 40. It’s a cyclical dull pain that happens about two weeks before the start of menstruation and subsides when the menstruation begins. Cyclic breast pain is characterized by hormonal changes such as an increase or decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels that occur during your menstrual cycle. Although cyclic breast pain is often not a serious problem, it is essential to visit a medical expert if the pain becomes serious.
Non-cyclic Breast Pain
Non-cyclic breast pain is a type of breast pain that’s not related to menstrual cycles. It can occur at any point in your cycle and has no predictable pattern. It is characterized by a sharp or burning pain, which is usually felt on a localized area of just one breast. If you have non-cyclic breast pain, ensure you seek medical attention immediately to discover any underlying conditions.
Symptoms of Cyclical Breast Tenderness
If you’ve been experiencing mild pain in both breasts that appears monthly, then it’s most likely cyclical breast pain. Although every woman is different, below are some of the most common symptoms of cyclical breast tenderness you can expect:
- Feelings of heaviness and fullness in the breasts
- Pain on the upper and lower part of your breasts. Sometimes, you can also feel the pain in the armpits.
- Your breasts may be swollen
- Inflammation of the breast tissue
- Feelings of coarse or dense breast tissue
Causes Breast Tenderness Before a Period
Medication
A lot of women experience breast tenderness before their period because of their medications. This is because some medications can cause changes in hormones. For example, the hormones in birth control pills can stimulate breast swelling. These drugs can also affect how your body processes other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.
Diet
Diet affects hormone levels in your body, which can change how your breasts feel. A high-protein diet can cause more fluid retention in the breasts, which could lead to cyclical breast tenderness. If you have been eating a lot of protein before your period, you may experience cyclical breast tenderness.
Cyclical changes in breast tissue (fibrocystic breast disease)
Fibrocystic breast disease is a condition in which there are small lumps or cysts around the nipple, areola, or breast tissue. The irregular rise and fall of progesterone and estrogen hormones can lead to the formation of cysts, which in turn can cause cyclical breast tenderness.
Treatment Options For Breast Tenderness Before a Period
Painkillers
Some of the painkillers you can use include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin. While it’s certainly possible to treat breast tenderness before a period with painkillers, they’re not always the best option. In some cases, they cause liver damage. Therefore, if you’re suffering from breast tenderness before your period and you want to try a medication, ensure you talk to your doctor about what’s right for you and whether or not it’s safe for you.
Reduce Caffeine Consumption
If you are suffering from breast tenderness before a period, you can reduce your caffeine consumption. Caffeine is a stimulant and may make your breasts more sensitive to pain. Therefore, avoid caffeinated products and drink decaf coffee or tea instead.
Employ Relaxation Techniques
Simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, aromatherapy, regular exercise, and massage can help to ensure adequate blood flow to the breast, and also reduce stress and anxiety which can cause breast tenderness.
Finally, you should always talk to your doctor if the pain is persistent or severe. There are several conditions that can cause breast tenderness, and your doctor will be able to help you determine which one applies to you. While the above information is a good starting point, it is not an alternative to professional medical care.
