I try to maintain a healthy routine, which includes a yearly mammogram. One year, I was scared to death when the technician told me that the radiologist wanted to talk to me. That is never a good sign. My breast tissue was dense, and it was hard to see any abnormalities. I did a breast ultrasound, and thankfully, everything looked fine.
It’s easy to completely freak out when you experience breast pain. What if this pain is because of breast cancer? Will you have to have your breasts removed or go through chemotherapy? You may be so worried that you make yourself sick.
Thankfully, there are other less serious causes of breast pain, but as hard as it is to do, you need to head to the doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. You’ll be thankful that you did, and even if it is cancer, you can start making plans to deal with it.
- Clearly related to the menstrual cycle and changing hormone levels
- Described as dull, heavy, or aching
- Often accompanied by breast swelling, fullness, or lumpiness
- Usually affects both breasts, particularly the upper, outer portions, and can radiate to the underarm
- Intensifies during the two weeks leading up to the start of the menstrual period, then eases up afterward
- More likely to affect people in their 20s and 30s, as well as people in their 40s who are transitioning to menopause
I was surprised to learn that arthritis could be a possible cause of breast pain. The most common symptom of costochondritis is chest pain and tenderness, typically described as sharp, aching, or pressure-like.
Ouch! Six Reasons You May Have Breast Pain:
Medication Side Effects
If you are taking hormones or contraceptives, your breasts may be painful, so check with your doctor to see if there are any other comparable medications that you can take. You may be able to talk to an advice nurse and skip the trip to the doctor’s office.
Duct Ectasia
This condition causes the ducts under the nipples to become clogged and inflamed. It is more common as a woman nears menopause. Symptoms include discharge that is thick and green, or black and sticky.
You may also feel a hard lump. It can go away on its own, but if you are in pain, you can apply warm compresses, take antibiotics, or, if nothing else is working, you may need surgery.
Benign Fibrocystic Disease
This condition usually occurs because of hormonal changes associated with menstruation. It often goes away after menopause, unless you are taking hormone replacement therapy.
When I had my breast exam last year, it was painful when the doctor was examining my breasts for lumps. She thought I had fibrocystic disease, and since I am no longer in menopause, it just shows that you can have the cysts show up at a later age.
Your doctor can remove the fluid from the cyst with a fine needle, or if that doesn’t work, you may need surgery.
Caffeine
The exact reason isn’t clear, but for some women, caffeine can make breast pain (often linked to fibrocystic changes) worse. Excessive caffeine intake may affect hormone levels, leading to increased swelling and discomfort.
I notice that when I have my daily hot chocolate, my breasts can feel painful.
No Exercise Warm-Up
It’s important to stretch before you exercise. This is particularly true if you are incorporating a new exercise routine into your workout. Exercise that strains your chest or shoulders, such as lifting weights or doing push-ups, may cause breast pain.
Ill-Fitting Bras
I could write a book about my experience with ill-fitting bras. The band is too tight and leaves marks on my back. Just as annoying is when my breasts spill out of the cup. I am scratching myself for a good part of the day and can’t wait to take it off when I get home.
You can reduce or eliminate breast pain by wearing a well-fitting sports bra. This may take some time to get it right, so be prepared to do some extensive shopping.
Make sure your breasts are not spilling out of the cup. If they do, you will need a bigger cup size. Another common problem is that the back of the rib band may be riding higher than the front the bra. In this case, you may need a smaller band size and a bra strap adjustment.
Many department stores have a bra-fitting event at least once a year. Sign up for the event, and take advantage of this freebie. One word of caution: These events can draw a big crowd, but hang in there until it’s your turn.
Final Thoughts
You can’t enjoy your life if you are constantly in pain. Make lifestyle changes if you can, but don’t hesitate to make a doctor’s appointment when you need more help.
