What Causes Breast Tenderness?

February 24, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Breast tenderness

Breast tenderness, also known as mastalgia, is a common symptom that many women experience at some point in their lives. The causes of breast tenderness can vary and may include hormonal, lifestyle, or medical factors. Here are some common reasons why breast tenderness may occur:

  • Hormonal Fluctuations:
    • Menstrual Cycle: Many women experience breast tenderness or swelling in the days leading up to their menstrual periods. This is often associated with hormonal changes, particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone.
  • Pregnancy:
    • Early Pregnancy: Breast tenderness is a common early sign of pregnancy. Hormonal changes, especially increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, contribute to breast changes during pregnancy.
  • Birth Control Pills or Hormone Replacement Therapy:
    • Hormonal Medications: The use of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can sometimes lead to breast tenderness as a side effect.
  • Breast Cysts:
    • Fluid-Filled Sac: Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast tissue. These cysts may cause breast tenderness or pain, particularly before menstruation.
  • Fibrocystic Breast Changes:
    • Non-cancerous Changes: Fibrocystic changes involve the development of lumpy or rope-like breast tissue. These changes can cause breast tenderness and are often more noticeable before menstruation.
  • Injury or Trauma:
    • External Impact: Injury or trauma to the breast, such as a blow or bruise, can lead to tenderness.
  • Breastfeeding:
    • Engorgement: Breast tenderness is common in the early stages of breastfeeding when the breasts may become engorged with milk.
  • Infections:
    • Mastitis: Inflammation of the breast tissue, often due to a bacterial infection, can cause breast tenderness, redness, and swelling. This is more common in breastfeeding women.
  • Menopause:
    • Hormonal Changes: During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can lead to changes in breast tissue, including tenderness.
  • Medication Side Effects:
    • Certain Medications: Some medications, such as certain antidepressants or antipsychotics, may have breast tenderness as a side effect.

If breast tenderness is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough examination, gather relevant medical history, and, if necessary, order imaging or diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate course of action.

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