Why breast pain happens
The most common cause. It starts three to five days before a period, brings tightness, fullness and tenderness in both breasts, and passes with the period.
Women whose breasts contain many small cysts and firm areas tend to have pain more often.
Large breast tissue loading the neck and back muscles, and a poorly fitted bra, both cause pain.
A tense cyst filling with fluid can become painful suddenly and severely.
Excess coffee, tea and chocolate, along with stress, can trigger the pain.
When to see a doctor
Pain that comes and goes with your period and is felt in both breasts is not urgent. In the situations below, however, do not put off being examined.
- The pain is in one spot and constant
- It keeps increasing or wakes you at night
- A palpable lump comes with it
- There is discharge from the nipple
- The skin is red, dimpled or thickened
How it is treated
Treatment follows the cause. Once cancer has been ruled out, the pain eases on its own in a good number of patients; in practice we often see that worry makes the pain larger than it is.
A properly supportive bra, cutting back on caffeine and salt, and where needed medication at the level of a painkiller are enough for most patients. Hormonal treatment is rarely necessary.