Is breast tenderness a sign that menstruation is coming?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on October 30, 2024
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Normally, if breast pain occurs before each menstrual period, it is generally considered that menstruation is approaching. However, some patients may also experience breast pain in the early stages of pregnancy. This type of pain usually occurs when the menstrual period does not arrive as expected, and at this time, the breast pain might be due to pregnancy. In such cases, it is advisable to visit a hospital for early pregnancy tests to obtain a clear diagnosis. If the test results indicate that pregnancy is not the cause of the breast pain, then it is likely that menstruation is approaching. Some patients may experience breast pain due to liver qi stagnation before their period, which is considered a pathological state and generally requires medication for symptomatic treatment. If pregnancy tests are negative and breast pain occurs, it is highly likely that menstruation is imminent.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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Is breast swelling and pain during menstruation normal?

For many women, in addition to experiencing dysmenorrhea during their menstrual period, they often encounter various discomforts. Many young and middle-aged women experience breast pain before and after their period. Is this normal? Many women worry that this is a sign of a pathological change in their breasts. Generally speaking, this type of cyclical breast pain or stabbing pain that occurs as the menstrual cycle approaches and then eases or disappears after the onset of menstruation is mostly due to changes in hormones within the body, and it is a normal physiological condition that does not require treatment. However, if the pain is severe, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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What is the cause of breast pain before menstruation?

Many women experience breast pain before each menstrual period, but what exactly is the cause? Mild breast pain may be due to changes in hormones within the body and is considered a normal physiological condition. Of course, it could also be caused by diseases, such as the commonly seen fibrocystic breast changes, which result in cyclical breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle. There are also other diseases that can cause cyclical breast pain, which should be taken seriously. Especially in cases of severe pain, where even slight touch causes significant discomfort, it is advised to seek timely medical examination at a hospital.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How long after breast pain does menstruation come?

Everyone experiences different symptoms before menstruation. Some people experience breast swelling and soon after, their period begins, while for others, breast swelling can last for about two weeks or more before menstruation occurs. This varies from person to person because breast swelling is related to many factors. For example, some start experiencing it after ovulation, while for others, it might be related to staying up late and recent high stress levels. Some individuals may have mammary gland hyperplasia and should regularly have breast examinations, such as breast palpation and breast ultrasound, among other tests. Not every symptom indicates that menstruation will occur; some could be early signs of pregnancy. If the period is delayed, it is still necessary to check.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Can an ice pack be applied for breast swelling and pain?

Breast pain is generally not treated with cold compresses using ice packs; instead, hot compresses can be considered. Breast pain caused by fibrocystic changes can be treated with traditional Chinese medicine. Methods such as soothing the liver and regulating the Qi, and harmonizing the thoroughfare and conception vessels can relieve pain. Endocrine therapy is also an option, though preferably minimized. It can be taken before menstruation in cases of significant pre-menopausal pain. Vitamin treatment, including vitamins B, C, and E, can improve liver function, regulate basal metabolic rate, and enhance autonomic nerve functionality, and thus can be used as auxiliary medication for this condition. In recent years, vitamin E is also considered to have pain-relieving effects. For those with a family history of breast cancer, or when the lesion is confined to a part of the breast and a noticeable lump persists after the menstrual period, a biopsy via fine-needle aspiration or MammoTome rotational biopsy may be conducted, and surgical treatment may be necessary if required.

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Written by Zhang Chun Yun
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Will breast pain still occur if pregnant in the same month as premenstrual breast swelling and pain?

If women experience breast pain before menstruation, it is likely caused by premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome in women is often caused by psychological stress and mental factors. It generally causes symptoms such as headaches, breast pain, limb edema, and abdominal bloating. At this time, it is advisable to give psychological suggestion under the guidance of a doctor. Generally, psychological comfort and guidance should be provided to help women relax. Additionally, a reasonable diet, increased nutrition, appropriate physical exercise, and quitting smoking are all good treatment methods for premenstrual syndrome, as it is caused by psychological and mental stress in women. Therefore, it is possible that a woman might still feel tense after becoming pregnant, which might result in chest pain. The specific situation depends on the individual conditions of the woman, as not all women necessarily experience chest pain. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze each case individually. If further questions arise, please consult a doctor at a hospital.