Why are My breasts So Tender and Painful?

What comes to mind first when your breasts become so tender to touch and quite painful is pregnancy or cancer. Although, this is not a lie, too, as breast tenderness is one of the most obvious signs of pregnancy and breast cancer. However, tenderness or pain in the breasts is not a symptom characteristic of just pregnancy or cancer. Other factors can be said to be responsible for why you feel pain and tenderness in your breasts.

Pain in the breast is a common feeling, and it occurs almost every month in some women, especially when it is triggered by premenstrual syndrome. Over half of the number of women in their reproductive age experience this pain. Women aged 15 to 40 constantly complain of breast pain and tenderness.

When other changes in the breast begin to occur, it is best to see a doctor to make sure that it is not the outset of breast cancer or any other underlying breast illness that may put your life at risk. Other factors that may be responsible for breast pain include tight bra, infections, improper sleeping positions, among others. All of these factors will be analyzed in this article. This article will help you identify what is responsible for the pain and tenderness you feel in your breasts.

In Medical Terms, What is Breast Pain?

Breast pain or tenderness is referred to as mastalgia. It is categorized into two, namely, cyclical and non-cyclical. The former is associated with menstruation and is most likely to stop during or after the menstrual cycle, while the latter is more difficult to identify, as it could be caused by other tissues surrounding the breasts rather than the breasts themselves. It could also be caused by injuries to the breast or even underlying health conditions.

The severity of breasts pain and tenderness differs from person to person. In some women, it is tingling and painful, while in other women, it is mild. Some women neither experience tingling nor pain. Rather, they experience only fuller breasts, especially when they are either pregnant or showing symptoms of pre-menstruation.

Symptoms of Cyclic and Non-Cyclic Breast Pain

Cyclic

• Swollen breasts
• Heavy breasts
• Sore breasts

Non-Cyclic

The pain of non-cyclic can spread to other parts of the chest region and the armpit. The pain may linger for a longer period, or it may come and go, depending on the cause or the biology of its victim’s body. Some of the symptoms of non-cyclic breast pain include;

• Pain in a specific part of the breast
• A stabbing or burning sensation in that specific area of the breast
• A more acute pain than cyclic breasts tenderness and pain

Another kind of pain associated with the breasts is extra-mammary breast pain. This pain occurs in the tissues of the chest and then spreads to the breasts. It feels like the pain starts with the breasts, but no, the source of the pain is in the chest or completely outside the breasts, but not too far from them.

One of the most common factors responsible for extra-mammary breast pain is arthritis, a health condition that affects bone joints, cartilage, tendons, tissues, and muscles. When it affects the cartilage in the chest, extra-mammary pain may begin to occur. This kind of arthritis is referred to as costochondritis.

You should visit your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following;

Breast pain that;

• Lasts for up to three straight weeks
• Centered in one specific part of your chest
• Makes you have a difficult time sleeping
• Interrupts your daily activities
• Gets worse overtime

Report these manifestations to your doctor so that the root cause of this pain will be investigated.

Causes of Breasts Pain and Tenderness in Women

Hormonal Changes

Painful or tender breasts, in this case, are a result of the hormonal changes that occur before menstruation (premenstrual syndrome). This kind of breasts tenderness or pain is called cyclic.

It is usually a pain in both breasts and sometimes can spread to the armpit. Some of the other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome include mood swings, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, headache, diarrhea, bloating, and acne. This kind of pain moves away on its own during or after your menstrual cycle. It can also be relieved by over-the-counter medications.

Pregnancy and early symptoms of menopause can also cause breast pain and tenderness, and the factor responsible for the tenderness is also hormonal changes.

Breast Trauma

Injury to the breast through accidents or surgery can also trigger breasts pain and tenderness. This kind of pain does not go and come. It lingers and may remain there for weeks after the breast trauma.

However, it is best to report the case of breast pain to your doctor if it does not improve many days or weeks after the trauma. The pain associated with breast trauma can be acute and sharp. If you detect any of the following after breast trauma, go and see your doctor;

• Bruises on the breasts that have refused to heal up
• Lump in the breasts
• Extremely swollen breasts
• Redness and tenderness of the breast, which could be a sign of infection

Breast Cysts

Breasts cysts begin to develop when some breast tissues begin to get replaced by fat as you age. This condition is always referred to as fibrocystic breast tissue. Although, breast cysts are always not responsible for most breast pains. However, when pain occurs from breast cysts, it should not be taken lightly. One characteristic of fibrocystic breast tissues is a lump at the upper part of the breasts with slight pain and enlargement during menstruation.

Infection

Infection is another factor responsible for breast pain, especially in breastfeeding mothers. Infections get introduced to the breasts when there are sores on the nipples due to constant breastfeeding. In addition, cloths rubbing against the nipples can cause the nipples to get sore, and infections can easily get introduced into the breasts. When this occurs, the breasts may begin to feel tender and painful. Report symptoms to the doctor to prevent your condition from worsening.

Bras

Breast pains can also be from the bra you wear. It could be the case that your bras are too tight, or they have underwires that touch and bruise your skin. Sometimes, bras become naturally smaller during your menstrual cycle. This is because the breast becomes kind of fuller and uncomfortable.

In addition, the bras might seem not to fit until your menstrual cycle ends. If your breast pain results from the kind of bra you wear, it is best to change your bras into ones that are less tight and do not have underwires that may dig into your skin and injure you. Also, while exercising, sports bras are advisable, as they are more suitable for exercises and sports.

Breast Cancer

Not all breast pains are from breast cancer. Although pain in the breast is one of the symptoms of breast cancer. Other symptoms of breast cancer include;

• Breast skin irritation
• Lump in the breast (most obvious symptom)
• Bloody or whitish nipple discharge
• Changes in the form and size of the breast
• Pain and inflammation of the nipples
• Swollen breasts

Due to the severity of this breast condition, early detection and early treatment are advisable. This is because leaving it to linger can result in life-threatening complications. Some of the treatment methods for breasts cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, surgery, and biological therapy. Usually, more than one of those treatment methods is administered to cancer patients.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is another factor responsible for breast pain. Some of the other signs you might experience while breastfeeding your child include;

• Infection from cracked skin due to constant biting
• Painful nipples from prolonged latching
• Swollen nipples
• The tingling sensation during milk leaks

If you see any of these manifestations while you are breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor to help you manage and treat the pain or infections and also make breastfeeding at that time of pain and infection healthy enough for your child.

Medications

Some medications like hormone therapy, heart disease medications, antibiotics, and antidepressants can also trigger breast pain. Quilting these medications because you experience breast pain is not advisable. It is best to confer with your healthcare provider to know if there are alternatives to these medications.

Conclusion

Breast pain can be caused by many other factors, asides from pregnancy and cancer. This article helps you identify the possible cause of your breast pain by highlighting the symptoms that may manifest in your breasts or body.