Pain in the breasts and nipples: what are the causes?

Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, are very common in women. Breastfeeding, menstruation, hormonal imbalances, too intense sports sessions… It must be said that our breasts see all the colors. When should you worry? What to do when the pain persists? Let’s start by taking stock of the probable reasons for breast pain.

Probable causes of breast pain depend on the location of the pain : at the level of a particular area, or in the whole breast.

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs. From a certain size, they can cause pressure on surrounding breast tissuewhich leads to localized pain. A doctor can drain the fluid to fix the problem.

Red, swollen and painful breasts can suffer from breast infection. Antibiotic treatment prescribed by a doctor is usually enough to eliminate the localized problem, but extensive examinations are sometimes necessary to ensure that the infection is not hiding another disease.

Do your breasts hurt just before your period (premenstrual syndrome)? Do not search anymore, it is the hormones that are to blame. Changes in the levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone can indeed cause breast pain. They can also explain breast pain during puberty, during pregnancy or menopause. Result: the breasts are sometimes swollen, sensitive and painful.

This type of pain is cyclical and usually goes away when the hormones stabilize. Hormonal contraceptives can help reduce this unpleasant feeling. But be careful: the body needs some time to get used to a new contraceptive. Don’t be surprised if the pain persists for a while.

Fibrocystic breast changes are a very common non-cancerous condition. They are also known as « fibrocystic breast disease« . It is not strictly speaking a disease: the breasts of women with this condition are not abnormal. Again, hormones are probably responsible for breast pain.

The ligaments in the breasts work constantly to maintain their shape and prevent them from sagging. The bigger your breasts, the more these ligaments are stretched, which can cause breast pain. In this case, a suitable bra will improve the support.

Chest pain may come from the pectoral muscle, the lateral back muscle, or the ribs, following exercise, injury, or a recent episode of persistent coughing. This type of pain feels when touching the affected area.

The pectoral muscles, which are located under the breasts, can cause mild pain when sore after sports training. Apply a warm compress or take a painkiller to relieve this pain, and remember to stretch well after exercise.

Breast pain is rarely linked to breast cancer. It only portends such a cancer in a small number of cases. However, this is not a reason to get tested!

Stay on the lookout for the slightest change and do not hesitate to consult your doctor:

• if the pain persists several days (for example, for more than a month),
• if you notice a flow,
• if the pain focuses on one point of one breast,
• or if you have other symptoms such asa lump in the painful area.

Please note, intense pain, redness or a burning sensation may be a sign of an infection that requires an emergency consultation, ideally within two days.

• a clinical breast examination (palpation of the breasts);
• a imagery (mammography, breast ultrasound);
• or even a biopsy (removal of a piece of breast tissue for analysis).

Mild pain usually ends in disappear spontaneouslyeven without treatment.

• The menstrual pain can normally be relieved by taking paracetamol or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Danazol (synthetic hormone derived from testosterone) or tamoxifen (drug used in the treatment of breast cancer) may also be prescribed for a short period. These drugs inhibit the activity of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which make the breasts swollen and painful. Some people are relieved by an ice pack Where a heating pad.
• In the case of pregnancy-related breast painwearing a bra with good support and/or taking paracetamol can provide relief.
• Stopping birth control pills or hormone therapy can relieve symptoms.

When a particular pathology is identified, the treatment depends on the situation. For example, if the pain is related to one or more cysts, the puncture of the cyst or cysts generally relieves the patient. Additional tests may be needed, depending on the patient’s other symptoms.