Breast discomfort is a normal part of being a
woman. It is almost always not a sign of breast cancer. Breasts are
mammary glands that are responsive to natural hormonal changes,
especially fluctuations in estrogen, that occur at menstruation,
menopause, and pregnancy. Hormonal changes can cause breasts to become
hot, swollen, tender, and painful to the touch. “Breast discomfort is
really common for women,” says Amanda Clark, M.D., assistant professor
of obstetrics and gynecology at Oregon Health Sciences University in
Portland. “We see it a great deal during early pregnancy, with
menstruation, and during early hormone therapy at menopause.”
Breast care specialists say that for most women, breast discomfort
waxes and wanes with the menstrual cycle. Right before and during
menstruation, higher-than-usual levels of the female hormone estrogen
may cause one or both breasts to swell and become tender. Discomfort
ranges from mild tenderness in some women to excruciating pain in
others. (Taking oral contraceptives produces similar effects.) For many
women monthly bouts of breast discomfort disappear with
menopause--unless they undergo estrogen replacement therapy.
Causes Breast Discomfort
Cyclic breast pain appears to have a strong hormonal association.
However, studies have not found a consistent hormonal abnormality. The
fact that pain often decreases or disappears with pregnancy or
menopause lends support to a hormonal association.
As hormonal imbalance is the most probable cause for breast tenderness
during menstruation periods, the first step is to ensure your body has
the support it needs to maintain good hormonal levels. The best way to
go should be to start with a healthy nutrition and maybe follow a
hormonal imbalance treatment such as alternative medicine.
Inverted nipple: Repeat occurrences of inverted nipple can lead to
mammary duct ectasia. A newly inverted nipple also may obstruct milk
ducts, causing inflammation and infection. A nipple that's newly
inverted also could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition,
such as cancer.
Avoid touching or stimulating your breasts and avoid hot showers.
Binding your breasts may also help. You may try wearing pre-pregnancy
sports bras. Wear the bra for a few days and the discomfort should
decrease.
Symptoms of Breast Discomfort
Cyclic breast pain: Cyclic breast pain usually occurs in both breasts
and involves the entire breast, particularly the upper, outer portions,
extending into the underarm area. With cyclic breast pain, you may feel
tenderness, swelling or lumpiness in addition to the pain. Women often
describe this type of breast pain as dull, heavy or aching. It tends to
be most intense during the week or two before your period and to ease
up afterward. Cyclic breast pain is the most common type of breast
pain, accounting for about two-thirds of cases.
The symptoms are grouped under a variety of different umbrella terms,
including cyclical breast pain, cyclical mastalgia (which literally
means breast pain), cyclical mastitis or fibrocystic breast disease.
Despite their severity and the disruption they can cause, most breast
problems are benign, not cancer. However, don’t be tempted to ignore
them. Any unusual changes in your breasts should be reported to your
doctor.
Forget the calendar. Like many women, you chart your menstrual cycle by
consulting your breasts. A week or two before your period, your breasts
start to hurt. Then once your period begins, the discomfort
subsides...only to start up again next month.
No matter what a woman's age, the discomfort seems to escalate with
emotional stress or prolonged inactivity. Excessive amounts of salt,
fat and caffeine also seem to have a negative impact.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically peak just
before each menstrual period, and improve immediately after the
menstrual period.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/womens-health-articles/
breast-discomfort-causes-and-symptoms-of-breast-discomfort-
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