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Up to two thirds of menopausal women suffer from breast pain
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Breast pain or tenderness during this time of life are symptoms more commonly experienced by peri-menopausal women and may be accompanied by swelling. It is the result of hormonal changes and rising levels of progesterone. Here, our menopause expert Eileen Durward takes us through the herbal remedies that may help you combat pain or discomfort.
Around 70% of women are said to experience breast pain at some point in their life. This symptom is often associated with PMS (Pre-menstrual syndrome) but may also be experienced by menopausal women during the stage of peri-menopause when big hormonal changes are starting to take place. Breast pain is described as a feeling of tenderness, swelling and discomfort or heaviness of the breasts.
Two main types of breast pain are experienced at around the time of menopause:
- Cyclical breast pain is associated with the menstrual cycle and tends to come a week or so before the period begins. It is a PMS-type symptom affecting women during the peri-menopause or before periods stop
- Non-cyclical breast pain has no relation to the menstrual cycle but can come at any time. This can occur before, during or after the menopause.
While some women experience breast pain much later in life, in the majority of cases, breast pain settles down shortly after the menopause or when periods stop.
Breast pain in women is most often associated with hormonal changes and imbalances, although the exact reason is unclear.
During the hormonal fluctuations of the peri-menopause and menopause, breasts can increase in size. This occurs when the level of the hormone progesterone increases while oestrogen decreases. The result can be pain and tenderness.
There are certain measures which can help relieve the worrying symptoms of breast pain. It is worth putting some effort into easing the symptom, as this will aid your morale, general health and comfort.
- Smoking can have an adverse effect on your body at the best of times, not least during the menopause. Smoking can prevent the body from adapting to the hormonal changes experienced during the menopause. It also increases the likelihood of breast cancer
- Diet is important. Food with plenty of vitamins keeps the body healthy, and vitamins B and E particularly can help ease breast pain. Making sure you have enough fibre in your diet will help your body balance out oestrogen levels
- Consuming stimulants such as caffeine can have an unwanted effect on breasts. This is because these dilate (widen) the blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the breasts, leading to swelling and pain
- Make sure that your bras fit correctly as an ill-fitting one can lead to pain or even breast tissue damage. It is important to get measured regularly as your breast size and shape can change quickly.
If your breast symptoms are mild and accompanied by other signs of the menopause, start off with a soy supplement made from fermented soya beans. This is a great general supplement for women going through the menopause.
If you are still having periods and the breast pain you experience coincides with your monthly cycle, use Agnus castus, a remedy specific for PMS and breast tenderness.
If you are looking for a conventional treatment to help with your menopause symptom, then it may be worth talking to your doctor. A range of treatments is available, although not all will be appropriate for you.
If your condition is severe or affecting your lifestyle, your doctor may recommend that you consider the use of HRT. However, this is associated with risks and side effects which your doctor will discuss with you.
It is important to seek medical advice if you are concerned about your breast pain, particularly if your nipples are affected, showing a discharge or bleeding, or if you feel a lump in your breast.
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Menopause Support can be used to help you through all stages of the menopause.
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Kate Hatton — 14.04.2019 18:30
I am 57. I have been taking Premarin for 2 years and my breast size has gradually increased from 32E to 32G. They feel engorged and tender presently. They have never been tender previously
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Eileen — 15.04.2019 13:44
Hi Kate
It is important to go back to your doctor with this. They can check to see if this is a common side effect or if there are any other health issues involved.
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Kellyj — 14.02.2019 21:17
I am 50 (will be 51 in two months) and haven't had a period since Oct 2017. I have had the full gambit of perimenopausal symptoms. I realize I am now in menopause so I don't know if that means I graduated and can hope to not have the peri symptoms but I have had sore breast for about a week and a half. They are achy and my upper back aches too now. The pain isn't constant but it returns. It was one breast then the other now they are both just sore and achy at the breast muscle. Sometimes one seems to hurt in a spot on my inner breast and then seems to ache underneath. Now it is heavy achy-painful feeling. I am large breasted. I am due for my mammogram this year. I have had them every year for the last 4 years and they have been clear.
I don't have any lumps, (self exam) but they ache and it feels like the center of my chest hurts too. I don't know if that is from my back ache or vise versa. Perimenopause has turned me into a worrier. I have an appt with my Dr's nurse practitioner on Saturday and to get my mammogram scheduled. I am truly uncomfortable and Tylenol doesn't help.
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Eileen — 15.02.2019 10:30
Hi Kelly
Hopefully, the tips above will be of benefit for you and don't forget to get yourself measured properly if you haven't had it done recently, a poor fitting bra can be a big factor in beast pain!
Good to hear that you are getting a check up.
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Sara — 12.02.2019 21:06
I have just started to get hard & very tender nipples no other symptoms though
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Eileen — 13.02.2019 12:15
Hi Sara
I have posted a video blog on this and what you can do to help yourself so please do take a look.
https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/videos/breast-changes-and-discomfort/
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Vesper — 16.01.2019 12:51
Just started getting breast pain and tenderness to the touch the last couple days. I had my last period in July 2017. Had a mammogram in Oct 2017,it was clear. I am 51.. the pain is around the nipple area and radiates out about an inch each way.. both are sore but the left moreso.
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Eileen — 17.01.2019 07:12
Hi Vesper
Hopefully, the tips above will be of help but if you are worried at all please do see your doctor.
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Sasha Alexander — 17.12.2018 02:29
I am 47, menapause hit me at age 36. My breasts have been so tender and sore I can’t tske my bra off all of a sudden. Hurts so bad.
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Eileen — 17.12.2018 11:02
Hi Sasha
Please can you let me know when your periods stopped, thanks.
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Mary Grace Serrano — 21.11.2018 06:23
I'm experiencing breast Pain for 2weeks already please help me to ease the pain
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Eileen — 21.11.2018 11:29
Hi Mary
Hopefully the tips above will be of benefit for you but do remember to get any breast changes checked out by your doctor as well.
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Jennifer — 06.11.2018 21:39
I have extreme tenderness in both breasts almost continuously for the past month. I am 50, have no period. I am afraid to take my bra off, lie on my stomach or have my husband touch my breasts. I'm miserable:(
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Eileen — 07.11.2018 08:02
Hi Jennifer
Please can you let me know whn your periods stopped, thanks
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Jennifer Matthews — 09.11.2018 19:22
I had an endometrial ablation 15 years ago so I am not 100% sure. I havent had a period in that, started barely spotting last summer but that has now stopped
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Eileen — 12.11.2018 12:09
Hi Jennifer
After an ablation you will still get the menopause but it is much more difficult to tell when because you don't have missing periods as a guide. The average age for the menopause is 45-55 so you are in the right range and breast tenderness/soreness is a common symptom. Hopefully the tips above will be of help and remember to drink plenty of plain water! However, it is important to get any breast changes checked out by your doctor too.
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Linda — 29.12.2018 12:15
I also had the same procedure about 12 years ago and my period stopped right away. About 2 weeks ago I started getting soreness in my breasts but mostly around the nipple area. I had a mammogram recently and got a clear bill of health so I was concerned.
When I had my exam I was asked if I was in menopause and was told by the technician that since I did not have my period I was already finished my menopause. I tried explaining to her that since I had the ablation it is not the same although I believe I am now in menopause. After reading your reply I don’t feel like I am crazy.
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Linda Branch — 24.09.2017 05:17
Am suffering bad hot flushes weight gain and breast enlargement due to the menopause
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Eileen — 25.09.2017 15:15
Hello Linda What age are you? do you still have periods and are you taking any medication or supplements? thank you
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Fran — 04.09.2017 21:09
I believe i am starting to menopause i have night sweats! Period is regular for 4-5 months than irregular for a month or two than back to normal! I have pain on my right outer part breast and and under my arm.
Should I be worried?
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Eileen — 05.09.2017 15:36
Hello Fran, The best idea is to ask the doctor to test your hormone levels to find out if symptoms and breast pain are menopause related . I am not sure what age you are (average age of the menopause is 45-55yrs) but irregular periods and night sweats can often signify the approach of the menopause. Avoid caffeine and processed foods (these can be culprits and trigger symptoms) and drink plenty of plain water each day. Best wishes
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Eileen — 05.09.2017 15:36
Hi again Fran,
Hopefully the tips on the page can help but if you need further assistance let me know.
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Jayne keighley — 04.09.2017 18:45
I've been suffering with breast pain for 7 months I've had blood tests done it came back I'm going through menopause I'm still getting my periods every month I get 3 bad day painfully periods and still ovulating not sure when it will stop im 44 years old
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Eileen — 05.09.2017 12:51
Hi Jayne, The average age of the menopause is 45-55 years, so you are a little on the younger side. It is always good to have any breast pain or changes checked out by the doctor so I am glad this visit has clarified the situation. Even though you still have periods the menopause symptoms can arise at this stage. I would suggest that you try to drink plenty of plain water throughout the day (1.5 to 2 litres) to keep the body hydrated and nourished. As dehydration can be a culprit reduce fizzy drinks, tea, coffee and high salt and sugar foods. These can trigger symptoms or make them worse. The Menopause can affect the digestive process in general making it more sluggish. Avoid any congestion and constipation. You could add a nice gentle liver support like Milk thistle complex if you wish to help. Try a magnesium supplement to ease any cramping pain. I hope this information is useful to you.
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Dev — 29.07.2017 17:44
This is the first time I am getting breast pain frm last 5-6 days. I missed my period anyhow almost always my cycle is irregular.. last time I was bleeding for almost 11 days during my cycle and this time I missed my period.. I had sex with my boyfriend in befre two weeks but we were protected.. he wore a condom and pulled out as soon as he came. Why am I getting this prblm plz help me. I am getting so much worried bcoz I can't be pregnant now. Waiting for my period is killing me everyday plz help me..plz
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Emma — 31.07.2017 09:31
Hi Dev, thank you for your question, I have replied to you privately via email.
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Angela — 19.07.2017 20:15
I got told my ovaries are being lazy.... but I'm noticing I have one boob in agony when I take my bra off...
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eileen — 20.07.2017 08:11
Hi Angela
It is important to get any breast changes or discomfort checked out by your doctor first.
However, have you had yourself measured properly for bras lately? As you approach the menopause your beast size, shape and tissue density can change a lot and an ill-fitting bra (especially if you wear underwired ones) can cause breast pain too. Most big department stores offer a free service so worth doing!
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