Does an ectopic pregnancy cause early breast tenderness?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on December 10, 2024
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Ectopic pregnancy is a pathological condition in the early stages of pregnancy. Although it is a pathological state, it is still considered a pregnancy, so common early pregnancy reactions still occur in patients with ectopic pregnancies, including mild breast tenderness in the early stages. The reason for this tenderness is because after pregnancy, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in a woman's body increase. These hormones stimulate the mammary glands, causing slight proliferation and manifested as breast tenderness. Even in cases of ectopic pregnancy, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in a woman's body will rise, thus causing breast tenderness. However, in ectopic pregnancies, the increase in estrogen and progesterone is not particularly high, so the stimulation to the mammary glands is not as strong as in a normal intrauterine pregnancy. Thus, there is breast tenderness in the early pregnancy, but it is lower than in normal intrauterine pregnancies.

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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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What to do about breast pain before menstruation?

Under normal circumstances, if there is also breast swelling and pain usually, it is essential to go to the hospital for an ultrasound to check if there is breast hyperplasia or any organic breast diseases. If organic diseases are excluded, premenstrual breast swelling and pain are generally considered clinically, and traditional Chinese medicine believes that the liver meridian accumulates in the breast. For example, patients who are prone to anger or have liver depression and qi stagnation may experience premenstrual breast swelling and pain. At this time, treatment can generally involve taking some liver-soothing and depression-relieving medicine, such as Xiao Yao Wan, Ru Ning tablets, and other medicines for symptomatic treatment. Occasional one or two instances are not a big problem, but if premenstrual breast swelling and pain occur frequently, it is definitely necessary to take medicine for symptomatic treatment, as this condition is generally related to liver meridian and liver depression qi stagnation.

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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 breast swelling and pain before menstruation be relieved by massage?

It is advisable to go to the hospital for a systematic, standardized, and reasonable examination before menstruation if you experience breast swelling and pain, in order to rule out diseases that could cause such symptoms, such as mastitis in women, mammary hyperplasia, or breast cancer, etc. If these organic changes in the female breast are ruled out and the pain is considered to be caused by premenstrual syndrome, you may gently massage under the doctor's advice and guidance to alleviate the pain. Be gentle and slow in your approach, and pay attention to the technique; do not pinch or squeeze with excessive movements. Please follow the doctor's advice for specific actions. If you have further questions, please consult a doctor at the hospital.

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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.