Pain - breast; Mastalgia; Mastodynia; Breast tenderness
Breast pain is any discomfort or pain in the breast.
There are many possible causes for breast pain. For example, changes in the level of hormones during menstruation or pregnancy often causes breast pain. Some swelling and tenderness just before your period is normal.
Some women who have pain in one or both breasts may fear breast cancer. However, breast pain is not a common symptom of cancer.
Causes
Some breast tenderness is normal. The discomfort may be caused by hormone changes from:
- Menopause (unless a woman is taking hormone replacement therapy)
- Menstruation and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Pregnancy -- breast tenderness tends to be more common during the first trimester
- Puberty in both girls and boys
Soon after having a baby, a woman's breasts may become swollen with milk. This can be very painful. If you also have an area of redness, call your health care provider, as this may be a sign of an infection or other more serious breast problem.
Breastfeeding itself may also cause breast pain.
Fibrocystic breast changes are a common cause of breast pain. Fibrocystic breast tissue contains lumps or cysts that tend to be more tender just before your menstrual period.
Certain medicines may also cause breast pain, including:
- Oxymetholone
- Chlorpromazine
- Water pills (diuretics)
- Digitalis preparations
- Methyldopa
- Spironolactone
Shingles can lead to pain in the breast if the painful blistering rash appears on the skin of your breasts.
Home Care
If you have painful breasts, the following may help:
- Take medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Use heat or ice on the breast
- Wear a well-fitting bra that supports your breasts, such as a sports bra
There is no good evidence to show that reducing the amount of fat, caffeine, or chocolate in your diet helps reduce breast pain. Vitamin E, thiamine, magnesium, and evening primrose oil are not harmful, but most studies have not shown any benefit. Talk to your provider before starting any medicine or supplement.
Certain birth control pills may help ease breast pain. Ask your provider if this therapy is right for you.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you have:
- Bloody or clear discharge from your nipple
- Given birth within the last week and your breasts are swollen or hard
- Noticed a new lump that does not go away after your menstrual period
- Persistent, unexplained breast pain
- Signs of a breast infection, including redness, pus, or fever
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will perform a breast examination and ask questions about your breast pain. You may have a mammogram or ultrasound.
Your provider may arrange a follow-up visit if your symptoms have not gone away in a given period of time. You may be referred to a specialist.
References
Hunt KK, Mittendorf EA. Diseases of the breast. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 34.
Liu J, Jacobs LK. The management of benign breast disease. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:657-659.
Sandadi S, Rock DT, Orr JW, Valea FA. Breast diseases: detection, management, and surveillance of breast disease. In: Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 15.
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