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Mastalgia
Does an ectopic pregnancy cause breast tenderness in the early stages?
Ectopic pregnancy, as the name implies, refers to the implantation of the gestational sac outside the uterine cavity, with common implantation sites including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the pelvic abdomen. Although an ectopic pregnancy is a pathological condition, it still falls within the category of pregnancy. Therefore, the common early pregnancy symptoms, such as those seen in early pregnancy, still occur in ectopic pregnancies. Whether it's an intrauterine pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy, breast pain during early pregnancy is common in most cases, primarily due to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone in women during early pregnancy. This leads to stimulation of the mammary glands and the proliferation of some mammary ducts, resulting in breast pain, which is normal. However, since the hormone levels in women with ectopic pregnancies are relatively lower, the sensation of breast pain is less than that in normal intrauterine pregnancies.
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.
What is causing breast swelling, pain, and discharge of pus?
Breast pain and hyperplasia are related, while purulent discharge might be caused by inflammation within the ducts. Usually, this can be diagnosed through ductoscopy. If it is inflammation, the lesions can be identified under ductoscopy, and then can be treated through washing with metronidazole and gentamicin, achieving a cure. However, there is a scenario where the issue is due to previously forcefully suppressing milk expulsion, leading to a large amount of milk residue in the ducts, causing purulent discharge. In this case, local heat application followed by massage and milk expulsion performed by a professional lactation masseuse can cure the condition. Regular follow-up with ultrasound and mammography of the breast is needed in the future. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)
Can Chinese medicine be used to treat breast pain before menstruation?
Breast pain before menstruation is an issue. It is recommended that you visit a hospital for a comprehensive examination to rule out organic changes related to female breast conditions such as mastitis, mammary ductal hyperplasia, and fibrocystic breast disease, among others. After excluding these conditions, it might be considered premenstrual syndrome. The final diagnosis and examination results from a doctor should be definitive. You could also opt for traditional Chinese medicine; take your medical results to a TCM department. Please have a Chinese medicine practitioner assess your pulse, constitution, tongue coating, medical reports, and specific symptoms, and prescribe appropriate Chinese herbal medicines for your treatment. However, be aware that dietary restrictions are necessary when taking Chinese medicine; avoid spicy food, greasy food, and alcohol. If you have further questions, please consult a doctor at the hospital.
What is the reason for breast pain during menstruation?
Menstrual breast pain is considered to be caused by two factors. First, the patient experiences breast pain during menstruation due to the stimulation of estrogen and progesterone secretion before the onset of menstruation. The pain symptoms may be more pronounced before menstruation and can be alleviated after menstruation. Second, if the patient's symptoms are severe, it is generally necessary to consider whether the pain is caused by mammary gland hyperplasia. Mammary gland hyperplasia can be caused by long-term staying up late, depression, and excessive stress. It is recommended that the patient undergoes a breast ultrasound to check for conditions like mammary ductal hyperplasia or fibroadenomas, and then receive targeted treatment.
Are nipple pain and breast tenderness the same thing?
Nipple pain and breast swelling are the same issues, both caused by mammary gland hyperplasia. Mammary gland hyperplasia mainly manifests as cyclic swelling and pain of the mammary glands, typically occurring or worsening before menstruation and diminishing or disappearing after menstruation. The mild cases get unnoticed by patients, while severe ones can impact daily life and work. However, some patients do not show obvious cyclical changes. It may present as swelling and pain in one or both breasts, similar to needle pricks, possibly extending to the shoulders, upper limbs, or thoracic-back area. A minority of patients may experience nipple discharge, and the condition can last for a long time, but symptoms usually disappear or diminish after menopause. During physical examinations, nodular lumps of varying sizes, which are tough but not hard, can sometimes be felt in one or both breasts. These lumps sometimes move when touched, and their boundaries with the surrounding breast tissue are not clear. However, they are not adherent to the skin or pectoral muscles. Sometimes it appears as a thickened area with unclear boundaries. The lumps often swell before menstruation and shrink afterward.
What to do about breast pain before menstruation?
Under normal circumstances, if there is also breast swelling and pain usually, it is essential to go to the hospital for an ultrasound to check if there is breast hyperplasia or any organic breast diseases. If organic diseases are excluded, premenstrual breast swelling and pain are generally considered clinically, and traditional Chinese medicine believes that the liver meridian accumulates in the breast. For example, patients who are prone to anger or have liver depression and qi stagnation may experience premenstrual breast swelling and pain. At this time, treatment can generally involve taking some liver-soothing and depression-relieving medicine, such as Xiao Yao Wan, Ru Ning tablets, and other medicines for symptomatic treatment. Occasional one or two instances are not a big problem, but if premenstrual breast swelling and pain occur frequently, it is definitely necessary to take medicine for symptomatic treatment, as this condition is generally related to liver meridian and liver depression qi stagnation.
Can breast engorgement and blocked milk ducts be treated with scraping therapy?
Breast pain and blocked milk ducts are not recommended for scraping therapy, as scraping can easily cause inflammation of the mammary glands and result in breast damage. Breast heaviness and blocked milk ducts are likely caused by the accumulation of milk in the ducts. It is advised to visit a regular hospital for a breast ultrasound to determine if the issue is caused by inflammation or lipid accumulation. If the condition is merely an accumulation, using a warm towel for heat compresses and massage can achieve the effect of unblocking the milk ducts. However, if the condition is caused by inflammation, and the symptoms are mild and the lesions are not severe, breastfeeding can still be continued. Nevertheless, the affected breast should not be used for breastfeeding. A breast pump can be used to extract the milk.
How to treat mastitis and breast pain
For breast pain caused by mastitis during milk engorgement, we can use hot compresses and massage to fully expel the milk. Locally, a 25% magnesium sulfate poultice can be applied for 20 minutes, three times a day. After breastfeeding, cold compresses can be used to reduce the pain caused by milk engorgement. In cases of mastitis, it is important to keep the nipple clean, frequently washing with soap and warm water. Before and after breastfeeding, the nipples can also be washed with 3% boric acid solution. For inverted nipples, gently squeeze out the nipple before cleaning. However, it is not advisable to wipe with ethanol, as ethanol can make the skin of the nipple and areola brittle, leading to fissures. Develop good breastfeeding habits, feed at regular intervals, ensure the milk is fully drawn each time, and if not, manually express or use a breast pump to remove the milk.
Does vomiting and breast swelling indicate pregnancy?
In the early stages of pregnancy, common symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness, known as early pregnancy reactions, typically appear around six weeks after missed menstruation. Around eight weeks of missed menstruation, due to the increase in estrogen and progesterone, one might experience breast tenderness, but these are not the main criteria for diagnosing pregnancy. The first clinical symptom of pregnancy is missed menstruation. For women of childbearing age with regular menstrual cycles, a noticeable delay in menstruation of ten days should initially prompt a consideration of pregnancy. This can be confirmed through elevated levels of blood HCG, followed by an ultrasound that reveals a visible gestational sac in the uterus to confirm the diagnosis.