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Mastalgia
Is breast swelling and pain after missing a period a sign of pregnancy?
The cessation of menstruation accompanied by breast pain could indicate pregnancy, but that’s not always the case. Similar symptoms to pregnancy, such as breast tenderness and delayed periods, can occur just before a woman's menstrual cycle. However, these symptoms can be influenced by factors such as fatigue, staying up late, medications, etc., leading to just a delay in menstruation. Before menstruation begins, the breasts are affected by hormones, causing ductal proliferation and edema, resulting in pain. However, this pain differs from the pain experienced during pregnancy. Pregnancy test strips can be used to check. It is generally recommended to conduct the test after a week’s delay of the menstrual period.
Breast swelling and occasional stabbing pain, what's wrong?
Breast swelling and occasional stabbing pain are considered to be caused by fibrocystic breast changes. The symptoms of fibrocystic breast changes include cyclic swelling and pain in the breasts, often appearing or worsening before menstruation and reducing or disappearing after menstruation. It may manifest as swelling and pain in one or both breasts, or prickling and painful sensations, and can extend to the shoulders, upper arms, or thoracic regions. Few patients may experience nipple discharge. During physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes, which are firm but not hard, can be felt in one or both breasts. Sometimes these lumps are tender, and their boundaries with the surrounding breast tissue are indistinct, but they are not adherent to the skin or pectoral muscles. Regular follow-up with breast ultrasound is advisable.
The difference between breast prickling pain and swelling pain.
Breast tingling and soreness are no different; they are both manifestations of breast hyperplasia. The main symptoms of breast hyperplasia include cyclic swelling and pain in the breast, which often appear or worsen before menstruation and diminish or disappear after menstruation. Mild cases may not be noticed by the patient, while severe cases can affect daily life and work. However, some patients do not exhibit obvious cyclical changes, and some may experience soreness in one or both breasts, or needle-like pain, which can extend to the shoulders, upper limbs, or chest and back area. A few patients may have nipple discharge, with the color of the discharge ranging from yellow, brown, or bloody. The duration of the condition can sometimes be lengthy, but symptoms typically alleviate or disappear automatically after menopause.
What causes breast pain after pregnancy?
In early pregnancy, hormonal changes occur in women's bodies, with increased levels of estrogen and progesterone leading to breast tenderness. This usually eases over time and is a normal physiological condition. Regular prenatal check-ups should be within normal ranges. If the discomfort is severe, it could indicate an abnormal condition, and it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. It is recommended to rest well, relax, maintain a cheerful mood, and ensure adequate sleep. Dietarily, avoid raw, cold, spicy, and stimulating food. Refrain from smoking, excessive drinking, and other unhealthy habits. Opt for a light yet nutritionally balanced diet, consume fresh fruits and vegetables, and eat smaller, more frequent meals. During the first three months of pregnancy, it is still necessary to supplement with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.
Do women experience breast pain during ovulation?
Women experience symptoms of breast swelling and pain during ovulation due to hormonal levels in the body, which is a normal physiological phenomenon and should not be overly concerning. Generally, these symptoms will disappear after ovulation. If the symptoms of breast swelling and pain are severe, it is advisable to promptly visit a reputable local hospital for relevant examinations to determine the specific cause. Under the guidance of a clinician, treatment should be given according to the symptoms. It is recommended that women should rest during ovulation, avoid strenuous exercise, maintain genital hygiene, and wear loose, breathable underwear.
What should I do if my breasts are swollen and painful and I can't pump milk out?
If breast pain has already occurred, it is still necessary to actively treat the symptoms. Normally, if the milk cannot be completely extracted after stimulation, it is possible that a blockage in the milk ducts may be occurring. It is generally recommended to apply local heat and massage to the breasts before pumping. These treatments can effectively promote local blood circulation and help the milk ducts to clear, facilitating the complete extraction of milk. If there is continuous non-discharge of milk causing local breast swelling, it's necessary to consider the possibility of mastitis and seek medical advice promptly to receive appropriate treatment.
Breast swelling and pain occur a few days before menstruation.
Breast pain and swelling commonly occur 3 to 5 days before menstruation. As everyone's physical condition varies, the severity and duration of breast pain can differ. Clinically, most women experience this discomfort. Generally, the symptoms gradually disappear after the onset of menstruation. This is related to hormonal imbalances involving estrogen before menstruation, or due to the withdrawal of estrogen. If the symptoms are mild, treatment is usually not necessary. It's often sufficient to rest adequately, avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain a good mood and outlook.
What's going on with breast swelling, pain, and frequent urination?
Breast engorgement and frequent urination may be caused by mammary gland hyperplasia, and we can diagnose it through breast ultrasonography or mammography. Mammary gland hyperplasia is currently believed to be related to endocrine disorders causing increased levels of estrogen. It primarily manifests as cyclical breast pain, often occurring or worsening before menstruation, and diminishing or disappearing after menstruation. Mild cases may not be significant to the patient, but severe cases can affect daily life and work. However, some patients do not show obvious cyclical changes, and symptoms may include one or both sides of the breasts feeling engorged or a tingling itch, possibly extending to the shoulder, upper limbs, or thoracic and back areas. A minority of patients may experience nipple discharge, which can be yellow or brown. The condition can last for a long time, but symptoms will automatically disappear or lessen after menopause.
Do breasts become sore during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, one may experience breast pain, particularly in the early stages. The hormonal changes in a woman's body, including an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels, can lead to this discomfort. This pain generally eases over time and is a normal physiological condition. As long as the prenatal check-ups are within the normal range, it should be fine. However, if the discomfort is severe, it could be indicative of an abnormal condition that requires prompt medical examination. In the early stages of pregnancy, it is advisable to rest adequately, relax, and keep in good spirits. One should avoid getting cold and focus on staying warm. Dietary considerations include avoiding raw, cold, spicy, or pungent foods, and refraining from smoking or excessive drinking. Opt for light and nutritionally balanced meals instead, and increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also necessary to continue taking folic acid during the first three months of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.
Should I use cold or hot compress for breast pain?
For breast tenderness, we generally choose hot compresses to reduce pain. For the occurrence of mammary gland hyperplasia, it is recommended to use medication for symptomatic treatment, which may include traditional Chinese medicine. This treatment involves soothing the liver and regulating qi, and balancing the thoroughfare and conception vessels to alleviate pain. Endocrine treatments are also an option, but they are ideally avoided if possible. However, for significant pain during the pre-menopausal period, medication can be taken before the onset of menstruation. Vitamin treatments with vitamins B, C, and E, which help improve liver function, regulate hormone metabolism, and enhance autonomic nerve functions, can be used as adjunctive medications for this condition. Vitamin E also has pain-relieving properties. For individuals with a family history of breast cancer, localized lesions in part of the breast, noticeable lumps after menstruation or dense shadows or microcalcifications on a mammographic film, a biopsy or a Mammotome rotational excision procedure should be performed, and surgical treatment may be necessary if required.