How can I relieve breast pain (mastodynia) ?

Menopause and the period preceding it, perimenopause, bring about a variety of physical and hormonal changes in women, including breast pain or mastodynia, affecting around 40% of women. These symptoms include heavy, breast pain, painful and sensitive breasts, often due to fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels. Understanding and relieving these pains is essential to improving women’s well-being during this transition.

This article offers a guide to the causes, symptoms, and natural solutions for menopause-related breast pain, offering practical advice for those seeking to manage these discomforts or simply wishing to learn more about the changes in their bodies.

Understanding breast pain associated with menopause and pre-menopause

Sore breasts: what is mastodynia ?

Mastodynia, or breast pain, refers to any pain or tenderness in the breasts. These pains can take a variety of forms, such as burning or tingling sensations, or acute or diffuse pains that make the breasts ache.

They can affect one or both breasts, be localized or diffuse, and vary in intensity and duration. During menopause, these pains are often linked to hormonal changes, and may be cyclical, linked to the menstrual cycle, or non-cyclical, appearing without any connection to the cycle.

Hormonal changes during menopause

Hormonal changes are at the heart of breast pain during pre-menopause and menopause. Decreased estrogen and progesterone levels, and the imbalance between these hormones, are the main factors behind this pain. In the peri-menopause, reduced ovarian activity lowers estrogen levels, while progesterone may fall more sharply.

This imbalance causes an excess of estrogen over progesterone, resulting in breast pain. Breasts can become heavy, sore and sensitive, as in premenstrual syndrome.

In addition, these hormonal fluctuations can cause other menopausal symptoms, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings and sleep disturbances. Understanding these changes is essential to effectively managing breast pain during this transition.

Other common causes of breast pain

In addition to hormonal fluctuations, which are the main cause of breast pain during menopause, other factors can also play a role in the onset of these symptoms. Recognizing and understanding these causes is essential for proper assessment and treatment.

Family history: A family history of breast pain may indicate a genetic predisposition. If women in your family have suffered from breast pain during menopause, you may be more likely to have the same experience. This information is invaluable in the diagnosis and management of breast pain.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Although HRT is frequently prescribed to alleviate menopausal symptoms, it can sometimes intensify breast pain. This is due to the temporary hormonal imbalances it can cause. Discussing the pros and cons of HRT with a physician is essential to determine whether this option is right for you.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Despite the menopause, some women are still able to conceive. Pregnancy and breastfeeding bring about hormonal changes and prepare the breasts for lactation, which can lead to breast pain. This pain is usually temporary and resolves after pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Other Hormonal Factors: Apart from the hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause, other hormones, such as prolactin, can affect breast sensitivity. Prolactin, a hormone linked to lactation, can be influenced by the hormonal changes of menopause, contributing to breast pain.

Mammary nodules or cysts: Although generally benign, mammary nodules or cysts are a common cause of breast pain. Their appearance may be favored by anatomical and hormonal changes occurring during the menopause. A medical examination is recommended for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment in the presence of nodules or cysts.

Trauma and surgery: Breast pain can also result from chest trauma or previous surgery. Post-operative scarring, inflammation or tissue adhesions may be the cause.

Medication and bra: Certain medications, particularly those containing hormones, and an unsuitable bra can contribute to breast pain. It’s important to review your medication and lingerie choices to identify and correct any contributing factors.

By taking these factors into account, you’ll be better equipped to understand the causes of your breast pain and find the most appropriate solutions to relieve it.

What are the common symptoms and pains ?

Breast pain associated with menopause manifests itself in a variety of ways, affecting every woman differently.

Here are some of the common symptoms and types of pain women may experience:

Pain and discomfort
Menopause-related breast pain can vary in intensity and nature. It may be constant or occur intermittently, with pain levels changing from day to day. Women may experience a dull ache, a sensation of heaviness, or a sharp, pulsating pain in one or both breasts.

Sensitivity and burning
Breasts can become extremely sensitive to the touch, making it difficult to wear a bra or even light clothing. Some women also experience a burning or tingling sensation in the breasts, which can be particularly uncomfortable.

Changes in Texture and Size
Breast pain can be accompanied by changes in breast texture and size. They may become swollen and more sensitive due to fluid accumulation caused by hormonal fluctuations. While these changes may be temporary, they can also persist until the hormonal balance stabilizes.

Radiant pain
Breast pain is not limited to the breasts; it can also radiate to the armpit or arm, due to nerve irritation or changes in breast tissue.

Other associated symptoms
While breast pain is often benign, it’s essential to watch for other symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition, such as unexplained nipple discharge, redness, fever, or significant changes in breast size and shape, especially if these changes are unilateral.

By identifying these symptoms, women can better understand their sensations and take the appropriate measures to manage these pains effectively.

How can I relieve sore breasts ?

Menopause can often lead to breast pain, but fortunately there are a number of tips and gestures you can adopt on a daily basis to improve your comfort. Here are some practical tips to minimize discomfort.

Wearing the right bra

A properly fitted bra is essential to limit pain and discomfort. Choose a supportive model, especially if you’re physically active. An unsuitable bra can increase friction and tension, aggravating pain.

Reduce or Stop Smoking

Smoking can intensify breast pain. Cutting down or stopping smoking can alleviate this discomfort. This also benefits your overall health, helping to relieve breast pain.

Avoid or Reduce Caffeine

Caffeine can also exacerbate breast pain. Limiting or avoiding caffeine-containing products, including coffee, tea, sodas and certain medications, can help relieve these symptoms.

Hydration

Drinking enough water is essential to prevent dehydration, which can increase water retention and breast pain. Maintaining adequate hydration, including water-rich fruits and vegetables, promotes optimal water balance and reduces discomfort.

Apply Heat

The application of heat is highly beneficial for breast pain. A hot shower, hot water bottle or hot compress on the breasts can relax tissues and reduce pain thanks to their vasodilatory effect.

Breast Massage

Gentle self-massage can stimulate lymphatic drainage and reduce tissue congestion, thus alleviating pain. Use a massage cream or oil to facilitate the process and reinforce its effectiveness.

Adopt a Balanced Diet

A diet rich in fruit, vegetables and anti-inflammatory foods can relieve breast pain. Foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as evening primrose oil, are recommended for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate hormones.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce menopause-related breast pain.

What natural treatments and remedies are effective ?

When faced with mild to moderate breast pain during menopause, there are a number of natural treatments and remedies that can provide noticeable comfort. Here is a selection of proven solutions: Arnica

Arnica, often recommended for its benefits, is rich in anti-inflammatory and analgesic principles, and recognized for its calming and soothing properties. It helps reduce inflammation, soothing breast pain associated with hormonal imbalances during menopause.

Certain medicinal plants, known for their hormone-regulating effects and anti-inflammatory properties, can be of great help. REGLAISSE is one option.

Gentle massage of the chest to promote lymphatic drainage can be effective in reducing tissue congestion and, consequently, breast pain. The combined use of massage oils can enhance the benefits of this practice. Balanced diet

Eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and anti-inflammatory foods can play an important role in alleviating breast pain. It is also advisable to limit salt intake to avoid water retention in breast tissue. For a tailor-made diet, the advice of a dietician-nutritionist may prove useful. Regular physical activity

The regular practice of gentle exercises, such as yoga, helps reduce stress and improve blood circulation, thus helping to relieve breast pain. These activities can also alleviate other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and sleep disorders.

By incorporating these natural remedies into your daily routine, you could experience significant relief from menopausal breast pain, while benefiting from a holistic approach to your well-being.

Breast self-examination

Breast self-examination plays an important role in the early detection of any changes or abnormalities in breast tissue. Although it cannot replace professional screening methods such as mammography or ultrasound, it helps women to get to know their bodies and report any abnormalities without delay.

When to perform the self-examination

Breast self-examination is recommended once a month, preferably a few days after the end of menstruation, when the breasts are softer and less sensitive. For those going through menopause, choosing a fixed day each month, such as the first, is recommended.

You can consult our article dedicated to self palpation for an examination from home.

Visual observation

Start by observing your breasts in front of a mirror and examining them from different angles:

• Arms at your sides
• Hands on hips
• Arms raised
• Leaning forward

Look for any changes in size, shape or contour, as well as any redness or abnormal skin texture.

Breast palpation

Palpation should cover the entire surface of the breasts. Here are some effective methods:

Circular method

Use your fingertips to palpate the breast in circular movements, from the top of the armpit to the nipple.

Linear method

Move your fingers in vertical lines, from the top of the armpit to the base of the breast and vice versa, shifting your hand slightly at each pass.

Shift method

Palpate your breast from the outer edge to the nipple, covering each area up to include the upper region from armpit to breast.

Examination of nipples and armpits

Gently squeeze the nipples to check for abnormal discharge. Don’t forget to examine the armpits, where tumors can also develop.

Signs to look for

Look out for these signs during your self-examination:

• Presence of a lump or thickening in the breast
• Pain, burning or deformation of the breast
• Underarm nodules
• Nipple discharge or unusual sensitivity
• Redness or change in texture of the breast skin

Consult a doctor

If you notice any of these signs, consult a doctor immediately. Although most abnormalities are not cancerous, only a healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnosis. By making breast self-examination part of your routine, you increase your chances of detecting any health anomalies at an early stage, thus improving treatment prospects.

When should I consult a doctor?

Breast pain during menopause is generally benign and linked to hormonal changes. However, it’s important to know when it’s necessary to consult a doctor to rule out any serious pathology. Here are a few situations in which a medical consultation is strongly recommended:

Persistent or worsening pain

If breast pain persists, worsens or does not correspond to the usual cycle, medical attention should be sought. Constant or worsening pain may reveal an underlying condition requiring medical attention.

Presence of masses or nodules

The discovery of palpable lumps or nodules in the breasts should be reported immediately to a physician. Although most of these formations are benign, only a medical evaluation can determine their nature and rule out the risk of breast cancer.

Abnormal nipple discharge

Abnormal discharge from the nipple, whether clear, yellow or bloody, is a worrying sign that requires medical attention. This discharge may indicate a variety of conditions, some of which may be serious.

Noticeable Changes in Breast Size or Shape

Any noticeable change in breast size or shape, such as a significant increase or decrease, or asymmetries, should be examined by a physician. These changes may signal underlying conditions.

Redness, inflammation or fever

The presence of redness, inflammation or fever accompanying breast pain may indicate an infection or serious pathology. It is imperative to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Pain Associated with Other Symptoms

If breast pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as mood disorders, hot flashes, night sweats or sleep disturbances, it’s important to speak to a doctor for a full health assessment.

Screening tests

Even in the absence of worrisome symptoms, following regular screening recommendations, such as mammography and breast ultrasound, is advisable to detect any abnormalities or potential pathology at an early stage.

By consulting a doctor as soon as any of these signs appear, you can obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, essential to maintaining your health and well-being.

Conclusion

Breast pain during menopause is a common occurrence, often due to the hormonal fluctuations characteristic of this transitional period. It’s important to recognize that, although bothersome, these pains are usually not serious and tend to subside as menopause fully sets in.

However, vigilance is essential. It’s essential to consult a health professional if you experience persistent pain, unusual nipple discharge, redness, fever or any other abnormal sign. To relieve these pains, we recommend adopting healthy daily habits, such as choosing a comfortable bra, reducing or stopping smoking, and maintaining a balanced diet. The use of natural remedies, such as evening primrose oil and certain medicinal plants, can also bring noticeable comfort.

Don’t neglect regular breast self-examinations, and follow the screening guidelines for early detection of any abnormalities. By adopting these practices, you’ll improve your well-being and manage menopause-related breast pain more effectively.

Take care of yourself and act immediately when in doubt – consult your doctor if you have any concerns, and follow the advice above for a better quality of life.