What is the reason for breast pain during menstruation?

Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on March 25, 2025
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Menstrual breast pain is considered to be caused by two factors. First, the patient experiences breast pain during menstruation due to the stimulation of estrogen and progesterone secretion before the onset of menstruation. The pain symptoms may be more pronounced before menstruation and can be alleviated after menstruation. Second, if the patient's symptoms are severe, it is generally necessary to consider whether the pain is caused by mammary gland hyperplasia. Mammary gland hyperplasia can be caused by long-term staying up late, depression, and excessive stress. It is recommended that the patient undergoes a breast ultrasound to check for conditions like mammary ductal hyperplasia or fibroadenomas, and then receive targeted treatment.

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Written by Zhao Yang
Breast Surgery
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What should I do if my breasts are swollen, painful, and not producing milk?

Breast engorgement and blocked milk flow can be attributed to the accumulation of milk. The simplest method to alleviate this is by clearing the milk ducts. You can either allow the baby to nurse more frequently or use a breast pump to assist. The most effective solution is to seek help from a lactation consultant or a professional medical practitioner to clear the ducts through milk expression. Both manual expression and nursing the baby are the best methods to relieve engorgement pain.

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Written by Lin Yang
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What tests should be done for breast pain?

Breast pain is generally considered to be caused by breast hyperplasia. It usually occurs or worsens before menstruation and decreases or disappears after menstruation. In this case, it is recommended to have a breast ultrasound, which generally shows uneven low echo areas. If cysts are formed, anechoic areas will be reported. You can also undergo a mammography X-ray examination, which often shows ground glass-like or cotton wool-like shadows. If financial conditions allow, further breast MRI examination can be conducted to more accurately determine the benign or malignant nature of the condition.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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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.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Can I drink dandelion for breast distension and pain?

Breast distention pain can be treated with dandelion, but the effect is not significant. This is because there is a clear relationship between breast distention pain and breast hyperplasia. Generally, we can treat it with traditional Chinese medicine. By soothing the liver and regulating Qi, and harmonizing Chong and Ren meridians, we can relieve the distention pain. Endocrine treatment can also be used, preferably avoided, but it can be administered before menstruation when the pain is very noticeable in the pre-menopausal period, because endocrine treatment can increase the risk of endometrial cancer, therefore regular pelvic ultrasound examinations are necessary. Vitamin therapy can also be used. Vitamins B, C, and E improve liver function, regulate sex hormone metabolism, and improve autonomic nervous function, and can be used as adjunctive medication for this condition. Vitamin E also has a pain-relieving effect.

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Written by Zhang Chun Yun
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can Chinese medicine be used to treat breast pain before menstruation?

Breast pain before menstruation is an issue. It is recommended that you visit a hospital for a comprehensive examination to rule out organic changes related to female breast conditions such as mastitis, mammary ductal hyperplasia, and fibrocystic breast disease, among others. After excluding these conditions, it might be considered premenstrual syndrome. The final diagnosis and examination results from a doctor should be definitive. You could also opt for traditional Chinese medicine; take your medical results to a TCM department. Please have a Chinese medicine practitioner assess your pulse, constitution, tongue coating, medical reports, and specific symptoms, and prescribe appropriate Chinese herbal medicines for your treatment. However, be aware that dietary restrictions are necessary when taking Chinese medicine; avoid spicy food, greasy food, and alcohol. If you have further questions, please consult a doctor at the hospital.