A Guide To Breast Pain

Breast pain can be both worrying and frustrating, and often it can be difficult to determine the cause of the pain. There are many different reasons why a woman could be experiencing breast pain which could be related to hormones, diet, an inadequate bra or a pain that originates outside of the breast. It is rare for pain to be associated with undiagnosed cancer, but this will always be a concern, so it is important that you keep an eye on the pain and see a specialist if it persists or if you notice a change or feel a lump. Read on for advice on breast pain and a few potential remedies.

Linked To Periods

More often than not, pain in the breast will be linked to periods as this is a common symptom. This will usually feel like a dull, heavy pain that can appear up to two weeks before a period which gets worse and then disappears when the period ends. If this sounds like the type of pain that you are experiencing, make sure that you are taking a painkiller and wearing a properly fitting bra during the day and a soft one at night.

Not Linked To Periods

If the pain is not linked to your period then there could be a number of causes, but a few common reasons are an injury with pain that spreads to the breasts, a medicine like a contraceptive (check the leaflet for side effects), a condition like mastitis, or it could be an early sign of pregnancy.

Solutions

Breast pain can be difficult to treat if you are unsure of what the cause is, but there are a few remedies which you can try to see if it makes a difference. One of the best things that you can do is to keep a log of the pain so that you can see if there is a common time (such as after certain foods, after a workout or related to your menstrual cycle).  Here are a few remedies that you can try:

• Decrease or cut out caffeine
• Eat a low-fat diet
• Have a professional bra fitting
• Wear a high-intensity sports bra when working out
• Increase water intake and limit sodium intake to 2000-3000mg per day

When To See A Healthcare Provider

If the pain persists, there is a change in appearance, or if you notice a lump, then you should visit your health care provider or a breast health specialist like Consulting Radiologists, Ltd. There are various ways that they can help, including an ultrasound, MRI, 3D mammography, ultrasound-guided breast biopsy and various other tests to get to the bottom of the pain.

Breast pain can be frustrating, stressful and concerning. It is often related to the menstrual cycle, but if not then there are many other potential causes, and breast pain alone is rarely a sign of breast cancer. It is worth trying a few of the above remedies if you are experiencing pain, but if you are concerned, then you should visit your health care provider who will be able to help and provide peace of mind.