Why are breasts painful and swollen before menstruation?

Written by Jia Rui

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on October 25, 2024

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Premenstrual breast pain is a common symptom among women and is considered a normal physiological response. It mainly occurs due to the increase in estrogen levels in the body seven to ten days before menstruation, leading to breast hyperplasia and enlargement, causing discomfort that makes the breasts sensitive to touch. There is no need for excessive concern as breast pain caused by hyperplasia is normal. Generally, the condition improves after menstruation and does not require special treatment. If the pain is severe, applying heat can help alleviate it.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

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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.

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Written by Zhang Chun Yun

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min

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Is breast pain before menstruation the ovulation period?

Generally, breast pain before menstruation in women is more likely caused by premenstrual syndrome rather than ovulation, as ovulation occurs approximately 14 days before the onset of menstruation, which is still some time before the period starts, so typically, women do not experience breast pain due to ovulation. It is advised that women experiencing breast pain before menstruation should visit a hospital for a systematic examination under the guidance of a doctor to rule out any organic changes in the breast tissues. If it is confirmed to be caused by premenstrual syndrome, it is important to provide psychological comfort and suggestions under the advice of a doctor, helping women smoothly get through the premenstrual period. If you have further questions, please consult a doctor at the hospital.

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Written by Zhao Li Li

Obstetrics

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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.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan

Obstetrics and Gynecology

47sec

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Is breast swelling and pain before menstruation a sign of pregnancy?

Breast tenderness before menstruation is not necessarily a sign of pregnancy. Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone before menstruation can also cause breast tenderness, as can the early stages of pregnancy. Therefore, if women of childbearing age experience a delay in menstruation and breast tenderness, they should promptly take a urine pregnancy test and, if necessary, have a blood HCG test to check for pregnancy. If pregnancy is not the case, they should wait to see if menstruation occurs. It is advisable to avoid getting cold, refrain from eating spicy and irritating foods, and maintain cleanliness of the external genitalia.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

1min 9sec

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Can breast pain be treated with a hot compress?

Breast swelling and pain can be treated with hot compresses, but the results may not be very satisfactory. Breast pain caused by mammary gland hyperplasia is generally treated with traditional Chinese medicine, which relieves pain by soothing the liver and regulating qi, and harmonizing the Chong and Ren meridians. Endocrine treatment can also be used, preferably avoided, but can be taken before menstruation when the pain is very significant in the pre-menopausal period. When undergoing endocrine treatment, it is necessary to regularly re-examine the pelvic ultrasound, as endocrine treatment may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Vitamin therapy can also be used; vitamins B, C, and E can improve liver function, regulate basic metabolism, and enhance autonomic nerve function, and can be used as an adjunctive treatment for this condition. Recently, vitamin E has also been considered to have pain-relieving properties, and regular ultrasound examinations of the mammary glands or mammography are necessary when breast swelling and pain occur.