Breast pain can be controlled with homemade solutions such as the use of warm compresses, massages during the bath and with the use of comfortable clothes and bras, the use of medications being very rare.
Main causes
1. Beginning of puberty
Girls between the ages of 10 and 14 who are entering puberty may have little pain or discomfort in their breasts that are beginning to grow, and they become more sore.
- What to do: No specific treatment is necessary, but a warm bath can ease the discomfort.
2. PMS or menstruation
It can cause stitches and tenderness in the breasts or nipples. When the pain is mild or moderate and lasts 1 to 4 days, it is considered normal, but when it lasts more than 10 days and radiates to the arms or armpits, it should be evaluated by a gynecologist or mastologist.
- What to do: Medication is rarely necessary, but continuing to take birth control pills can help relieve symptoms with each menstrual period.
3. Menopause
Some women when they are entering menopause may experience breast pain or a burning sensation, in addition to other typical menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings, for example.
Breast pain occurs due to altered levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body, which tend to vary greatly during the first phase of menopause, affecting the breast tissue and causing discomfort.
- What to do: No specific treatment is necessary, but wearing a supportive bra, decreasing the amount of caffeine, and applying warm compresses to the breasts are simple strategies that can reduce pain.
4. Pregnancy
The breasts can be especially sensitive in early and late pregnancy, due to the growth of the mammary glands or the production of breast milk. If you suspect you may be pregnant, see what the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy are.
- What to do: Putting on warm compresses can help ease discomfort, as can taking a warm bath and massaging the region. In pregnancy it is recommended to use special bras for breastfeeding, as they provide better support for the breasts.
5. Cysts in the breasts
Some women have irregular breast tissue called fibrocystic breasts, which can cause pain mainly before menstruation. This type of problem is not linked to cancer, but it also causes lumps to form in the breasts that can grow or disappear on their own.
- What to do: in cases where the pain is not related to menstruation, medications such as Paracetamol, Aspirin or Ibuprofen can be used, under medical indication. See in more detail how the treatment is performed.
In addition to these causes, there are many others, such as trauma, physical activity, thrombophlebitis, sclerosing adenosis, benign tumors or macrocysts, which can be diagnosed by the gynecologist or mastologist.