My breast hurts what does that mean

The California Pacific Medical Center estimates that between 50 percent and 70 percent of women have breast pain in the United States. It is not always possible to determine exactly why breast pain occurs.

The following factors can be associated with breast pain:. In the majority of cases, it is possible to solve cyclical breast pain by taking OTC over-the-counter painkillers and wearing well-fitted bras. Cyclical breast pain is often unpredictable — it may well just go away in time, and then come back periodically. Being diagnosed with cyclical breast pain, as opposed to something more serious, can reassure many patients who then decide their condition is easier to live with.

Women with non-cyclical breast pain may need therapy to treat the underlying cause, for instance, with infectious mastitis, the patient will be prescribed a course of antibiotics. Some topical NSAIDs non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen gel or diclofenac gel can be rubbed directly on to the painful areas.

Smoking and breast pain — several health authorities, hospitals, and health groups advise women with breast pain to stop smoking. The argument being that nicotine constricts the blood vessels and smoking is more likely to cause inflammation. Mastalgia Breast pain. Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed Dec.

Sivarajah R, et al. A review of breast pain: Causes, imaging recommendations, and treatment. Journal of Breast Imaging. Bland KI, et al. Etiology and management of benign breast disease. Elsevier; Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Mayo Clinic; Holbrook AI, et al. ACR appropriateness criteria breast pain. Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Usually the condition goes away in time. This is also referred to as cyclical mastalgia. This happens when the tissue in their breasts responds to hormones. The most common hormonal breast soreness comes from an increase in the level of oestrogen before a period.

This causes milk ducts and glands to swell, trapping fluid in the breasts. Many women have tenderness or pain in the lead-up to a period, and sometimes right through it. The hormones that cause breast soreness might also cause cyclical swelling or lumpiness. They can also affect the size, shape or sensitivity of cysts and fibroadenomas. Hormonal breast soreness is normal, but it is not usually very severe.

Pain that lasts more than a week around the time of a period, or pain that stops a woman from everyday activities is not considered to be normal. For many women, the biggest concern about breast soreness is that it is a sign of cancer; however, breast soreness is not often associated with cancer and it does not put you at any increased risk of breast cancer.

You should follow the recommendations for screening for breast cancer for women of your age and family history. Two of the most common infections include:. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , it is safe for a person to continue breastfeeding if they have mastitis and are on antibiotics. If the yeast infection persists, a person should continue breastfeeding and treating both the baby and themselves for thrush. However, they should also see a doctor, as there are oral medications that can help.

Fibrocystic breast disease causes harmless lumps in the breasts. The breasts may feel heavy or full. Fibrosis occurs when there is a thickening of the breast tissue. It may cause nipple discharge and breast pain. Most breast cancers do not cause pain.

However, if a person experiences breast pain that does not go away, they should see a doctor to rule out the possibility of cancer. Most cases of breast pain go away on their own. A person does not need to see a doctor if the pain disappears and does not return, or if they have cyclical breast pain that is not unbearable.

Tracking breast pain over time can help a doctor give a proper diagnosis. It is important to tell the doctor if the pain has worsened progressively or if it first appeared after an injury. In many cases, lifestyle changes can ease breast pain.