What causes breast swelling, pain, and chills?

Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

Updated on February 07, 2025

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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Wu Shi Ting

Breast Health Department

46sec

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Is breast swelling and pain a sign of pregnancy?

After pregnancy, due to the influence of estrogen and progesterone, most women experience breast tenderness. However, not all breast tenderness is caused by pregnancy. There are many causes of breast tenderness. For example, some women experience mild cyclic breast tenderness with menstrual cycle changes, which is often physiological. There are also some diseases, such as common breast hyperplasia, that can cause breast tenderness. Of course, some benign or malignant tumors in the breast can also cause tenderness. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with breast tenderness seek timely medical examination at a hospital.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

1min 2sec

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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.

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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 Zhang Chun Yun

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 30sec

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Will breast pain still occur if pregnant in the same month as premenstrual breast swelling and pain?

If women experience breast pain before menstruation, it is likely caused by premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome in women is often caused by psychological stress and mental factors. It generally causes symptoms such as headaches, breast pain, limb edema, and abdominal bloating. At this time, it is advisable to give psychological suggestion under the guidance of a doctor. Generally, psychological comfort and guidance should be provided to help women relax. Additionally, a reasonable diet, increased nutrition, appropriate physical exercise, and quitting smoking are all good treatment methods for premenstrual syndrome, as it is caused by psychological and mental stress in women. Therefore, it is possible that a woman might still feel tense after becoming pregnant, which might result in chest pain. The specific situation depends on the individual conditions of the woman, as not all women necessarily experience chest pain. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze each case individually. If further questions arise, please consult a doctor at a hospital.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

54sec

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Breast swelling and occasional stabbing pain, what's wrong?

Breast swelling and occasional stabbing pain are considered to be caused by fibrocystic breast changes. The symptoms of fibrocystic breast changes include cyclic swelling and pain in the breasts, often appearing or worsening before menstruation and reducing or disappearing after menstruation. It may manifest as swelling and pain in one or both breasts, or prickling and painful sensations, and can extend to the shoulders, upper arms, or thoracic regions. Few patients may experience nipple discharge. During physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes, which are firm but not hard, can be felt in one or both breasts. Sometimes these lumps are tender, and their boundaries with the surrounding breast tissue are indistinct, but they are not adherent to the skin or pectoral muscles. Regular follow-up with breast ultrasound is advisable.