Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Breast Pain Preceding Menstruation: Insights and Solutions

admin May 03, 2024

Introduction

Lift your hand if you experience breast pain when Aunt Flo (woman’s menstrual period) rolls around. Dealing with cramps is less comfortable when a woman has her period, but changes during the menstrual cycle can also be tough on breasts.

Breast soreness is a predominant premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptom likely caused by modifications in the hormone cocktail of the body.

Here’s what one should know about breast soreness around the time of menses or period and what a woman can do about it.

What are the Possible Causes of Breast Pain?

There are several reasons why a woman may be part of the sore-boobs circle, and these reasons might have nothing to do with their period or fluctuating hormone cocktail. Some such reasons include:

Injury
For a woman who has hurt themselves or just underwent surgery, breast soreness can be expected and may last for a few days or several weeks.
Medicines
Surprisingly, there are quite a few medications that can leave breasts feeling sore or tender, including certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and a few antibiotics.
Bad Fitting Bras
Besides being less comfortable, which should be reason enough to ditch it, a poor-fitting bra doesn’t offer proper support, particularly for females with large breasts (generally defined as greater than or equal to a D cup).
Putting on an uncomfortable bra can cause everything from breast pain to irritation of the skin.
Breast Implants
If a woman has one or more breast implants, one of the most common complications is known as capsular contracture, which means scar tissue has formed too tightly around the implants after the surgery.
Mastitis
If soreness or pain manifests with swelling, redness, and fever, it could be a sign of breast inflammation, known as mastitis, which can mimic breast cancer symptoms.
Breast Cancer
Breast pain is rarely connected to breast cancer.
If a woman experiences pain along with skin changes, for instance, dimpling, irritation, a lump, or bloody nipple discharge, those are crucial warning signs.

Home Remedies to Reduce Breast Pain

Here are a few ways to treat breast pain before your period:

Vitamins and Minerals

Potent choices women could make for getting rid of breast soreness consist of:

Vitamin B6
Vitamin E
Magnesium

A small study explored utilizing vitamins E and B6 for premenstrual breast pain relief. After 60 days of daily supplementation, both vitamins helped reduce painful sores. Vitamin E may work by decreasing inflammation.

Magnesium helps maintain healthy levels of hormones, which can lessen breast tenderness, and serotonin levels, which modulate pain perception. It also helps maintain average fluid balances, easing breast tenderness.

Exercise

Exercise may enhance endorphins, which are chemicals that act as natural painkillers. Exercise elevates blood oxygenation and circulation to the tissues, which can feel invigorating. Think swimming or walking about half an hour daily.

Wear Sports Bras

A supportive, non-underwire bra, such as a sports bra, might be a best friend before or during a woman’s period.

Close-fitting sports bras are useful in keeping the breasts in proximity to the body, which keeps their movement restricted and thus lessens the pain associated with their unrestricted movement.

Changes in Diet

Snacks like potato chips might be what a woman craves most, but they might want to stay away from them during the week or two before the period.

One study found high salt intake is linked to increased breast pain. Salt increases fluid retention, leaving breasts feeling heavy.

It’s also an excellent idea to reduce caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and fats. Instead, try to consume a diet containing calcium, fibre, and minerals to lessen symptoms.

Natural Remedies

Over the counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), for instance, ibuprofen, can aid reduce breast pain. But women can look out for other alternatives if they are not comfortable taking pills.

Dandelion root has also been noted to be an aid with breast pain. It’s a natural diuretic with potassium to assist in ridding extra bodily fluid.

Another alternative is primrose oil, which is composed of gamolenic acid and possesses anti-inflammatory characteristics.

If breast pain extends beyond the period, a woman may want to consult a healthcare professional to eliminate any other underlying conditions.