Breast Pain

Breast pain, also known as Mastalgia is a common complaint among women. This can include sharp paining or tightness in one's breast tissue. Breast pain may be constant (throughout the menstrual cycle) or it may occur only occasionally for instance, just before your period. This is also quite common in younger, premenopausal women as well as peri-menopausal women. Breast pain signals a noncancerous breast condition that rarely indicates breast cancer.

At times, it is not possible to identify the exact cause of breast pain. The contributing factors may include one or more of the following:

• Reproductive hormones
• Breast structure
• Fatty acid imbalance
• Breast size
• Breast surgery
• Medication use such as certain hormonal medications, oral birth control pills, infertility treatments

Here are some self-care measures that may be worth a try:

• Wear a firm support bra
• Use cold and hot compresses on breasts
• Always wear a sports bra while exercising especially when the breasts may be more sensitive

Contact your doctor immediately if:

• The pain continues daily for more than a couple of weeks
• Occurs in one specific area of your breast
• Interferes with daily activities
• Pain seems to be getting worse over time
• Pain accompanied by swelling and redness
• A lump in your breast or under your arms
• Symptoms of pregnancy, such as a missed period
• Discharge from a lump or nipple