Physicians:

Breast Tenderness/Pain (Mastalgia)

Breast pain is very common in women who are still experiencing their menstrual cycle or undergoing hormone replacement therapy. It may also occur after having any type of surgery involving the breast. It is important to understand that breast pain is not a sign of breast cancer. In the breast, pain is most often a symptom of a benign (non-cancerous) condition.

There are two main types of breast pain:

Cyclical Breast Pain

This type of breast pain is associated with your menstrual cycle. The pain comes and goes throughout your cycle and is usually worse in the week prior to menses (or your period). Your breasts may be more tender and lumpy (cystic) during this time because of the changing hormones. During perimenopause (which is the time prior to the onset of menopause which may last anywhere from 2-8 years), your breasts may even feel more tender because the hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) are fluctuating up and down.

Non-Cyclical Breast Pain

This type of breast pain is not associated with your menstrual cycle. There are several reasons for this type of breast pain. Sometimes, women who have had breast surgery (even biopsies) may have breast pain due to scarring from procedure. This very normal ache or pain may last anywhere from a couple weeks to a few years.

Some medications can increase breast pain such as, antidepressants and other psychiatric medications. Birth control pills or any medication containing hormones (hormone replacement therapy) can cause or increase breast pain as well.

Stress, caffeine, and high-fat/high sodium diets may also trigger breast pain. Keeping track of when you have breast pain and the circumstances surrounding the pain, may be helpful in finding its source. For example, you may want to note your diet, medications, or stressors at the time you experienced the breast pain.

Treatment Options

Breast pain may be treated in several ways. The first step in the treatment of your breast pain is to determine the cause of the pain. As discussed earlier, charting your breast pain with concurring diet, medications, and stress may be helpful. A low fat/low sodium diet has been shown to decrease the incidence of breast pain. The same is true for caffeine. It is best to avoid or significantly decrease the intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola. As for stress, simple relaxation techniques may significantly help relieve pain.

Improperly fitting bras are another common cause of breast pain. Be sure to be fitted properly because many women actually wear the wrong size bra or just do not have the right amount of support for their cup size. You can be fitted at no cost at any store specializing in women’s undergarments.

There are a few medications that can be prescribed for you, however, they may have significant side effects which are more unpleasant than the actual breast pain. According to studies, the most effective treatment providing the most relief and least side effects is Evening Primrose Oil. This supplement is over the counter and can be purchased at most vitamin retailers.

What Should I Do When

If you begin to have breast pain or notice the breast pain you have experienced previously has changed, you should notify your medical provider so the pain may be properly assessed and treated. If you should have any questions regarding breast pain, please call us at (910) 763-7363.