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It's a common complaint, but don't just ignore it
What’s going on when your breasts feel achy, tender or downright uncomfortable? Is it a feature of your menstrual cycle, a sign you need to go bra shopping or something more serious?
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The good news is that it’s typically not a sign of something serious. “Most patients who come in with breast tenderness are worried about breast cancer, but that’s actually a less common cause,” says Ob/Gyn Jennifer Grabenstetter, MD. “Most women do not have breast tenderness with breast cancer.”
There are several other explanations for breast pain and discomfort, she says.
The most common source of breast pain is hormonal fluctuations relating to your menstrual cycle. You may notice that your breasts feel more swollen and tender right before your period starts.
“If the breast tenderness occurs in a pattern and affects the breast tissue equally on both sides, then it’s usually less worrisome,” Dr. Grabenstetter says.
Fibrocystic breasts — breasts with more fibrous or lumpy tissue — are especially prone to ongoing breast pain that worsens between ovulation and the start of your period. “This typically affects both breasts equally and, again, isn’t an indicator that anything is wrong,” she says
“There are several possible causes of breast pain that don’t relate to your menstrual cycle,” Dr. Grabenstetter says.
Dr. Grabenstetter offers five tips for easing cyclical breast pain:
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Non-cyclical breast pain treatments vary, depending on what’s causing your pain.
If large breasts are the culprit, a better bra or breast reduction may offer relief. Cysts may resolve on their own, or your doctor may need to drain or remove them. Antibiotics typically treat mastitis. The bottom line about breast tenderness? Don’t freak out, but don’t ignore it. “A large percentage of women, about 70%, will have breast pain in their lifetime,” Dr. Grabenstetter notes. “We shouldn’t ignore breast tenderness, even though most of the time it does turn out to be benign. If you’re having persistent pain, speak to your physician.”
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