What causes breast pain after menopause?

Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 04, 2025
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When experiencing delayed menstruation and symptoms of breast tenderness, the first consideration should be related to pregnancy. As long as there has been sexual activity, whether contraception was used or not, a pregnancy test should be conducted. However, not all cases of ceased menstruation and breast tenderness are related to pregnancy; some people may experience these symptoms before their period, which can only be differentiated by medical examination.

If menstruation has stopped for two weeks and pregnancy is still ruled out upon re-examination, then intervention should be considered. An ultrasound should be performed. For some, symptoms of breast tenderness may be related to staying up late, excessive stress, the tightness of bras, or breast hyperplasia, among other factors.

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Written by Ding Ying Bo
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Can breast pain be treated with a hot compress?

Breast swelling and pain can be treated with hot compresses, but the results may not be very satisfactory. Breast pain caused by mammary gland hyperplasia is generally treated with traditional Chinese medicine, which relieves pain by soothing the liver and regulating qi, and harmonizing the Chong and Ren meridians. Endocrine treatment can also be used, preferably avoided, but can be taken before menstruation when the pain is very significant in the pre-menopausal period. When undergoing endocrine treatment, it is necessary to regularly re-examine the pelvic ultrasound, as endocrine treatment may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Vitamin therapy can also be used; vitamins B, C, and E can improve liver function, regulate basic metabolism, and enhance autonomic nerve function, and can be used as an adjunctive treatment for this condition. Recently, vitamin E has also been considered to have pain-relieving properties, and regular ultrasound examinations of the mammary glands or mammography are necessary when breast swelling and pain occur.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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What should I do if my breasts are swollen and painful and I can't pump milk out?

If breast pain has already occurred, it is still necessary to actively treat the symptoms. Normally, if the milk cannot be completely extracted after stimulation, it is possible that a blockage in the milk ducts may be occurring. It is generally recommended to apply local heat and massage to the breasts before pumping. These treatments can effectively promote local blood circulation and help the milk ducts to clear, facilitating the complete extraction of milk. If there is continuous non-discharge of milk causing local breast swelling, it's necessary to consider the possibility of mastitis and seek medical advice promptly to receive appropriate treatment.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Does breast pain have a connection with gynecological diseases?

Breast swelling and pain generally do not have a clear relationship with gynecological diseases. However, ovarian function is related to breast swelling and pain, as the state of ovarian function and whether there is disorder play an important role in the onset of mammary gland hyperplasia. On the other hand, differences in the quality and quantity of female hormone receptors are clearly related to the uneven growth of various components of the mammary gland. Breast swelling and pain can be alleviated through Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments by soothing the liver and regulating qi, and harmonizing and moisturizing the body. Vitamin treatment can also be used, as vitamins can help treat mammary gland hyperplasia.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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How to deal with breast distention and pain?

There are many reasons for breast pain, and the methods of treatment vary according to the different causes. During our adolescence, before menstruation, and during pregnancy, many people experience breast pain, which is often caused by hormonal changes in the body. Generally, the symptoms are not particularly severe, so there is no need for excessive worry or special treatment. However, many diseases can also cause breast pain, such as mastitis during breastfeeding, fibrocystic breast changes, and various breast tumors, all of which may lead to breast discomfort and require significant attention. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with breast pain seek timely medical examination to identify the cause and receive targeted treatment.