Breast pain can affect pregnant, postpartum and childless women. Understand now what breast pain can be and how to treat it.
Breast pain or mastalgia is the pain some women experience in their breasts.
Although this is worrisome, rest assured that this is unlikely to be a symptom of breast cancer.
Also, it is important to know how to differentiate between breast pain and chest pain – which can be a symptom of something serious.
Still, it is important to know the cause of the pain in order to be able to treat the problem and get rid of the pain. So, see below what it can be and what to do to relieve breast pain.
What Can It Be
The main causes of breast pain are hormonal changes that occur in women’s bodies throughout life.
There Are Two Types Of Pain: Cyclic And Non-cyclic.
1. Cyclic Breast Pain
Cyclic pain is pain related to the female reproductive system. Thus, it usually appears at the beginning of menstruation and subsides during or after the menstrual period.
Most cases of breast pain are cyclic pain caused by:
Pms Or Menstruation
Most women suffer from symptoms of premenstrual tension. And one of the signs that menstruation is coming is breast pain.
Puberty
The first pains in the breasts can appear at the beginning of puberty – precisely because of the hormonal changes that take place in the woman’s body.
Menopause
Women who are about to go through menopause or who have just reached this stage of life may experience breast pain because of the sudden change in the levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
Pregnancy
In the first trimester of pregnancy, women may experience breast pain. This is because it is in the first months of pregnancy that the body changes the most to nourish and protect the fetus.
Breast-feeding
During breastfeeding, many women experience breast pain. The causes can be varied – from inadequate attachment of the baby to a blockage in the breast ducts (mastitis).
Breast Cyst
Over time, some of a woman’s breast tissue may be replaced by fat. In this process, breast cysts can form.
In most cases, a breast cyst is not a concern, but it is important to monitor the cyst (or cysts) at regular appointments with your gynecologist.
2. Non-cyclic Breast Pain
Meanwhile, non-cyclic pain has other causes that are unrelated to the menstrual cycle.
Breast Injury
Any lesion in the breast region can cause pain. In this case, usually some other symptom on the skin is also observed: such as redness, swelling or bruising.
Use Of Medicine
Certain medications can cause breast pain. This does not always actually happen, but it is important to inform your doctor if you experience pain in your breasts and take medication such as:
- Antidepressants;
- Medicine for hormone therapy;
- Antibiotics;
- Medicine for heart disease.
How To Treat
In order for you to eliminate breast pain, it is important to understand whether the pain is cyclic or non-cyclic.
Thus, it will be possible to determine the best therapeutic approach.
So, if your pain is caused by hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle, you have cyclic pain that can be reduced:
- Wearing a bra that supports your breasts during the day;
- Reducing dietary sodium intake;
- Taking an oral contraceptive recommended by the gynecologist to regulate the menstrual cycle;
- Decreasing caffeine consumption;
- Using tamoxifen, which is an estrogen-blocking drug, if you have very high estrogen;
- Massaging the place;
- Drinking teas with relaxing properties;
- Using a warm compress that relieves the pain;
- Taking pain relievers such as analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, for example.
On the other hand, non-cyclic pain needs to be treated according to the specific cause. For example, cases of mastitis need to be treated with antibiotics.
On the other hand, a woman with pain from large breasts may need posture adjustments or even breast reduction surgery.
When pain is caused by the use of medication, the doctor should be informed so that he can make adjustments to the dose or change the medication.
But never stop any treatment without talking to your doctor first.
Finally, know that each case is different and some do not even need treatment.
But it’s up to you and your gynecologist to determine the best way to treat breast pain – especially if the discomfort is affecting your quality of life. To see more post on Women’s Health click here.
Have You Ever Felt Pain In Your Breasts? What Did You Do To Feel Better? Comment Here!
