Women are introduced to sore breasts right from puberty. At puberty, breast pain is a sign of developing mammary glands. When we grow older, breast pain can also be due to pregnancy or it may be a signal that periods are coming soon. Breast pain during all these phases is called Mastalgia. Mastalgia may be cyclical (due to periods) or noncyclical (no relation to your period)
As we near Menopause, sore breasts may accompany the other symptoms of menopause as well. Menopause is a time in every woman's life when her periods have stopped for over a year, this happens due to the diminished production of estrogen and progesterone in the body. Hot flashes and night sweats are one of the few common symptoms that women may experience and sore breast is one of these symptoms as well.
if you have questions like why are my breasts sore all the time? Or how can I be them? This blog is for you. Here is how to deal with sore breasts and get some
Causes
As women step into menopause, a lot of changes go on in the body due to the levels of estrogen and progesterone dropping. In fact, during perimenopause, the lows and highs of hormones, and their unpredictable pattern can affect the breast tissue, hence leading to breast pain.
Breast soreness mostly improves as periods stop and the body no longer produces estrogen. However, a study shows that HRT is said to contribute to breast soreness in postmenopausal women.
Risk Factors
Usually, breast soreness is related to menopause, but it could be a result of another underlying condition or even due to certain medications. The risk of having breast soreness is higher if
You are under certain medications such as diuretics, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or digitalis preparations.
Breast infections
Fibroadenoma or benign lump in the breast
Underwired and tight bras
It's important to meet a doctor to diagnose the reason behind breast soreness rather than just regarding it as important. The doctor provides the best diagnosis in case of breast soreness, especially when it's not just due to perimenopause or menopause.
Diagnosis
If breast pain becomes persistent and constant is always good to meet the doctor in order to rule out any other possible reasons apart from menopause. It is a good idea to keep a journal on how often the pain comes and in case there is a pattern during a certain time in the day that it comes. This journaling can really help. Making a few points like
How often does the pain come?
What is the nature of the pain like burning, aching, sharp, or spasmodic?
Is there anything you do that makes the pain better or worst?
A breast examination is essential in order to rule out any lumps that may be causing the pain.
Treatment
Supplements
There are a few over-the-counter supplements and vitamins that may help relieve breast pain. Here is a list that might help
B Vitamins - Studies have shown that Vitamin B6 decreases breast pain when used along with evening primrose oil. Vitabalanc B Max is a complex that contains B6 along with other B Vitamins which may also help with energy levels during menopause.
Vitamin E - Early studies have shown a possible beneficial effect of Vitamin E on breast pain in women. The SugarBear Multi Women contains Vitamin E along with Vitamin B which may help in reducing this particular condition.
Omega 3 - Omega 3 fatty acids apart playing a major role in improving the transition to menopause, it reduces the pain associated with inflammation and breast tenderness. Bioglan Super Fish Oil contains Omega 3 which may help give an Omega 3 boost during menopause.
Limit Caffeine
It is observed that caffeine may cause breast soreness to increase hence it's good to avoid it as it may trigger other symptoms of menopause.
Hot Compressions
Hot compressions ease the pain and help relax the tensed muscles. A warm shower can help as well.
During the transition from Menopause, breast pain is quite common and tends to go away as soon as the period stops completely. Usually, breast soreness is not a cause of serious concern, however, if self-treat and supplements don’t work it's best to meet your gynecologist.
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