Why are breasts painful and swollen before menstruation?

Written by Jia Rui

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on October 25, 2024

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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.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

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The difference between breast prickling pain and swelling pain.

Breast tingling and soreness are no different; they are both manifestations of breast hyperplasia. The main symptoms of breast hyperplasia include cyclic swelling and pain in the breast, which often appear or worsen before menstruation and diminish or disappear after menstruation. Mild cases may not be noticed by the patient, while severe cases can affect daily life and work. However, some patients do not exhibit obvious cyclical changes, and some may experience soreness in one or both breasts, or needle-like pain, which can extend to the shoulders, upper limbs, or chest and back area. A few patients may have nipple discharge, with the color of the discharge ranging from yellow, brown, or bloody. The duration of the condition can sometimes be lengthy, but symptoms typically alleviate or disappear automatically after menopause.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

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What's causing breast swelling, pain, and dizziness?

Breast swelling and pain, dizziness, it may be caused by breast hyperplasia, which can be diagnosed through breast ultrasound or mammography. Breast hyperplasia is mainly related to endocrine disorders in the body, leading to increased levels of estrogen. When the hormone ratio in the body is unbalanced, estrogen levels increase and progesterone secretion decreases, it can lead to incomplete regression after breast hyperplasia, causing breast tissue proliferation. Therefore, the functional state of the ovaries and whether there is disorder play a very important role in the development of the disease. Additionally, it might be related to differences in the quantity and quality of estrogen receptors in the breast tissue, causing uneven levels of breast proliferation and leading to breast swelling.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

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Breast swelling and occasional stabbing pain, what's wrong?

Breast swelling and occasional stabbing pain are considered to be caused by fibrocystic breast changes. The symptoms of fibrocystic breast changes include cyclic swelling and pain in the breasts, often appearing or worsening before menstruation and reducing or disappearing after menstruation. It may manifest as swelling and pain in one or both breasts, or prickling and painful sensations, and can extend to the shoulders, upper arms, or thoracic regions. Few patients may experience nipple discharge. During physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes, which are firm but not hard, can be felt in one or both breasts. Sometimes these lumps are tender, and their boundaries with the surrounding breast tissue are indistinct, but they are not adherent to the skin or pectoral muscles. Regular follow-up with breast ultrasound is advisable.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

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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.

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Written by Li Li Jie

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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What causes breast pain after an abortion?

After an abortion, if there is breast pain, you can first have an X-ray or an ultrasound to see if it is related to a breast disease. If there is inflammation, oral anti-inflammatory medication should be taken. If it is mastitis, a warm wet towel can be applied appropriately. If it is breast hyperplasia, you can check the size of the lump, and surgery might be needed if it is severe. If the hormonal levels have changed due to the abortion, treatment might not be necessary. After an abortion, it is crucial to rest more and avoid staying up late. Maintain a regular lifestyle, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, pay attention to a mild diet, and keep good hygiene habits.