Can you massage if there is breast pain before menstruation?

Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Updated on May 22, 2025
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Many women experience breast tenderness before their menstrual period, which can be attributed to various factors. This may include changes in hormonal levels and emotional impacts leading to discomfort. At this time, is it possible to perform massages? If the breast tenderness before menstruation is mild and occasional, it can be alleviated through massage by addressing some clinical symptoms. Since the liver meridian primarily passes through the ribs near the breasts, massaging certain acupoints on the liver and gallbladder meridians can help soothe the liver and relieve depression, thereby easing breast pain. For example, massaging the Qimen and Dabao acupoints, and then the Danzhong acupoint can regulate the liver, facilitate the flow of qi, and relieve pain. However, if there is frequent and stabbing pain in the breasts before menstruation, or if there are palpable lumps, it is not advisable to use massage to address this tenderness. In such cases, it is crucial to consult a doctor at a hospital to check for any other pathological changes. If there are other conditions, timely treatment is necessary.

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How long after breast pain does menstruation come?

Everyone experiences different symptoms before menstruation. Some people experience breast swelling and soon after, their period begins, while for others, breast swelling can last for about two weeks or more before menstruation occurs. This varies from person to person because breast swelling is related to many factors. For example, some start experiencing it after ovulation, while for others, it might be related to staying up late and recent high stress levels. Some individuals may have mammary gland hyperplasia and should regularly have breast examinations, such as breast palpation and breast ultrasound, among other tests. Not every symptom indicates that menstruation will occur; some could be early signs of pregnancy. If the period is delayed, it is still necessary to check.

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How to treat mastitis and breast pain

For breast pain caused by mastitis during milk engorgement, we can use hot compresses and massage to fully expel the milk. Locally, a 25% magnesium sulfate poultice can be applied for 20 minutes, three times a day. After breastfeeding, cold compresses can be used to reduce the pain caused by milk engorgement. In cases of mastitis, it is important to keep the nipple clean, frequently washing with soap and warm water. Before and after breastfeeding, the nipples can also be washed with 3% boric acid solution. For inverted nipples, gently squeeze out the nipple before cleaning. However, it is not advisable to wipe with ethanol, as ethanol can make the skin of the nipple and areola brittle, leading to fissures. Develop good breastfeeding habits, feed at regular intervals, ensure the milk is fully drawn each time, and if not, manually express or use a breast pump to remove the milk.

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Can I apply magnesium sulfate for breast pain?

Breast distension pain generally does not require the administration of magnesium sulfate, as magnesium sulfate is typically used for cellulitis or inflammation and swelling and needs to be applied externally. Breast distension pain is usually related to breast hyperplasia, which is associated with elevated levels of estrogen in the body. Therefore, it is often treated with traditional Chinese medicine. Techniques such as soothing the liver and regulating the Qi, as well as coordinating the thoroughfare and conception vessels, can relieve pain. Endocrine treatments are also available, though ideally not used unless the pain is very significant during the premenopausal period, in which case it can be taken before the onset of menstruation. Vitamin therapy, including vitamins B, C, and E, can also be used; these improve liver function, regulate basal metabolism, and enhance the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, serving as adjunctive treatments for this condition.

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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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What's going on with breast swelling, pain, and frequent urination?

Breast engorgement and frequent urination may be caused by mammary gland hyperplasia, and we can diagnose it through breast ultrasonography or mammography. Mammary gland hyperplasia is currently believed to be related to endocrine disorders causing increased levels of estrogen. It primarily manifests as cyclical breast pain, often occurring or worsening before menstruation, and diminishing or disappearing after menstruation. Mild cases may not be significant to the patient, but severe cases can affect daily life and work. However, some patients do not show obvious cyclical changes, and symptoms may include one or both sides of the breasts feeling engorged or a tingling itch, possibly extending to the shoulder, upper limbs, or thoracic and back areas. A minority of patients may experience nipple discharge, which can be yellow or brown. The condition can last for a long time, but symptoms will automatically disappear or lessen after menopause.