What is the cause of breast swelling and pain?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on October 24, 2024
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Breast pain is generally related to breast hyperplasia, and it can be diagnosed through the use of breast ultrasound or mammography. Currently, breast hyperplasia is believed to be associated with disruptions in the endocrine system leading to elevated levels of estrogen. Factors such as the external environment, work and living conditions, interpersonal relations, and various other stresses that cause neuropsychiatric impacts can alter the internal environment of the body. This, in turn, affects the function of the endocrine system, leading to abnormal secretion of one or more hormones. During the menstrual cycle, the receptors in the breast tissue undergo cyclical changes due to the fluctuation of hormone levels. An imbalance where estrogen levels are high and progesterone secretion is reduced can result in incomplete regression of breast hyperplasia after the growth phase, causing breast tissue hyperplasia. Additionally, differences in the quality and quantity of estrogen receptors in the breast tissue may contribute to uneven growth levels across different parts of the breast.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is breast swelling and pain after missing a period a sign of pregnancy?

The cessation of menstruation accompanied by breast pain could indicate pregnancy, but that’s not always the case. Similar symptoms to pregnancy, such as breast tenderness and delayed periods, can occur just before a woman's menstrual cycle. However, these symptoms can be influenced by factors such as fatigue, staying up late, medications, etc., leading to just a delay in menstruation. Before menstruation begins, the breasts are affected by hormones, causing ductal proliferation and edema, resulting in pain. However, this pain differs from the pain experienced during pregnancy. Pregnancy test strips can be used to check. It is generally recommended to conduct the test after a week’s delay of the menstrual period.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What's the matter with delayed menstruation and breast pain?

Delayed menstruation and breast pain, if it occurs in women of childbearing age who are sexually active, this condition needs to be checked to see if there is a possibility of pregnancy. Menstruation is related to mood, diet, environmental stress, and psychological tension. If there is a problem in any of these areas, it can cause menstrual disorders. Of course, a delay in menstruation of about a week is within the normal range. If menstruation is delayed for more than a week and there has been sexual activity, a pregnancy test should be used to see if there is a possibility of pregnancy. If not pregnant and menstruation is delayed for more than a week, it is necessary to promptly go to the hospital for a gynecological ultrasound to check the condition of the endometrium, and if necessary, medication can be used to induce menstruation. If a pregnancy test is positive, then it is timely to go to the hospital for a pregnancy checkup.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Should I use cold or hot compress for breast pain?

For breast tenderness, we generally choose hot compresses to reduce pain. For the occurrence of mammary gland hyperplasia, it is recommended to use medication for symptomatic treatment, which may include traditional Chinese medicine. This treatment involves soothing the liver and regulating qi, and balancing the thoroughfare and conception vessels to alleviate pain. Endocrine treatments are also an option, but they are ideally avoided if possible. However, for significant pain during the pre-menopausal period, medication can be taken before the onset of menstruation. Vitamin treatments with vitamins B, C, and E, which help improve liver function, regulate hormone metabolism, and enhance autonomic nerve functions, can be used as adjunctive medications for this condition. Vitamin E also has pain-relieving properties. For individuals with a family history of breast cancer, localized lesions in part of the breast, noticeable lumps after menstruation or dense shadows or microcalcifications on a mammographic film, a biopsy or a Mammotome rotational excision procedure should be performed, and surgical treatment may be necessary if required.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What should you not eat if you have breast pain?

Breast swelling and pain are mostly considered to be related to breast hyperplasia, and can be diagnosed through breast ultrasound or mammography. Therefore, patients with breast hyperplasia need to eat less food containing estrogen, as supplementing exogenous estrogen has been confirmed to increase the incidence of breast cancer, and it is also advised to reduce the intake of fatty and high-calorie diets. Most epidemiological studies confirm that weight gain is associated with breast cancer, especially weight gain after menopause should be paired with reduced alcohol consumption. Reports indicate that drinking may increase hormone levels in the body, leading to an increased risk of breast cancer in women. It is suggested to consume more foods rich in fiber and vitamins. Although the mechanism is not yet clear, fiber has been confirmed to have an inhibitory effect on both breast cancer and colorectal cancer, and research suggests that vitamin A also has a protective role in breast cells.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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Can pregnancy cause breast pain?

Pregnant women are very likely to experience breast pain, which is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Symptoms like breast tenderness, sensitivity, and a stinging sensation usually appear within 3-4 weeks of pregnancy, sometimes even before a pregnancy test can be taken. This is primarily because, to better support the growth of the fetus, the body produces more estrogen, stimulating the growth of mammary glands and causing breast pain. Of course, as the pregnancy progresses and hormone levels gradually stabilize, breast pain will be alleviated. Pregnant women should not be overly concerned. However, it is also important to remind pregnant women that while this breast pain might increase discomfort during pregnancy, it is usually bearable. If the breast pain becomes unbearable, it is still essential to visit a hospital for a check-up.