Breast pain

An overview of breast pain, its causes, and management

Breast Pain

Illustration of breast pain

Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is a common condition experienced by many women at various stages of their lives. It can occur in one or both breasts and may vary in intensity from mild to severe. Breast pain is often categorized into two types: cyclic and non-cyclic.

Cyclic Breast Pain

Cyclic breast pain is associated with the menstrual cycle and is the most common type of breast pain. It typically occurs in the days leading up to menstruation and subsides once the period begins. This type of pain is often linked to hormonal changes in the body, particularly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels.

Non-Cyclic Breast Pain

Non-cyclic breast pain is not related to the menstrual cycle and can have various causes. It may result from trauma, surgery, or other factors such as mastitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the breast tissue. Non-cyclic pain can also be due to fibrocystic breast changes, which involve the development of lumps or cysts in the breast tissue.

Causes of Breast Pain

Breast pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Hormonal fluctuations: Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause can lead to breast pain.
• Breast structure: Conditions such as fibrocystic breast changes can cause pain due to the presence of lumps or cysts.
• Infections: Mastitis or other infections can lead to inflammation and pain in the breast tissue.
• Injury or trauma: Physical injury to the breast can result in pain and tenderness.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as hormonal therapies or antidepressants, may have breast pain as a side effect.

Management of Breast Pain

Management of breast pain depends on the underlying cause. Some general strategies include:

• Lifestyle modifications: Wearing a supportive bra, reducing caffeine intake, and maintaining a healthy diet can help alleviate symptoms.
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to manage pain.
• Hormonal treatments: In some cases, hormonal therapies may be prescribed to address the underlying hormonal imbalances.
• Surgical intervention: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove cysts or address structural issues causing pain.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While breast pain is often benign, it is important to seek medical advice if:

• The pain is severe or persistent.
• There are noticeable changes in the breast, such as lumps or discharge.
• The pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or redness, which may indicate an infection.

Related pages

• Mastitis
• Fibrocystic breast changes
• Menstrual cycle
• Hormonal therapy