Is it normal to have breast pain before menstruation?

Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on June 15, 2025
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Breast swelling and pain before menstruation are symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. This swelling and pain generally disappear after the onset of menstruation and are greatly related to emotional states. Therefore, it is important to maintain a relaxed mood, exercise regularly, ensure sufficient sleep, and avoid overwork and staying up late to reduce or eliminate these symptoms. Some people may become irritable, which can exacerbate the pain and swelling. Thus, breast swelling and pain are not normal, but they are also related to hormone secretion.

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What should I do if I have breast engorgement and lumps during postpartum confinement?

Postpartum breast engorgement and pain with lumps may indicate milk stasis within the breast. It is recommended to let the child suckle more. If the engorgement and pain persist due to a significant amount of residual milk, you can manually express the milk or use an electric breast pump to remove it to prevent the accumulation of milk, which can lead to mastitis. If the pain is severe and accompanied by fever, it is advised to stop breastfeeding from that side and seek medical attention promptly. If necessary, oral anti-inflammatory medication may be administered. During the postpartum period, care should be taken to avoid putting pressure on the breasts.

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How long will breast tenderness during pregnancy last?

Many early-stage pregnant mothers suffer from breast tenderness, leading to frequent inquiries about how long this discomfort will last. The duration of breast tenderness varies from person to person; no two cases are exactly the same. Generally, as the pregnancy progresses and enters the mid-term, the continuously rising hormone levels will stabilize, and the breast discomfort will significantly ease. Therefore, pregnant mothers should not worry too much. Relax, pay attention to your physical condition, and if the pain becomes unbearable, consider seeking help from a doctor at the hospital.

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Written by Lin Yang
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Breast swelling and pain, increased vaginal discharge, does it mean that menstruation is coming?

Breast swelling and pain, increased vaginal discharge, it might be that menstruation is coming. Breast swelling and pain are generally manifestations of mammary gland hyperplasia. The symptoms of mammary gland hyperplasia typically include cyclical breast swelling and pain, which often appear or worsen before menstruation and subside or disappear after menstruation. Some patients do not experience obvious cyclical changes; some may have swelling and needle-like pain in one or both breasts, which can extend to the shoulders, upper limbs, or chest and back areas. A few patients might have nipple discharge; the discharge can be yellow, brown, or bloody. The disease course can sometimes be long, but symptoms often disappear or lessen after menopause.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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What causes postmenopausal breast pain?

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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Can frequent breast pain be treated by patting?

Breast pain and swelling often occur, and slapping them is ineffective because the pain and swelling are related to fibrocystic breast change, which is often linked to hormonal imbalances causing increased levels of estrogen. Therefore, for symptoms that are quite severe, we can use traditional Chinese medicine, which alleviates pain through methods that soothe the liver and regulate qi, as well as harmonize the thoroughfare and conception vessels. Endocrine treatments are also an option, preferably avoided, but can be used before menstruation in cases of severe pain during the pre-menopausal period. Vitamin therapy can also be used; vitamins B, C, and E help improve liver function, regulate metabolic processes related to sex hormones, and enhance autonomic function, serving as adjunct therapies for this condition. Vitamin E also helps alleviate pain. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)