Lower abdominal pain and breast swelling, what's the matter?

Written by Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on June 06, 2025
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Lower abdominal pain and breast pain are some symptoms that appear before menstruation. Before menstruation, there are significant changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. An imbalance in the levels of these hormones can lead to symptoms such as breast pain and lower abdominal pain. These symptoms typically disappear with the onset of menstruation, so it is a normal phenomenon and does not require special treatment. These symptoms could also be early signs of pregnancy, as early pregnancy reactions. In the early stages of pregnancy, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body increase significantly, which can cause breast pain, lower abdominal pain, and other early pregnancy reactions such as nausea and vomiting. When experiencing lower abdominal pain and breast pain, one should first consider the menstrual cycle and whether there is a delay in menstruation. If the menstruation is delayed, pregnancy should be considered. If it is just before an expected menstruation, these could be premenstrual symptoms.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What's going on with breast swelling, pain, nausea, and vomiting?

Generally considered related to breast hyperplasia. We can confirm the diagnosis through breast ultrasound or mammography, paying attention to exclude the possibility of pregnancy. Breast hyperplasia is characterized by cyclic swelling and pain of the breasts, often occurring or worsening before menstruation and reducing or disappearing after menstruation. Mild cases may go unnoticed by the patient, while severe cases can affect daily life and work. However, some patients do not show obvious cyclic changes, and symptoms might present as unilateral or bilateral breast pain or pinprick-like sensation, possibly extending to the shoulder, upper limbs, or the chest-back area. A few patients may experience nipple discharge. The condition can persist for a long time, but symptoms generally disappear or lessen after menopause. During physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes, firm but not hard, may be felt in one or both breasts, sometimes tender when touched.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Is massage useful for breast distension pain?

Breast pain massage can be effective, but the effect is not very clear. Breast pain is generally related to breast hyperplasia, which is often linked to increased levels of estrogen due to endocrine disorders. Under normal circumstances, for symptoms that are quite obvious, we can use traditional Chinese medicine for treatment, which alleviates the pain through methods such as soothing the liver and regulating Qi, as well as harmonizing vital energy. Vitamin treatment can also be used. Vitamins B, C, and E improve liver function, regulate sex hormone metabolism, and enhance autonomic nervous function, serving as auxiliary medications for this condition. Vitamin E also has a pain-relieving effect. Endocrine treatment can also be used, although it is generally best avoided if possible. However, for patients in the pre-menopausal period who experience significant pain, it can be taken before the onset of menstruation.

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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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How many days after conception do the breasts start to feel sore?

Generally, after seven weeks of pregnancy, patients will begin to experience breast tenderness and pain. At this time, patients will feel that their breasts are noticeably swollen and increase in size gradually. The nipples will start to darken and enlarge. Around the areola, sebaceous glands will appear, and deep brown nodules known as Montgomery's tubercles will also develop. The color of the areola will begin to darken, which is related to the significant increase in hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, in the body after pregnancy. It is recommended that women protect their breasts from being compressed and avoid excessive massaging after pregnancy.

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Written by Wang Xiu Mei
Obstetrics
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What causes breast pain after pregnancy?

In early pregnancy, hormonal changes occur in women's bodies, with increased levels of estrogen and progesterone leading to breast tenderness. This usually eases over time and is a normal physiological condition. Regular prenatal check-ups should be within normal ranges. If the discomfort is severe, it could indicate an abnormal condition, and it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. It is recommended to rest well, relax, maintain a cheerful mood, and ensure adequate sleep. Dietarily, avoid raw, cold, spicy, and stimulating food. Refrain from smoking, excessive drinking, and other unhealthy habits. Opt for a light yet nutritionally balanced diet, consume fresh fruits and vegetables, and eat smaller, more frequent meals. During the first three months of pregnancy, it is still necessary to supplement with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.