Breast Pain Symptoms

Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is commonly experienced by women due to various factors. In most cases, the symptom is characterized by an intermittent or constant, dull or sharp pain that is experienced in one or both the breasts due to menstruation. When classifying the most common types of breast pain a woman can experience, there are two categories:

• Cyclic breast pain: This type of breast pain is associated with a woman's monthly periods due to a change in hormones. The pain can be described as a dull, aching soreness that typically reaches all the way to the armpits and even the arm itself. The pain usually becomes more severe as a woman approaches her period, then slowly subsides once the period is over. Cyclic breast pain usually affects younger women and disappears with menopause.
• Noncyclic breast pain: This type of breast pain is used to classify any symptoms of breast pain that are unrelated to the menstrual cycle. It will commonly occur in only one breast, and is more of a sharp, burning pain than cyclic breast pain. This type of pain is common amongst postmenopausal women. Factors that may cause noncyclic breast pain include breast cysts, fibroadenoma (non -cancerous tumor of a gland found in the breasts), direct trauma to the breasts and any form of breast surgery.

Is Breast Pain an Indication of Breast Cancer?

For many women, pain in the breasts, whether it is cyclic or noncyclic is common cause for concern due to a fear of developing breast cancer. However, breast pain is not a common symptom of breast cancer. A lump in the breast or underarm that persists after a woman has already gone through her menstrual cycle is the most common indicator of breast cancer. Therefore, if the breast pain is being caused by such a lump, or if the pain has not subsided after the menstrual cycle, one should seek out a physician for evaluation of possible breast cancer.

Other Causes of Breast Pain

Here is a list of other factors that may cause symptoms of breast pain:

• Pregnancy
• Puberty (in this case, boys can also experience breast pain as well)
• Nursing (a woman's breasts may swell after childbirth, which can cause breast pain. A woman might also experience pain due to breastfeeding.)
• Imbalance of fatty acids
• Medications that affect the hormones
• Pain due to large breast size
• Birth control pills
• Shingles (if the breasts are a part of the affected area)

Treatment for Breast Pain Symptoms

Various forms of home treatment are available for dealing with breast pain. Such home treatments include:

• Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Acetaminophen in the form of Tylenol
• Ice packs or heat packs applied to the affected area
• A comfortable bra that provides proper support
• Medication prescribed by your doctor
• Changing your dosage in hormonal medication

According to Web MD, a reduction in dietary fat of up to 15 percent or less of a woman's regular intake can help reduce breast pain symptoms over time. Magnesium intake, through food or supplements, during the menstrual cycle can also help alleviate breast pain. While further studies are needed, reducing chocolate and caffeine intake can possibly help with breast pain symptoms.

Consult your physician prior to taking any form of over-the-counter medication, or making any changes to your diet to help treat breast pain symptoms. Your physician can help you outweigh the side effects or risks, and can also prescribe medication used to treat breast pain.

Preventing Breast Pain

The main method of breast pain prevention recommended by the National Institutes of Health is to wear the appropriate size bra. It is important to ensure proper fitment to alleviate any pain, and to switch bra sizes when appropriate during breast development. A sports bra worn during exercise or physical activity can also help reduce soreness.

Sources:

• Medline Plus
• Web MD
• Mayo Clinic