What is the cause of postmenopausal breast pain?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on November 01, 2024
00:00
00:00

Under normal circumstances, if breast swelling and pain occur after menopause, it is necessary to visit a hospital for a breast ultrasound to check for any organic diseases in the breast. If the ultrasound reveals any abnormal masses or conditions, further examination with a mammogram is generally required. Normally, there should not be any swelling or pain in the breasts after menopause. If such symptoms occur, they should be taken seriously, and a hospital visit is necessary for relevant examinations to rule out malignant breast tumors. If there is no malignant tumor and the breast ultrasound does not show significant issues, merely presenting with breast swelling and pain, at this point, some medicinal treatment for regulation can be taken. Traditional Chinese medicine generally considers that the liver meridian passes through the breast, and patients with liver Qi stagnation may experience breast swelling and pain. In such cases, taking medicine to soothe the liver and alleviate depression can be symptomatically appropriate.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
51sec home-news-image

Is bilateral breast pain breast cancer?

Bilateral breast pain generally is not considered breast cancer, but rather breast hyperplasia. Diagnosis can be confirmed through breast ultrasound and mammography. The ultrasound of breast hyperplasia typically shows uneven low echo areas; if cysts are present, they appear as anechoic areas. Mammography may display a ground-glass or cotton wool-like shadow. However, it is important to be cautious of the possibility that breast hyperplasia and breast cancer may coexist. On one hand, patients with significant hyperplasia should be closely followed up, advised to return to the hospital every two to three months for follow-up examinations. On the other hand, patients with significant proliferative lumps or unclear boundaries in thickened breast areas are recommended to undergo a biopsy of the suspicious lesions to prevent misdiagnosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
54sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
1min 7sec home-news-image

Can breast swelling and pain be breast cancer?

The causes of breast pain are primarily divided into physiological and pathological breast pain. Physiological breast pain is often caused by changes in the body's hormones, wearing inappropriate underwear, too tight bras, miscarriage, or hormonal changes before menstruation. This type of breast pain has a certain regularity and recurs cyclically; careful observation can usually identify the cause and solution on its own. Pathological breast pain refers to pain caused by breast diseases. The nature of the pain is diverse and irregular, constituting non-cyclical pain. Diseases that can cause this type of breast pain include mastitis, fibrocystic breast changes, breast trauma, or breast cancer. However, early-stage breast cancer generally does not cause noticeable pain; pain associated with breast cancer typically occurs in the later stages when the cancer affects nerves. Therefore, if you experience breast pain, do not rush to conclusions. Whether it is physiological, pathological, or induced by other diseases requires a doctor's diagnosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
1min 13sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Chun Yun
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min home-news-image

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.