Most of the time, breast pain coincides precisely with the premenstrual period; in these cases, the mastodinìa (medical term used to indicate breast pain) is accentuated as the time of menstruation approaches, to progressively regress in the following days.
It is thought that the so-called "cycle" breast pain depends on the marked hormonal variation typical of the premenstrual period: the breast tissue is in fact extremely delicate and sensitive to hormonal fluctuations that occur every month.
Breast pain related to the menstrual cycle does not hide any pathological disorder and, although it is often annoying and disabling, it should not cause any concern.
they cannot be affected by the so-called cycle breast pain: when it occurs after menopause, mastodynia therefore has different causes. , breast pain is undoubtedly one of the most annoying and disabling. Generally, a few days before the arrival of menstruation, the mastodynia becomes so heavy that even the simple and delicate touch of the shirt on the breasts can turn into a real torture.
Typical menstrual-related breast pain typically affects both breasts; usually, the discomfort is perceived in the upper part of the breast, to progressively radiate towards the inner part of the arm. Among the various symptoms that characterize this form of mastodynia, we cannot forget the enlargement of the breasts, sometimes accompanied by the formation of some small more solid masses (lumps) on the breast tissue. When it comes to periodic breast pain, these small lumps they tend to dissolve in the days immediately following menstruation.
Breast pain can be worsened by certain movements: many women report an "accentuation of pain by jogging, during sexual activity, by lifting bulky boxes, or simply by hugging" another person.
that sends them: for this reason, the doctor should instruct the woman to a periodic self-diagnosis, which consists in "self-examination of the breast and in" careful observation of the breasts regarding the shape, appearance, color of the skin and size of the nipples. In this way the patient can recognize any anomalies early, submitting them to the specialist for a specific diagnosis.
Periodic breast pain should not cause unnecessary alarmism when
- regresses after menstruation
- the shape of the breast is natural
- the nipples are not retracted and do not secrete milky substances.
On the other hand, an appointment with the doctor is recommended when:
- Breast pain is localized in a specific point and is not relieved by common analgesics
- Breast pain worsens over time and does not subside after menstruation ends
- Mastodynia interferes with normal daily activities
- The breasts are lumpy and the abnormal solid masses do not "melt" after menstruation
- Breast pain lasts for more than 15 days within a month
To avoid alarmism, let us briefly recall that - contrary to popular beliefs - in the case of breast cancer, breast pain is a rather rare onset symptom: in general, breast cancer does not begin with specific symptoms such as mastodynia. .
and paracetamol) to be taken by mouth. There are also some medicaments to be applied directly on the breast: active ingredients such as diclofenac and ibuprofen are in fact also available in the form of gel or ointments for topical use.
Did you know that ...
Some therapies can worsen period-related breast pain: for example, some medications for the treatment of hypertension and certain antidepressants tend to aggravate breast tenderness. Obviously, it is advisable to stop or modulate the therapy without first consulting the advice of the doctor.
In some cases, women require more potent drugs than common NSAIDs to relieve breast pain from particularly troublesome periods; after having carried out all the possible analyzes of the case, the doctor can prescribe to the patient drugs capable of blocking the action of hormones (responsible for breast pain) at the level of the membrane receptors. For this purpose, the recommended medicines are danazol * and bromocriptine *: however, these drugs often generate unpleasant side effects, sometimes much more disabling than menstrual breast pain.
* Danazol: is a derivative of androgen hormones, able to inhibit ovulation by reducing the level of estrogen and progesterone in the blood. As a result, breast pain from periods tends not to recur.
* Bromocriptine: is a drug widely used for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia. Relieves periodic breast pain by reducing the levels of prolactin in the blood.
Other articles on "Cycle Breast Pain"
- Breast pain
- Cycle-independent breast pain (non-cyclic mastodynia)
