"Pain in the breasts during menstruation is a completely natural phenomenon that generally does not need to be treated. However, the pain can sometimes be very strong and long-lasting. In this case, it should definitely be determined whether it is related to the woman's monthly cycle. Learn more about these common complaints in a woman's life here."
Symptoms: How do chest pains occur during menstruation and with what characteristics?
Before and during menstruation, various unpleasant or even painful symptoms can occur. Sadness, anxiety, pelvic pain, feelings of tension in the breasts... The discomfort can accumulate and is part of the "Premenstrual Syndrome", which begins before menstruation and can last throughout its entire duration. The most common symptoms of menstruation include breast pain, also referred to as hormonal mastodynia which is often particularly uncomfortable. They are directly related to the female reproductive cycle. This pain occurs on one or both sides:
- Cramps and stabbing in the breasts,
- Burn,
- Feelings of tension in the breasts,
- Pain in the armpits,
- Increased breast and nipple sensitivity,
- Painful lumps in the breasts,
- Swollen veins,
- wound nipples.
"These menstruation-related characteristics of mastodynia are often more pronounced up to two weeks before menstruation, during the luteal phase, and decrease or cease with the onset of menstruation. This is also referred to as cyclical breast pain, which primarily occurs in women under 35 years of age."
Causes and Diagnosis of Breast Pain During Menstruation
Causes of chest pain
"Chest pain in the time before and during menstruation is naturally related to hormones and especially to their fluctuations. In this phase of the cycle, there is a temporary change in breast structure."
The temporary excess of estrogen in the blood leadsto the accumulation of water in the nodules that naturally occur in the breasts of many women. The breasts then become heavy and swollen. If this inflammation spreads too much, the tissue surrounding the breast glands becomes sensitive or even painful.
Diagnosis: Hormonal Mastodynia
Hormonal mastodynia is a benign symptom of menstruation and can be easily recognized, especially due to its cyclical occurrence in the two weeks before the menstruation. The other symptoms of menstruation also allow for the diagnosis of pain related to the female cycle. Thus, we can attribute breast pain to the hormonal cycle when the following symptoms occur:
- A significant weight gain,
- Affective disorders, emotional instability or even depression,
- Pain in the pelvic area,
- Bleeding occurring outside of menstruation,
- Especially long or short cycles,
'These symptoms associated with chest pain are caused by a hormonal imbalance with too much estrogen, also known as hyperestrogenism .'
The Special Case of Mastopathy
Mastopathy refers to a very dense and granular breast structure, whose cells grow and develop more rapidly. Mastopathy leads, among other things, to sensation of tension in the breast and increased sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations. Thus, in women with mastopathy, a more pronounced mastodynia is observed.
The gynecologist can diagnose the phenomenon by examining the patient. In women with mastopathy, there is a lot of cervical mucus (secret from the cervix), sometimes also an ovarian cyst. A mammogram can also confirm the presence of large breast glands that favor hormonal mastodynia.
If you are suffering from chest pain, you should see a doctor. He can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes. Even though most chest pains are due to benign hormonal fluctuations, it is indeed important to check whether more severe mastodynia may indicate a cancer, breast gland inflammation, pregnancy etc. It can also be caused by organ damage, psychological causes, or the intake of certain medications.
Treatment options and recommendations for pain relief
Treatment of hormonal mastodynia
"Breast pain during menstruation usually does not require treatment. However, if it is persistent and very painful, such mastodynia can be treated with the intake of progesterone, especially in the form of the birth control pill."
"For temporary pain relief, the doctor may also prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, etc.) or venotonics."
Natural solutions for pain relief in mastodynia
You can also relieve the complaints in a simple and natural way.
Heat compresses e.g. are very effective in stimulating blood circulation in the breasts and relaxing inflamed muscles and tissues. Apply them for at least 15 minutes to feel real relief.
Evening primrose oil is also a dietary supplement that, thanks to its content of essential fatty acids, is capable of reducing tissue inflammation. Magnesium as a dietary supplement is said to have a similar effect; it should be taken daily during the two weeks before menstruation to show effect.
Chaste tree is also a valuable medicinal plant for women. It has been known for its effectiveness for thousands of years. Taken in capsule form, it regulates the female cycle and thus reduces the symptoms caused by hormonal fluctuations. It reduces the production of prolactin and ensures a balanced hormone level in the blood.
Change your lifestyle and eating habits
During menstruation, practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or sophrology can help alleviate menstrual discomforts like breast pain. It is also advisable, especially during the premenstrual phase and during menstruation, to reduce coffee consumption. This stimulant of the nervous system can indeed exacerbate the phenomenon of premenstrual syndrome and the feeling of heavy breasts if consumed in excess. Unhealthy fats such as those from cold cuts or fried foods should also be avoided if you want to significantly reduce your mastodynia. Finally, you should also choose appropriate underwear during this time. In fact, a comfortable bra helps you feel better and alleviates severe pain. Additionally, you can also wear a period underwear that provides you with security and optimal protection.
Chest pain is quite normal during menstruation, but it can sometimes become unbearable and therefore deserves your full attention. See a doctor if it recurs and lasts a long time. For mild breast tenderness, simple natural supplements and a healthier lifestyle are enough to alleviate these discomforts caused by hormonal cycles.
