What is the cause of breast pain before menstruation?

Written by Wu Shi Ting

Breast Health Department

Updated on September 19, 2024

00:00

00:00

Many women experience breast pain before each menstrual period, but what exactly is the cause? Mild breast pain may be due to changes in hormones within the body and is considered a normal physiological condition. Of course, it could also be caused by diseases, such as the commonly seen fibrocystic breast changes, which result in cyclical breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle. There are also other diseases that can cause cyclical breast pain, which should be taken seriously. Especially in cases of severe pain, where even slight touch causes significant discomfort, it is advised to seek timely medical examination at a hospital.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

53sec

home-news-image

Can pseudopregnancy cause breast pain?

During pseudopregnancy, women may also experience symptoms of breast tenderness. As women may experience delayed menstruation, along with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating, it is necessary to consider the possibility of pregnancy. If it is a pseudopregnancy, then it is due to the rise in hormone levels around the time menstruation is due, coupled with psychological factors in women, which can also cause false breast tenderness. When patients experience this condition, there is no need for excessive worry. They should rest adequately, enhance their nutrition, eat a light diet, keep warm, avoid overexertion, stay away from cold, and not stay up late. They can go to the hospital for a blood test to measure human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to determine whether they are pregnant.

home-news-image

Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

39sec

home-news-image

Breast pain and bleeding after intercourse, what could be the reason?

Breast pain and nipple bleeding during intercourse are considered types of nipple discharge, possibly caused by intraductal papilloma or chronic inflammation of the ducts. Diagnosis can be made through mammography or ductoscopy. Generally, we choose ductoscopy, which allows direct observation on a computer screen whether the cause is inflammation or intraductal papilloma. If the issue is solely inflammation, it can be treated by flushing through ductoscopy. If intraductal papilloma is suspected, ductoscopy can be used to collect a tissue sample for pathology to determine whether it is due to intraductal papilloma or cancer within the ducts.

home-news-image

Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

1min 14sec

home-news-image

Can you drink dandelion water for breast pain and swelling?

Breast swelling and pain can be treated with dandelion water, but the treatment effect for breast swelling and pain is not good. The swelling and pain in the breasts are often related to hormonal imbalances that lead to increased levels of estrogen. Typically, we use traditional Chinese medicine to treat this condition. By regulating liver functions and harmonizing the Chong and Ren meridians, we can alleviate pain and treat breast hyperplasia. Endocrine treatments are also available, though not typically preferred. However, they can be used before menstruation in pre-menopausal women with significant pain, and regular pelvic ultrasound monitoring is needed when using endocrine therapy. Vitamins can be used for treatment, including vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which improve liver function, regulate basal metabolism, and enhance autonomic nervous system functions, acting as adjunct therapies for this condition. In recent years, vitamins have also been recognized for their pain-relieving effects. If breast swelling and pain occur, it is necessary to visit a legitimate hospital for breast ultrasound and regular mammographic examinations.

home-news-image

Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

51sec

home-news-image

Is bilateral breast pain breast cancer?

Bilateral breast pain generally is not considered breast cancer, but rather breast hyperplasia. Diagnosis can be confirmed through breast ultrasound and mammography. The ultrasound of breast hyperplasia typically shows uneven low echo areas; if cysts are present, they appear as anechoic areas. Mammography may display a ground-glass or cotton wool-like shadow. However, it is important to be cautious of the possibility that breast hyperplasia and breast cancer may coexist. On one hand, patients with significant hyperplasia should be closely followed up, advised to return to the hospital every two to three months for follow-up examinations. On the other hand, patients with significant proliferative lumps or unclear boundaries in thickened breast areas are recommended to undergo a biopsy of the suspicious lesions to prevent misdiagnosis.

home-news-image

Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

1min 11sec

home-news-image

Is it useful to apply potato slices for breast pain?

Applying potato slices to breast swelling and pain is ineffective, as such discomfort often relates to mammary gland hyperplasia, which is commonly believed to be associated with hormonal imbalances leading to increased estrogen levels. Therefore, for the swelling and pain caused by hyperplasia, we generally use traditional Chinese medicine treatments. By employing methods that soothe the liver and regulate Qi, aligning the Chong and Ren meridians, pain relief can be achieved. Endocrine treatments are also available but generally avoided unless the pain is particularly severe before menopause, in which case they can be taken before the onset of menstruation. Vitamin therapy is another option. Vitamins B, C, and E are known to improve liver function, regulate basal metabolic rate, and enhance autonomic nervous functions, serving as supplementary treatments for the condition. In recent years, vitamin E has also been recognized for its pain-relief properties. Proper diagnosis of breast swelling and pain also necessitates the use of color ultrasonography and mammography.