Why do my Breasts Hurt? A Specialist’s Guide to Breast Pain

The most common complaint in my OPD is breast pain. Whether it is a 20 or a 50 year old, breast pain has affected and caused much more anxiety than cancer ever did.
Let's break down this problem so that you can understand why it happens and how can you take control of the situation.
Pain in the breast may be due to infection or inflammatory conditions such as mastitis or abscess, or more commonly be due to no apparent cause.

Mastitis and breast abscess

Mastitis and breast abscess are conditions that are usually seen in breast feeding or pregnant women. Milk is a good growth medium for bacteria and this infection can lead to severe pain, redness, fever and generalised weakness. This condition requires urgent medical attention and use of antibiotics and other medications as well as surgical intervention.

Pain due to no apparent cause

A majority of women suffering from breast pain fall into this category. Most physicians dismiss this type of breast pain as something normal, and there is some truth to that. But for the anxiety ridden, curious people, I am here to answer your question.
Our bodies undergo cyclical changes due to a complex interplay of hormones that course through our blood. This is what results in our menstrual period, mood changes, as well as changes in our eating habits. This also affects our breasts and usually in the second half of our cycle, we can expect heaviness or increased sensitivity. This starts approximately 15 days prior to our next period and increases in intensity as our cycle comes to an end. Once the period starts, this feeling disappears as breasts feel lighter, and our mood improves.
This is often labelled 'normal' as it is a physiological event meaning, it is a part of a normal process. Unless the pain is severe, no treatment is required. Supplements of vitamin E and D along with essential omega 6 fatty acids help to alleviate the discomfort. In severe cases, hormonal therapy (medicines) maybe started but their use and side effects have to be monitored.

What if the pain doesn't follow your period cycle?

Sometimes, breast pain has nothing to do with your menstrual cycle. It might happen only in one specific spot, or feel like a sharp, burning ache. High stress levels play a massive role here, as stress releases chemicals that make your breast tissue much more sensitive to normal hormonal fluctuations.
However, a lot of what feels like deep breast pain actually has nothing to do with the breast tissue at all:
Costochondritis: This is a very common but poorly understood cause of chest pain. It happens when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone becomes inflamed. Because it occurs right beneath the breast, it is incredibly easy to mistake it for breast tissue disease.
Musculoskeletal strain: Simple things like a strained muscle from heavy lifting, an intense workout, or even poor posture at your desk can cause an ache that radiates outward through the breast area.

A Breast pain tracker calender/diary can help you understand the pattern of pain you may experience. It will also help your physician understand if the pain you experience is cyclical or something else. You can download one from this website by clicking here.
Breast pain is rarely associated with cancer, which is why cancerous lesions are often ignored. Pain in cancer occurs in late stages, often when the disease has spread.
The purpose of this blog was to educate those who experience pain but are not satisfied with the answer you got from your physician. If you do experience breast pain, it's best to get it checked at least once to rule out any other problems.

Tips to reduce breast pain:

Good bra: It has been observed that a majority of women wear ill-fitting bras which are a cause of breast pain. Wearing a supportive sports bra during exercise or even a soft, wireless bra at home can make a world of difference. To learn more on how to choose the right bra, read my blog here.
Avoid caffeinated drinks: Tea, coffee, and colas should be avoided as caffeine can cause the blood vessels and fluid sacs in the breast to expand, worsening the ache.
Watch your salt intake: Consuming too much salt, especially in the week leading up to your period, causes your body to retain water, making breast swelling and heaviness significantly worse. Try cutting down on processed snacks and extra table salt during this time.
Warm compresses: Applying a warm washcloth or a hot water bag/bottle for 15 minutes can instantly soothe localized discomfort or chest wall inflammation.