Women of all ages often worry about breast pain. This pain varies from mild discomfort to severe, sometimes causing daily life disruptions. You can categorise this pain into two types: cyclic and noncyclic.
Cyclic breast pain is associated with your menstrual cycle and hormone changes associated with oestrogen and progesterone. It usually affects both breasts, particularly the upper and outer areas, and may extend to the armpits. This pain typically occurs two weeks before your periods and tends to ease up afterwards. It is more common in women in their 20s and 30s and those going through menopause.
Unlike cyclic pain, noncyclic breast pain doesn’t have any connection to the menstrual cycle. It can affect one or both breasts, and the discomfort may be in a specific spot or spread out across a larger area.
If you're wondering how to prevent breast pain, let's look closely at simple steps you can adopt.
Ways to Prevent Breast Pain
Depending on the cause, you can adopt simple measures to prevent or ease breast pain. Here is how:
- Wear a properly fitted bra. A bra that is too snug or loose can cause pressure or friction on your breasts and make them sore. You can get a bra fitting for free at many department stores or lingerie shops to find the right size and style. You may also want to wear a sports bra during exercise to provide extra support and minimise bouncing.
- Avoid hormone therapy if possible. Intaking birth control pills or undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can affect your breast tissue and cause tenderness or swelling. If you are taking HRT for medical reasons, discuss with your healthcare provider about the advantages and risks and whether you can switch to a lower dose or a different type of hormone.
- Certain medications, like antidepressants, antipsychotics, blood pressure medications, diuretics, or steroids, can have side effects that impact your breasts. If you take any of these medications and notice breast pain, it is a good idea to consult your gynaecologist about adjusting your dose or trying a different medication.
- If you are overweight, it can up your chances of getting fibrocystic breast changes. These are generally harmless but can lead to painful lumps or cysts in your breasts. Shedding those extra pounds can lessen the fatty tissue in your breasts and relieve the strain on your milk ducts and glands.
- Caffeine can amp up your nervous system, making you more pain-sensitive. It can also affect your hormones and lead to fluid build-up in your breasts. Some studies suggest that cutting back on caffeine might ease cyclic breast pain. However, it is essential to note that more research is required to confirm this effect.
- You might be aware that stress can influence your hormones. But do you know it can also lead to tense muscles in your chest, shoulders, and neck, which can cause discomfort in your breasts? To help with breast pain, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, getting enough sleep, staying active, and spending time with friends and family.
- Try warm or cold compress on your breasts to ease the pain. Heat can relax the muscles and boost blood flow, while cold can numb the nerves and reduce inflammation. You can use things like a heating pad, a warm towel, an ice pack, or a hot water bottle. Just ensure not to apply them directly to your skin, as it could lead to burns or frostbite. Apply the compressor for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Giving your breasts a gentle massage can boost blood flow and help with lymphatic drainage. This can ease swelling and pain. You can massage with your fingers or use a soft brush, starting from the outer edges and moving towards the centre. You can use a mild oil or lotion to make the massage smoother and more comfortable.
Conclusion
Breast pain is usually not a sign of anything serious, and it often goes away on its own or with simple home remedies. However, in some cases, breast pain may indicate an underlying condition that needs medical attention. Consider buying health insurance. It secures you financially in the event of a medical emergency or if you need medical intervention related to breast pain.