What causes breast pain after pregnancy?

Written by Wang Xiu Mei
Obstetrics
Updated on January 19, 2025
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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.

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What causes breast pain after an abortion?

After an abortion, if there is breast pain, you can first have an X-ray or an ultrasound to see if it is related to a breast disease. If there is inflammation, oral anti-inflammatory medication should be taken. If it is mastitis, a warm wet towel can be applied appropriately. If it is breast hyperplasia, you can check the size of the lump, and surgery might be needed if it is severe. If the hormonal levels have changed due to the abortion, treatment might not be necessary. After an abortion, it is crucial to rest more and avoid staying up late. Maintain a regular lifestyle, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, pay attention to a mild diet, and keep good hygiene habits.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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What causes postmenopausal breast pain?

Breast pain after menopause is generally temporary and a normal physiological response. It is mainly due to a decrease in the speed of endogenous estrogen secretion, and the breast tissue has not adapted to this change, resulting in localized pain. These symptoms will gradually disappear after menopause is completely stopped, so there is no need to be overly nervous, just make sure to get regular check-ups. However, if breast pain occurs years after menopause, it is necessary to be vigilant as it may indicate a disease. Since postmenopausal elderly women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, it is advised that patients with postmenopausal breast pain seek timely medical examinations at a hospital.

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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 Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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How to regulate premenstrual breast swelling and pain

Before menstruation, estrogen levels rise and the breast tissue becomes congested and swollen, leading to breast pain. At this time, it is recommended for women to maintain a light diet, keep in a pleasant mood, avoid irritability, have regular routines, avoid excessive fatigue, and engage in moderate exercise, among other practices. After menstruation begins, hormone levels decrease, and this type of pain naturally eases without needing much attention. However, if the pain is severe and affects normal life, or if the pain lasts beyond the menstrual period, it is advised to visit a breast surgery specialist 3 to 5 days after the end of the period for an examination.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What's going on with breast swelling, pain, nausea, and vomiting?

Generally considered related to breast hyperplasia. We can confirm the diagnosis through breast ultrasound or mammography, paying attention to exclude the possibility of pregnancy. Breast hyperplasia is characterized by cyclic swelling and pain of the breasts, often occurring or worsening before menstruation and reducing or disappearing after menstruation. Mild cases may go unnoticed by the patient, while severe cases can affect daily life and work. However, some patients do not show obvious cyclic changes, and symptoms might present as unilateral or bilateral breast pain or pinprick-like sensation, possibly extending to the shoulder, upper limbs, or the chest-back area. A few patients may experience nipple discharge. The condition can persist for a long time, but symptoms generally disappear or lessen after menopause. During physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes, firm but not hard, may be felt in one or both breasts, sometimes tender when touched.