Breast Tenderness

 

Breast Tenderness: Understanding the Sensitivity

Breast tenderness, also known as mastalgia, refers to discomfort, soreness, or pain in the breast tissue. It can manifest as various sensations, including throbbing, sharpness, burning, or tightness. Both men and women can experience breast pain, and it may occur occasionally or persistently.

Common Causes of Breast Tenderness:

1. Hormonal Fluctuations:
   • Estrogen and Progesterone: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause are primary culprits. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels lead to increased sensitivity and soreness in breast tissue.
   • Menstrual Cycle: Many women experience breast tenderness three to five days before their period begins. This is due to rising estrogen and progesterone levels. The pain usually subsides once menstruation starts.
   • Pregnancy: Hormone production increases during pregnancy, leading to breast tenderness. It’s often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.
2. Breast Injury:
   • Trauma to the breasts (e.g., accidents, sports injuries, or breast surgery) can cause tenderness. You might feel sharp, shooting pain at the time of injury, and the tenderness can persist for days to weeks afterward.
3. Unsupportive Bras:
   • Wearing an ill-fitting or unsupportive bra can strain the ligaments connecting the breasts to the chest wall. Overstretched ligaments result in achy, sore breasts, especially noticeable during exercise. Ensure your bra provides proper support and fits correctly.
4. Chest Wall Pain:
   • Sometimes what feels like breast pain actually originates from the chest wall. The chest wall includes muscles, tissues, and bones surrounding the heart and lungs.
   • Common causes of chest wall pain include pulled muscles, rib inflammation, trauma (such as getting hit in the chest), or bone fractures.
5. Breastfeeding:
   • While breastfeeding, you may experience breast pain due to various factors:
     • Improper Latch: Painful nipples from an incorrect latch during nursing.
     • Letdown Sensation: A tingling feeling when milk starts flowing to the baby.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

• Severe Symptoms: If breast pain is severe, persistent, or interferes with daily life, consult a doctor.
• Look out for signs such as:
  • Severe swelling
  • A lump in the breast
  • Redness and warmth (indicating possible infection)
  • Unresolved bruising on the breast.

Remember that breast tenderness is common and often manageable. However, if you have concerns or experience unusual symptoms, seek professional advice. 

References:

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine: Breast Pain: 10 Reasons Your Breasts May Hurt
2. Continental Hospitals: Breast Tenderness: Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Treatment
3. NHS: Breast Pain
4. Sutter Health: Breast Tenderness Causes
5. Mayo Clinic: Breast Pain - Symptoms and Causes