Breast pain
How common is breast pain?
Many women will experience breast pain during their lives.We often think that pain is a sign that
something is wrong and even serious,although this is rarely the case with breast pain.
Breast pain can vary from mild to severe.Some women experience an ache, whilst others experience a stabbing sensation.
Breast pain alone is rarely a sign of breast cancer.
There are 3 main types of breast pain:
1. Cyclical This kind of pain is worse closer to the menstrual period. The amount of pain can change from
month to month.
2. Non-cyclical The pain does not change with the menstrual period. It may be there all the time or it may come
and go without a pattern.
3. Chest Wall Pain This is not true breast pain but aff ects the muscles and other tissues beneath the breast.
Main causes of breast pain
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy
Weight gain
Bra problems
Infection of the breast (mastitis)
Injury to the breast
Arthritis pain or a pinched nerve in
the neck area
Inflammation of a rib joint
Simple cysts
Some forms of hormonal
replacement therapy.
Hints to relieve breast pain
Here are some simple suggestions you may
like to try if you suffer from breast pain:
Use of a bra - some women find that wearing a correctly fitted supportive bra at
all times helps by reducing breast movement.Other women choose not to wear a bra at all
or choose to wear a loose fitting or soft bra at night.
Dietary changes - reducing your caffeine (coffee, tea, cola and chocolate), salt and fat
intakes can be helpful.
Natural supplements - some women have found that Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and
B1 (thiamine) relieves breast pain. Evening Primrose Oil can also help to relieve pain
or premenstrual symptoms. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about the
recommended dose.