The cause of cyclical breast pain is likely hormonal due to its pattern in relation to the menstrual cycle, but the exact hormone or hormones involved is not known 3. Some theories include excess estrogen or prolactin, or deficient progesterone during the luteal phase, but studies have had conflicting results 3.
Still, cyclical breast pain is a common experience after ovulation Other theories about the cause of cyclical breast pain include fluid retention and lipid fat metabolism 3. Swollen milk ducts have also been found in people experiencing both cyclical and non-cyclical breast pain A note from the science team at Clue.
Laura Symul, a scientist at Stanford, is currently studying how breast pain is reported by Clue users from different demographic backgrounds, to see if the data reveal patterns that have not been described in scientific research yet.
Read more about how tracking in Clue advances science here. Cyclical breast changes that include pain, tenderness, and swelling affect about 7 out of 10 premenopausal people 2, Many people worry that breast pain means they have breast cancer, but breast pain alone—particularly when it is cyclical—is not a common symptom of cancer.
If breast pain is worrying you, going to see a healthcare provider for an exam and more information may help relieve the anxiety and maybe even some of the breast pain Non-cyclical breast pain that is persistently in one spot—especially if there is also a breast lump—should be evaluated by a healthcare provider Breast pain can also be a sign of early pregnancy.
Taking a pregnancy test could be a good idea. Download Clue to track breast pain and your cycle so that you can better plan for and manage your symptoms. Science is evolving each day on how coronavirus affects pregnancy, lactation, and postpartum. When you subscribe to Clue Plus, you don't only get new features: you also fund important research, support data privacy, Clue Birth Control.
Close main menu Homepage Encyclopedia. Menstrual Cycle. Birth Control. The exact cause of the breast pain and swelling is not known, but it is likely related to the normal hormonal changes of your menstrual cycle. The symptoms will begin in the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle or the time between your ovulation and the first day of your period. The symptoms should go away within the first couple of days of your period. For some women, these symptoms are very severe.
Sometimes cyclic mastalgia may be a woman's only premenstrual luteal phase complaint. But for some women breast pain and swelling are only one of several premenstrual symptoms. In fact, cyclic mastalgia is one of the criteria used to make the diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD. Understandably, one of the biggest concerns you may have if you experience painful and swollen breasts is the possibility that you may have breast cancer. In fact, breast pain, in general, is very rarely a sign of breast cancer.
It is important to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. A breast exam is warranted. Your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing if you have a palpable mass that is concerning or if you are due for recommended breast cancer screening based on your age and family history. If you experience breast pain in tandem with your periods and don't want to use drugs, there are a few natural options you can try:.
If these first-line interventions are not helping, your healthcare provider may suggest these additional medications:. If your symptoms do not respond to any of these treatment options you may need to consider surgical management although this is, of course, your very last treatment option.
Also, be sure to discuss the use of any herbal supplement with your healthcare provider before you start, as serious interactions with medication or worsening of health problems can occur. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Stanford Children's Health. Breast pain mastalgia. Reid RL. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder formerly premenstrual syndrome. Updated January 23, Typical and atypical presenting symptoms of breast cancer and their associations with diagnostic intervals: Evidence from a national audit of cancer diagnosis.
They can do an evaluation to determine whether it might be period-related or something else—and offer you tailored solutions. Weight Loss. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Taraji P. Accessible Beauty Products For All. Larry Washburn Getty Images. Is breast tenderness before my period normal? What causes it? Related Story. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
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