Breast pain or mastalgia may affect close to 70% women in the duration of their lives. Having breast pain right before the menstrual period is quite normal. It can last for 2-3 days or even for more than 5 days. The pain can become so bad that a woman may not find it comfortable to be hugged or even to wear a dress. It may occur in one or both the breasts and may not be associated with periods in any way either. In about 8% of women, the pain is severe and can intervene with their usual activities.
Main Types of Breast Pain
These are the three main types of breast pain:
- Cyclical: The pain is associated with the menstrual period and may begin before the bleeding starts (premenstrual mastalgia). It may reduce when the bleeding starts or may persist for the duration of the periods.
- Non-cyclical: The pain does not vary with the menstrual period. It can come and go without any pattern or be there at all times.
- Chest wall pain: Chest wall pain is not true beast pain. Instead, it affects the muscles and tissues present beneath the breast.
Causes of Breast Pain
There is no known cause of breast pain. But it may be associated with:
- Pregnancy
- Cysts in the breast
- Inflammation of the ribs and breastbone
- Fibrocystic changes in the breast
- Hormonal changes
- Excess intake of salt can also increase the swelling of the breast as it causes fluid retention
What You Should Do If You Have Breast Pain
- Go for a complete breast examination.
- Keep a track of your menstrual cycle and breast pain. Keep a record of the intensity of the pain on a day-to-day basis.
- Ensure that you wear the correct size and type of bra. The bra should be able to provide good support.
- Look for ways in which you can relax and reduce stress.
- You may also be recommended to undergo mammography.
Do Hormone Treatment or Contraceptives Increase Breast Pain?
Hormone therapy or birth control pills may lead to breast pain, increase it or decrease it. Some women may experience breast pain for the very first time when they begin these medications. Such mastalgia slowly vanishes.
Is Breast Pain Related to Cancer?
In case there are no lumps present, it is very rare for cancer to be the cause of breast pain. However, if you feel concerned, you should consult your doctor.
What Helps with Breast Pain?
- Oral contraceptives: Mastalgia that is caused by hormonal fluctuations often reduce with the use of OCPs.
- Antibiotics: If the infection causes breast pain, then you would need antibiotics.
- Low salt diet: Reducing your intake of sodium is helpful when fluid retention is the cause behind breast pain.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs: Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are great for relieving breast pain.
- Vitamins E and B6: These have shown to provide help in mastalgia treatment.
- Evening Primrose Oil: A few studies show that a dose of 3000 mg a day is helpful in treating breast pain.
- Flaxseed: A study shows that two tablespoons of crushed flaxseed (not flaxseed oil) taken on a daily basis for a period of 3 months was found to be effective in the case of cyclical breast pain.
