What is the cause of breast swelling, pain, and prominent nipples?

Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

Updated on June 08, 2025

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Breast swelling and pain, along with prominent nipples, are generally considered to be related to fibrocystic breast changes. Currently, fibrocystic breast changes are mostly believed to be related to elevated levels of estrogen caused by hormonal imbalances. The external environment in which people live, work and living conditions, interpersonal relationships, and other various stresses causing psychological factors, can all alter the internal environment of the human body. This, in turn, affects the function of the endocrine system, leading to abnormal secretion of one or several hormones, and changes in the hormone levels within the breast receptors during the menstrual cycle. When the balance of hormone levels in the body is disrupted, with an increase in estrogen levels and a decrease in progesterone secretion, it can lead to incomplete regression after breast proliferation, causing the growth of breast tissue. Additionally, the differential quality and quantity of female hormone receptors in the breast tissue components may lead to uneven growth of various parts of the breast.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

1min 16sec

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Are nipple pain and breast tenderness the same thing?

Nipple pain and breast swelling are the same issues, both caused by mammary gland hyperplasia. Mammary gland hyperplasia mainly manifests as cyclic swelling and pain of the mammary glands, typically occurring or worsening before menstruation and diminishing or disappearing after menstruation. The mild cases get unnoticed by patients, while severe ones can impact daily life and work. However, some patients do not show obvious cyclical changes. It may present as swelling and pain in one or both breasts, similar to needle pricks, possibly extending to the shoulders, upper limbs, or thoracic-back area. A minority of patients may experience nipple discharge, and the condition can last for a long time, but symptoms usually disappear or diminish after menopause. During physical examinations, nodular lumps of varying sizes, which are tough but not hard, can sometimes be felt in one or both breasts. These lumps sometimes move when touched, and their boundaries with the surrounding breast tissue are not clear. However, they are not adherent to the skin or pectoral muscles. Sometimes it appears as a thickened area with unclear boundaries. The lumps often swell before menstruation and shrink afterward.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting

Breast Health Department

42sec

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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 Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

1min 11sec

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Is it useful to apply potato slices for breast pain?

Applying potato slices to breast swelling and pain is ineffective, as such discomfort often relates to mammary gland hyperplasia, which is commonly believed to be associated with hormonal imbalances leading to increased estrogen levels. Therefore, for the swelling and pain caused by hyperplasia, we generally use traditional Chinese medicine treatments. By employing methods that soothe the liver and regulate Qi, aligning the Chong and Ren meridians, pain relief can be achieved. Endocrine treatments are also available but generally avoided unless the pain is particularly severe before menopause, in which case they can be taken before the onset of menstruation. Vitamin therapy is another option. Vitamins B, C, and E are known to improve liver function, regulate basal metabolic rate, and enhance autonomic nervous functions, serving as supplementary treatments for the condition. In recent years, vitamin E has also been recognized for its pain-relief properties. Proper diagnosis of breast swelling and pain also necessitates the use of color ultrasonography and mammography.

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Written by Ding Ying Bo

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 24sec

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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

1min 11sec

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Can breast distension and pain be treated with moxibustion?

Breast distension pain can be treated with moxibustion, but the results might not always be satisfactory as breast distension pain is related to mammary gland hyperplasia, which is believed to be connected to increased estrogen levels caused by endocrine disorders. Generally, we use traditional Chinese medicine for treatment, which relieves pain through methods that soothe the liver and regulate Qi, and harmonize the thoroughfare and conception vessels. Endocrine treatment is also an option but is used as sparingly as possible. However, it can be administered before menstrual onset in cases where pain is significantly pronounced in the pre-menopausal phase. Regular pelvic ultrasound re-examinations must be conducted during endocrine treatment due to the increased risk of endometrial cancer that this treatment might entail. Treatment with vitamins such as vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E can also be used, as they aid in improving liver function, regulating sex hormone metabolism, and enhancing autonomic nervous system functions, serving as adjunctive medication for this condition. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)