Breast Discomfort
For many women, breasts are a source of sensual pleasure. For breast-feeding mothers, they are a part of the bonding between mother and baby and a way of nurturing a new life. But at certain times in a woman’s life, breasts can be uncomfortable or downright painful. They may even become the focus of worry and anxiety.
Breast discomfort is a normal part of being a woman. It is almost always not a sign of breast cancer. Breasts are mammary glands that are responsive to natural hormonal changes, especially fluctuations in estrogen, that occur at menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy. Hormonal changes can cause breasts to become hot, swollen, tender, and painful to the touch. “Breast discomfort is really common for women,” says Amanda Clark, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland. “We see it a great deal during early pregnancy, with menstruation, and during early hormone therapy at menopause.”
All of the hormonal changes that occur just before menstruation and during pregnancy prepare the woman’s breasts for breast-feeding. With the onset of menstruation, estrogen levels fall and the breasts return to normal.
With pregnancy, the hormonal changes continue, and the breasts begin producing milk for the baby. Lactating breasts present their own special problems and challenges. Sometimes, a mother’s milk comes in too early or too heavily and causes a painful condition called engorgement. Nursing nipples can become sore. Milk ducts may become backed up and can lead to a painful infection called mastitis.
During menopause, many women opt for hormone therapy to reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and to reduce their risk of developing the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis & however, it often takes a while to find just the right combination and dosage of hormones for each woman. During this period, many women experience breast discomfort.
Some women also suffer from a noncancerous breast condition such as fibrocystic breasts that can cause the breasts to feel lumpy, painful, and tender. The condition is related to monthly hormonal fluctuations. As many as 30 percent of all women suffer from fibrocystic breasts, according to Sadja Greenwood, M.D., assistant clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of California at San Francisco. “Fibrocystic breasts were once considered a disease,” she says. “But it’s very common and is considered a normal-although somewhat painful-condition. ”
Even young girls who are just beginning to develop breasts are subject to hormonal fluctuations and can therefore experience breast tenderness. “Breast discomfort in prepubescent young women with breast budding is normal,” sa] Deborah Purcell, M.D., a pediatrician in private practice and past chairperson of the Department of Pediatrics at St. Vincent Hospital and Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. As odd as it may sound, “even young boys can experience some enlargement of the breasts and discomfort during this growth spurt,” says Purcell.
While you can’t always escape the natural fluctuations in hormones, there are things you car do to make yourself and your breasts more comfortable.
Wear a supportive bra. Breasts often swell with fluid during periods of hormonal fluctuation. Susan Woodruff, B.S.N., childbirth and parenting education coordinator at Tuality Community Hospital in Hillsboro, Oregon, advises women to wear a supportive bra, especially if their breasts are large. “You may have to wear it 24 hours a day when the breasts are tender,” she says. “Try one of those soft athletic bras that provide comfort and good support.”
Try cutting back on caffeine. Greenwood says that the scientific evidence is mixed about whether or not eliminating caffeine helps lumpy,fibrocystic breasts. One study, reported by the National Institutes of Health, which included more than 3,000 women, found no relationship between caffeine consumption and fibrocystic disease. On the other hand, some women have reported good results from cutting back or eliminating caffeinated coffees, teas, colas, and chocolate. Try reducing your consumption of caffeine to see if your breast discomfort decreases.
Cut salt. Many women are bothered by fluid retention, particularly near the time of their menstrual period, says Clark. “Avoiding salt around this time can help minimize fluid retention,” she says.
Apply heat/cold packs. Woodruff says that some women find relief from painful breasts by alternating a warm heating pad and ice packs. Try using the heating pad for 30 minutes, then the ice packs for 10 minutes, then the heating pad for 30 minutes, and so on.
Try a nonprescription pain reliever. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen can ease the pain of premenstrual breasts, says Clark. For fibrocystic breasts, Purcell recommends ibuprofen.
Check out your cosmetics. Some herbal cosmetics and remedies, such as those made with ginseng, can have steroidal effects similar to estrogen. If you suspect that a product that you use may have such an effect, try avoiding the product temporarily to see if your condition improves.
Tagged under: breast cancer, breast discomfort, breast feeding mothers, Gynaecological Problems, lactating breasts, menopausal symptoms women breasts
Filed under: Gynaecological Problems