What is the cause of breast pain before menstruation?

Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on March 18, 2025
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If breast pain occurs before menstruation, it is likely due to stagnation of liver qi, caused by discomfort of liver qi. Initially, one can use some traditional Chinese medicines that soothe the liver and regulate qi for treatment, which are very helpful in alleviating these symptoms. It is also important to avoid frequent anger, anxiety, and excessive heat, as these can affect menstruation and lead to breast pain during this period. If symptoms of premenstrual breast pain recur, it is also necessary to visit a hospital for a detailed examination, and an ultrasound of the breast can be performed to check for any breast lumps or related symptoms.

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Can I drink dandelion for breast distension and pain?

Breast distention pain can be treated with dandelion, but the effect is not significant. This is because there is a clear relationship between breast distention pain and breast hyperplasia. Generally, we can treat it with traditional Chinese medicine. By soothing the liver and regulating Qi, and harmonizing Chong and Ren meridians, we can relieve the distention pain. Endocrine treatment can also be used, preferably avoided, but it can be administered before menstruation when the pain is very noticeable in the pre-menopausal period, because endocrine treatment can increase the risk of endometrial cancer, therefore regular pelvic ultrasound examinations are necessary. Vitamin therapy can also be used. Vitamins B, C, and E improve liver function, regulate sex hormone metabolism, and improve autonomic nervous function, and can be used as adjunctive medication for this condition. Vitamin E also has a pain-relieving effect.

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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.

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Is it useful to apply potato slices for breast pain?

Applying potato slices to breast swelling and pain is ineffective, as such discomfort often relates to mammary gland hyperplasia, which is commonly believed to be associated with hormonal imbalances leading to increased estrogen levels. Therefore, for the swelling and pain caused by hyperplasia, we generally use traditional Chinese medicine treatments. By employing methods that soothe the liver and regulate Qi, aligning the Chong and Ren meridians, pain relief can be achieved. Endocrine treatments are also available but generally avoided unless the pain is particularly severe before menopause, in which case they can be taken before the onset of menstruation. Vitamin therapy is another option. Vitamins B, C, and E are known to improve liver function, regulate basal metabolic rate, and enhance autonomic nervous functions, serving as supplementary treatments for the condition. In recent years, vitamin E has also been recognized for its pain-relief properties. Proper diagnosis of breast swelling and pain also necessitates the use of color ultrasonography and mammography.

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What is the cause of breast pain before menstruation?

Many female friends experience breast pain during the premenstrual period, what exactly is this? Mild breast pain may be due to hormonal changes in the body, which is a normal physiological condition. Of course, it could also be caused by diseases, such as the most common fibrocystic breast changes, which cause cyclical breast pain along with the menstrual cycle. Of course, other diseases can also cause cyclical breast pain, which needs our attention. Especially severe pain, or pain upon slight touch, we recommend going to the hospital for relevant examinations as soon as possible.

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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.