What causes postmenopausal breast pain?

Written by Wu Shi Ting

Breast Health Department

Updated on September 06, 2024

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Breast pain after menopause is generally temporary and a normal physiological response. It is mainly due to a decrease in the speed of endogenous estrogen secretion, and the breast tissue has not adapted to this change, resulting in localized pain. These symptoms will gradually disappear after menopause is completely stopped, so there is no need to be overly nervous, just make sure to get regular check-ups. However, if breast pain occurs years after menopause, it is necessary to be vigilant as it may indicate a disease. Since postmenopausal elderly women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, it is advised that patients with postmenopausal breast pain seek timely medical examinations at a hospital.

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Written by Huo Ze Jun

Traditional Chinese Medicine

1min 24sec

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What position should be scraped for breast distension pain?

Breast pain should first undergo a clear diagnosis to determine the cause. If it is simply caused by breast hyperplasia, gua sha can be used for treatment. The location of the breasts is generally on the stomach meridian or the liver and gallbladder meridians. For specific treatment acupoint selection, you can choose the Jianjing acupoint, which is located between the Dazhui acupoint and the shoulder peak, i.e., between the high point behind the neck and the shoulders. Pressing this area will produce a distinct sore and swollen feeling, and gua sha can be used to treat this area. Additionally, gua sha can be performed on the opposite side or the corresponding back side, where the pain points of the breasts are located at the corresponding positions on the back side, which has a good analgesic effect. Furthermore, distant points can be chosen. If the person tends to be irritable or impatient, gua sha can be performed between the first and second toes at the Taichong acupoint. Also, gua sha can be performed at the Danzhong acupoint located between the two breasts. Another point is the Waiguan acupoint, located between the transverse wrist crease and the elbow crease on the dorsal side of the forearm, about two inches from the wrist transverse crease. This point also has a good analgesic effect for breast pain caused by breast hyperplasia.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao

Breast Health Department

44sec

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What causes breast pain during menstruation?

The menstrual period is a time when female hormone levels fluctuate, which is the fundamental reason why most women experience breast pain during menstruation. Due to the fluctuation of hormone levels, there is an increase in breast tissue and edema in the interstitial tissue of the breast, ultimately causing the sensation of breast pain. If the breast pain during menstruation does not ease after the period, or if the pain is very severe, or even painful to touch, attention is needed. This is considered pathological breast pain, likely caused by breast disease, and could be related to breast hyperplasia, mastitis, or even breast tumors. It is necessary to consult a professional doctor for a breast diagnosis.

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Written by Li Li Jie

Obstetrics and Gynecology

50sec

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What is the reason for breast pain during menstruation?

Menstrual breast pain is considered to be caused by two factors. First, the patient experiences breast pain during menstruation due to the stimulation of estrogen and progesterone secretion before the onset of menstruation. The pain symptoms may be more pronounced before menstruation and can be alleviated after menstruation. Second, if the patient's symptoms are severe, it is generally necessary to consider whether the pain is caused by mammary gland hyperplasia. Mammary gland hyperplasia can be caused by long-term staying up late, depression, and excessive stress. It is recommended that the patient undergoes a breast ultrasound to check for conditions like mammary ductal hyperplasia or fibroadenomas, and then receive targeted treatment.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

56sec

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Is breast pain related to taking folic acid?

Breast pain and swelling are generally not related to folic acid intake, as such pain and swelling are usually associated with breast hyperplasia, which is often related to endocrine disorders leading to increased levels of estrogen. The breast is a target organ for many endocrine glands, and its physiological activities are influenced by hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, ovaries, and adrenal cortex. The pituitary gland can directly affect the breast through prolactin. At the same time, estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries and adrenal cortex indirectly affect the breast. During pregnancy, breast cancer is influenced by estrogen and progesterone produced by the placenta. During pregnancy and lactation, the breast noticeably proliferates, with ductal elongation and alveolar secretion of milk. After breastfeeding, breast tissue returns to a relatively quiescent state.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

51sec

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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.