Breast swelling, pain, and lumps, what is going on?

Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
Updated on September 19, 2024
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There are several types of conditions where lumps can be found in the breast. Breast tissue itself is essentially a hard substance that can normally be grasped or pinched by hand. Therefore, sometimes the lumps you feel in the breast are just normal areas of breast tissue protrusion, which generally disappear after menstruation or after subsiding. You do not need to worry too much about breast lumps that appear during this special period. Another more common type of breast lump is fibroadenoma of the breast, which typically occurs in women of childbearing age between 20 and 39 years old. Another condition is cystic hyperplasia of the breast. This is more common in middle-aged women, often with several hard nodules of varying sizes on both breasts, with unclear borders, which can cause pain, especially more noticeable before menstruation. When it might be a breast disease, it is advisable for patients to visit a hospital and consult a doctor on how to proceed.

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How to deal with breast distention and pain?

There are many reasons for breast pain, and the methods of treatment vary according to the different causes. During our adolescence, before menstruation, and during pregnancy, many people experience breast pain, which is often caused by hormonal changes in the body. Generally, the symptoms are not particularly severe, so there is no need for excessive worry or special treatment. However, many diseases can also cause breast pain, such as mastitis during breastfeeding, fibrocystic breast changes, and various breast tumors, all of which may lead to breast discomfort and require significant attention. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with breast pain seek timely medical examination to identify the cause and receive targeted treatment.

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Do breasts become sore before pregnancy?

Before pregnancy, women can also experience breast pain and swelling. This happens because, before pregnancy, the female body begins to secrete hormones during ovulation, increasing their levels, which then stimulates the mammary glands, causing breast proliferation and congestion of the mammary glands. Therefore, during pregnancy, this breast pain and swelling phenomenon can worsen. However, experiencing breast pain and swelling does not necessarily indicate pregnancy; it could also be a phenomenon occurring after ovulation and before menstruation. Before pregnancy, due to the influence of the ovulation period, some women may experience swelling of the breasts and proliferation of the mammary glands, or pain caused by lumps in the mammary glands. In such cases, further observation is needed for a few more days, and after having intercourse for half a month, or if menstruation is delayed, a pregnancy test using an early pregnancy test strip is suggested.

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Will breasts become swollen and painful ten days after conception?

Breast pain after pregnancy is caused by changes in hormone levels. Throughout the pregnancy, the development of the breasts changes along with the development of the fetus, aiming to adapt to the needs of breastfeeding after childbirth. Generally, breast pain is more severe around the 4th to 6th week of pregnancy. However, the likelihood of breast pain for a woman 10 days after conception is low, although this can vary from person to person. If concerned, it is advisable to visit a hospital for an examination by a specialist.

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Do breasts become sore during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, one may experience breast pain, particularly in the early stages. The hormonal changes in a woman's body, including an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels, can lead to this discomfort. This pain generally eases over time and is a normal physiological condition. As long as the prenatal check-ups are within the normal range, it should be fine. However, if the discomfort is severe, it could be indicative of an abnormal condition that requires prompt medical examination. In the early stages of pregnancy, it is advisable to rest adequately, relax, and keep in good spirits. One should avoid getting cold and focus on staying warm. Dietary considerations include avoiding raw, cold, spicy, or pungent foods, and refraining from smoking or excessive drinking. Opt for light and nutritionally balanced meals instead, and increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also necessary to continue taking folic acid during the first three months of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.

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Why are breasts painful and swollen before menstruation?

Premenstrual breast pain is a common symptom among women and is considered a normal physiological response. It mainly occurs due to the increase in estrogen levels in the body seven to ten days before menstruation, leading to breast hyperplasia and enlargement, causing discomfort that makes the breasts sensitive to touch. There is no need for excessive concern as breast pain caused by hyperplasia is normal. Generally, the condition improves after menstruation and does not require special treatment. If the pain is severe, applying heat can help alleviate it.