Breast Tenderness-How common it is
Breast tenderness is a common problem for women of all ages. Breast tenderness may cause mild discomfort to severe pain. The pain usually comes and goes in association with your menstrual cycle, but it can be constant.
Breast tenderness has many possible causes, including hormone changes and some medicines. Your health care provider may order tests, such as a mammogram or an ultrasound, to check for any unusual findings. Having breast tenderness usually does not mean that you have breast cancer.
Follow these instructions at home:
Sometimes, reassurance that you do not have breast cancer is all that is needed. In general, follow these home care instructions:
Managing pain and discomfort
- If
directed, apply ice to the area:
- Put ice in a plastic bag.
- Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
- Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
Make sure you are wearing a supportive bra, especially during exercise. You may also want to wear a supportive bra while sleeping if your breasts are very tender.
Medicines
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. If the cause of your pain is infection, you may be prescribed an antibiotic medicine.
- If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take it as told by your health care provider. Do notstop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
General instructions
- Your
health care provider may recommend that you reduce the amount of fat in
your diet. You can do this by:
- Limiting fried foods.
- Cooking foods using methods, such as baking, boiling, grilling, and broiling.
- Decrease the amount of caffeine in your diet. You can do this by drinking more water and choosing caffeine-free options.
- Keep a log of the days and times when your breasts are most tender.
Ask your health care provider how to do breast exams at home. This will help you notice if you have an unusual growth or lump.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Any part of your breast is hard, red, and hot to the touch. This may be a sign of infection.
- You are not breastfeeding and you have fluid, especially blood or pus, coming out of your nipples.
- You have a fever.
- You have a new or painful lump in your breast that remains after your menstrual period ends.
- Your pain does not improve or it gets worse.
- Your pain is interfering with your daily activities.
