Is it normal for breast tenderness to disappear in early pregnancy?

Written by Zhang Chun Yun
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on May 23, 2025
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In early pregnancy, the changes in a woman's breasts are due to an increase in estrogen, which promotes the development of mammary ducts and the accumulation of fat, while progesterone promotes the development of mammary alveoli. Prolactin, growth hormone, insulin, cortisol, and epidermal growth factor also work together to differentiate stem cells into alveolar cells and myoepithelial cells. This often results in women noticing gradually enlarging breasts and feeling breast tenderness during physical examinations. Therefore, it is normal for women to experience breast tenderness in the affected areas, and the disappearance of this tenderness is also normal. If you are concerned, you can further visit a hospital for an examination to rule out any organic changes in the breast tissue. Follow the advice and proper diagnoses of doctors. If you have further questions, please consult a doctor at the hospital for more information.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Can cupping therapy be used for breast distension and pain?

Breast pain can be treated with cupping, but it is ineffective because breast pain is related to fibrocystic breast changes, which are often caused by endocrine disorders leading to elevated levels of estrogen. Generally, we can treat it with traditional Chinese medicine, using methods to soothe the liver and regulate qi, and harmonize the thoroughfare and conception vessels to alleviate the pain. Endocrine treatment can also be used, though it is generally avoided if possible. However, for significant pain during the pre-menopausal period, therapy can be initiated before the menstrual period. Treatment with vitamins B, C, and E can improve liver function, regulate sex hormone metabolism, and enhance autonomic nervous system functions. These serve as supplementary medication for this condition. Vitamin E in particular also helps alleviate pain.

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Written by Huo Ze Jun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What position should be scraped for breast distension pain?

Breast pain should first undergo a clear diagnosis to determine the cause. If it is simply caused by breast hyperplasia, gua sha can be used for treatment. The location of the breasts is generally on the stomach meridian or the liver and gallbladder meridians. For specific treatment acupoint selection, you can choose the Jianjing acupoint, which is located between the Dazhui acupoint and the shoulder peak, i.e., between the high point behind the neck and the shoulders. Pressing this area will produce a distinct sore and swollen feeling, and gua sha can be used to treat this area. Additionally, gua sha can be performed on the opposite side or the corresponding back side, where the pain points of the breasts are located at the corresponding positions on the back side, which has a good analgesic effect. Furthermore, distant points can be chosen. If the person tends to be irritable or impatient, gua sha can be performed between the first and second toes at the Taichong acupoint. Also, gua sha can be performed at the Danzhong acupoint located between the two breasts. Another point is the Waiguan acupoint, located between the transverse wrist crease and the elbow crease on the dorsal side of the forearm, about two inches from the wrist transverse crease. This point also has a good analgesic effect for breast pain caused by breast hyperplasia.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What causes breast swelling, pain, and chills?

Generally, it is considered related to breast hyperplasia. We can diagnose it through breast ultrasound or mammography. Currently, breast hyperplasia is mainly thought to be related to an increase in estrogen levels caused by endocrine disorders. The external environment in which people live, work and living conditions, interpersonal relationships, and various other pressures causing neuro-psychological factors, can change the internal environment of the body, thereby affecting the function of the endocrine system, and then causing the secretion of one or several hormones to be abnormal. During the menstrual cycle, the receptors in the breast undergo cyclical changes due to changes in hormone levels. When the balance of hormone levels in the body is disrupted, with an increase in estrogen levels and a decrease in progesterone secretion, it may cause incomplete regression after breast hyperplasia, leading to the proliferation of breast tissue. Therefore, the functional state of the ovaries and the presence of disorders play a very important role in the development of the disease.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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How long will breast tenderness during pregnancy last?

Many early-stage pregnant mothers suffer from breast tenderness, leading to frequent inquiries about how long this discomfort will last. The duration of breast tenderness varies from person to person; no two cases are exactly the same. Generally, as the pregnancy progresses and enters the mid-term, the continuously rising hormone levels will stabilize, and the breast discomfort will significantly ease. Therefore, pregnant mothers should not worry too much. Relax, pay attention to your physical condition, and if the pain becomes unbearable, consider seeking help from a doctor at the hospital.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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How to regulate premenstrual breast swelling and pain

Before menstruation, estrogen levels rise and the breast tissue becomes congested and swollen, leading to breast pain. At this time, it is recommended for women to maintain a light diet, keep in a pleasant mood, avoid irritability, have regular routines, avoid excessive fatigue, and engage in moderate exercise, among other practices. After menstruation begins, hormone levels decrease, and this type of pain naturally eases without needing much attention. However, if the pain is severe and affects normal life, or if the pain lasts beyond the menstrual period, it is advised to visit a breast surgery specialist 3 to 5 days after the end of the period for an examination.