Is breast tenderness a sign that menstruation is coming?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on October 30, 2024
00:00
00:00

Normally, if breast pain occurs before each menstrual period, it is generally considered that menstruation is approaching. However, some patients may also experience breast pain in the early stages of pregnancy. This type of pain usually occurs when the menstrual period does not arrive as expected, and at this time, the breast pain might be due to pregnancy. In such cases, it is advisable to visit a hospital for early pregnancy tests to obtain a clear diagnosis. If the test results indicate that pregnancy is not the cause of the breast pain, then it is likely that menstruation is approaching. Some patients may experience breast pain due to liver qi stagnation before their period, which is considered a pathological state and generally requires medication for symptomatic treatment. If pregnancy tests are negative and breast pain occurs, it is highly likely that menstruation is imminent.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min home-news-image

What's the matter with delayed menstruation and breast pain?

Delayed menstruation and breast pain, if it occurs in women of childbearing age who are sexually active, this condition needs to be checked to see if there is a possibility of pregnancy. Menstruation is related to mood, diet, environmental stress, and psychological tension. If there is a problem in any of these areas, it can cause menstrual disorders. Of course, a delay in menstruation of about a week is within the normal range. If menstruation is delayed for more than a week and there has been sexual activity, a pregnancy test should be used to see if there is a possibility of pregnancy. If not pregnant and menstruation is delayed for more than a week, it is necessary to promptly go to the hospital for a gynecological ultrasound to check the condition of the endometrium, and if necessary, medication can be used to induce menstruation. If a pregnancy test is positive, then it is timely to go to the hospital for a pregnancy checkup.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ding Ying Bo
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 24sec home-news-image

Brown vaginal discharge and breast pain, is it pregnancy?

Brown vaginal discharge and breast tenderness, if occurring after a delayed period, especially when effective contraceptives have not been used, may indicate early signs of pregnancy. This is because a low level of progesterone after conception can lead to a threatened miscarriage, manifesting as brown discharge. Moreover, following conception, a rapid rise in estrogen and progesterone levels in the body can stimulate the breasts, causing tenderness and pain. However, brown discharge and breast tenderness can also occur just before menstruation begins, as the endometrium thickens and hormonal fluctuations can lead to shedding. Thus, the presence of brown discharge and premenstrual breast tenderness, coupled with a noticeable increase in progesterone levels, can also stimulate the mammary ducts, resulting in breast pain. Therefore, it is difficult to determine based on symptoms alone whether the manifestations are due to a delay in menstruation or early pregnancy. A hospital laboratory test is necessary to confirm, generally advocating for an HCG test as it is the most accurate for confirming pregnancy and can determine with near 100% certainty, with little room for error.

doctor image
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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
40sec home-news-image

Do women experience breast pain during ovulation?

Women experience symptoms of breast swelling and pain during ovulation due to hormonal levels in the body, which is a normal physiological phenomenon and should not be overly concerning. Generally, these symptoms will disappear after ovulation. If the symptoms of breast swelling and pain are severe, it is advisable to promptly visit a reputable local hospital for relevant examinations to determine the specific cause. Under the guidance of a clinician, treatment should be given according to the symptoms. It is recommended that women should rest during ovulation, avoid strenuous exercise, maintain genital hygiene, and wear loose, breathable underwear.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
42sec home-news-image

What is the cause of breast pain before menstruation?

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.