Understanding Breast Pain: 11 Common Causes and When to Seek Help

Breast pain can be a perplexing and often distressing experience for many women. There are numerous reasons for this discomfort, and while most are not serious, it's crucial to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical advice. In this post, we’ll delve into 11 possible causes of breast pain, breaking them down into categories: hormonal reasons, infections, injuries and inflammation, non-physical related, and cancer.

Let's start with the hormonal causes of breast pain.

### Hormonal Causes

1. **Cyclical Breast Pain Related to Your Period**: Breast pain linked to the menstrual cycle typically begins up to two weeks before your period, worsens, and then subsides once the period ends. This cyclical nature is why it’s often referred to as cyclical breast pain. Many women describe this pain as dull, heavy, or aching, affecting both breasts and sometimes spreading to the armpit.

2. **Medications**: Certain medications, such as the contraceptive pill and some antidepressants, can alter the body's natural hormone cycles, leading to breast discomfort. In some cases, these medications can actually relieve the pain, but the effects vary depending on the type of pill and the individual's response.

3. **Pregnancy**: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the breasts feel more tender, contributing to discomfort.

4. **Menopause**: Similar hormonal changes during menopause can also lead to breast pain.

### Infectious Causes

5. **Mastitis**: This is the inflammation or swelling of the breasts, often caused by an infection. While mastitis most commonly affects breastfeeding women, it can occur in women who are not breastfeeding. Symptoms include swelling, pain, warmth in part of the breast, fever, headaches, and general flu-like symptoms. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and emptying the breasts of milk for those who are breastfeeding.

6. **Abscess**: A breast abscess is a deeper infection that can form if mastitis isn’t treated promptly. This requires drainage of the pus using a needle or a small cut in the skin. If you notice a painful, red, and warm breast or develop a lump or swelling, it's crucial to see a doctor.

### Injuries or Inflammation

7. **Injuries or Sprains to the Neck, Shoulder, or Back**: These can be felt as breast pain due to the radiation of pain. The nerves originating in the back are responsible for innervating and sensitizing the skin around the breast tissue.

8. **Scar Tissue**: Scar tissue from an old injury, operation, or radiation therapy (e.g., for breast cancer) can be tense and painful. Physical therapy can help to relieve some of this pain.

### Non-Physical Related Causes

9. **Poorly Fitting or Tight Bras**: Bras that are too tight or contain underwires that dig into the skin or breast tissue can cause pain. This is particularly noticeable around the time of your period when your breasts may swell.

10. **Certain Medications**: Some medications, such as antidepressants, can cause breast pain as a side effect. It's worth checking the information leaflet inside the medicine pack if you've recently started a new medication and noticed breast pain. If unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

### Cancer

11. **Breast Cancer**: Although breast pain alone is unlikely to be a symptom of cancer, it's important to be vigilant. If you experience breast pain along with other concerning symptoms like a lump, changes in the skin over the breasts, nipple discharge, or changes in the nipple, you should see your doctor.

### Managing Breast Pain

There are several at-home remedies you can try to alleviate breast pain. Wearing a supportive and well-fitting bra and taking simple pain relief from your local pharmacy are often recommended. Your pharmacist can advise you on the best type of pain relief. However, if these measures don't help, or if you have a family history of breast cancer or suspect you might be pregnant, you should speak to your doctor.

### When to Seek Medical Attention

You must seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Breast pain accompanied by a very high temperature or feeling hot and shivery.
- A red, hot, or swollen part of your breast.
- A hard lump in your breast that doesn’t move.
- Nipple discharge, especially if streaked with blood.
- Changes in the shape of one or both breasts.
- Dimpling of the skin on your breast (like an orange peel).
- A rash around or on your nipple.
- A nipple that has sunk into your breast.

This post provides a general overview of 11 potential causes of breast pain. For more detailed information, please refer to the references in the description box.

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