Mastodynia, causes and solutions to relieve breast pain

What is Mastodynia ?

Mastodynia, commonly referred to as breast pain, is a condition that affects a significant percentage of women—up to 70% at some point in their lives. This discomfort can impact one or both breasts and may vary in intensity from mild tenderness to severe pain that interferes with daily activities. Understanding mastodynia’s causes, symptoms, and risk factors is essential for effective management and relief.

What are the Mastodynia Symptoms ?

Mastodynia manifests through various symptoms, often varying depending on the individual and the underlying cause. These symptoms typically become more pronounced in the days leading up to menstruation, during the menstrual period, or in response to other hormonal changes. The common symptoms include:

• Tight, Swollen, and Congested Breasts: Many women experience a sensation of heaviness or fullness in their breasts, which may feel swollen and tender. This swelling is often most noticeable in the days preceding the menstrual cycle and can cause significant discomfort.
• Overly Swollen or Hot Breasts: This can be particularly uncomfortable, making it challenging to wear a fitted bra or engage in physical activities. The heat and swelling may also cause the skin to feel tight, exacerbating the pain.
• Hypersensitivity: The breasts may become so sensitive that even light touch or pressure, such as from clothing or a bra, causes pain. This hypersensitivity can interfere with everyday tasks and may lead to heightened anxiety about breast health.
• A Feeling of Breast Tension: Many women describe a persistent feeling of tension or tightness in the chest wall and breasts. This sensation may be continuous or fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle.

While these symptoms are typically benign, it’s important to monitor them closely. Persistent or severe pain, especially if localized to a specific area, may warrant further investigation to rule out more serious conditions like breast cancer. In such cases, breast imaging and consultation with a healthcare provider are advised to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

How can hormonal cyclical breast pain be alleviated ?

In medicine, breast pain in one or both breasts is also known as mastodynia. These pains can take different forms and have different origins. Find out more about the main causes and what to do if your breasts hurt.

When we talk about mastodynia, we usually mean breast pain. Generally speaking, these chest pains occur as we approach our period and/or during our period. Breast pain is generally benign.

Only one breast may be affected (unilateral mastodynia), or both (bilateral mastodynia). Similarly, it is normal to suffer from breast pain during pregnancy or at the start of the peri-menopause or menopause.

These chest pains are not serious, but don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you’re worried, as there are treatments available. Mastodynia can take different forms and can give rise to several symptoms, such as :

• Tight, swollen and congested breasts (elongation)
• Overly swollen breasts / hot breasts
• Hypersensitivity, making the slightest touch painful
• A feeling of breast tension

The main mastodynia causes

In women, mastodynia appears mainly a few days before menstruation. These pains are mainly caused by hormonal fluctuations at this precise moment in the menstrual cycle. These can lead to congestion of the breasts to varying degrees.

Pre-menstrual breast pain is an almost common occurrence, and can take the form of tugging, cramping… In medical jargon, this is known as “hormonal mastodynia”, when the breast in question is tense and painful during the luteal phase, and then relaxes with the onset of menstruation. This phenomenon is observed in pre-menopausal women, who experience significant variations in estrogen levels.

Mastodynia is most commonly associated with hormonal fluctuations, particularly those related to the menstrual cycle. These hormonal changes can cause cyclic breast pain, which is common among women of reproductive age. The pain often correlates with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle—the period between ovulation and the start of menstruation—and typically subsides with the onset of menstrual bleeding.

This type of clinical manifestation also occurs in women taking oral contraceptives.
In this particular case, a change of pill is generally recommended. But it can also be a sign of hyperoestrogenism, in which case we need to look into the root causes and take care to detoxify circulating oestrogens with active ingredients such as broccoli extract standardized to 10 % glucoraphanins.

Hormonal Influence and Cyclic Breast Pain

Hormonal fluctuations are a key factor in the development of mastodynia. During the luteal phase, rising levels of estrogen and progesterone prepare the body for a potential pregnancy. This hormonal surge can lead to breast tissue swelling, fluid retention, and increased sensitivity, resulting in the cyclic breast pain many women experience.

In some cases, the use of hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, can also contribute to mastodynia. These medications alter the body’s natural hormone levels, which can exacerbate breast pain in some women. If mastodynia becomes particularly troublesome, a healthcare provider may recommend switching to a different contraceptive method or adjusting the dosage.

Noncyclic Breast Pain

Not all breast pain is related to the menstrual cycle. Noncyclic breast pain, which is not linked to hormonal changes, can occur for various reasons, including injury to the chest wall, inflammation, or certain medications with side effects that affect breast tissue. Unlike cyclic breast pain, which tends to be bilateral and associated with menstrual periods, noncyclic breast pain may occur in a specific area and is often unilateral.

Other Contributing Factors

Other factors that can contribute to mastodynia include stress, diet, and lifestyle. For instance, high caffeine intake and poor dietary habits may exacerbate breast pain. Wearing an ill-fitting bra, especially during exercise, can also lead to increased breast discomfort. Additionally, some women may be more susceptible to mastodynia due to their breast structure, particularly if they have larger breasts that place more strain on the chest wall.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing mastodynia :

• Hormonal Fluctuations: Women who experience significant hormonal changes, such as those related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, are at higher risk of developing mastodynia. Hormonal imbalances, particularly involving estrogen and progesterone, are closely linked to the development of cyclic breast pain.
• Use of Hormonal Contraceptives: Birth control pills and other forms of hormonal contraception can exacerbate breast pain due to the way they alter natural hormone levels. If breast pain is a side effect, a different contraceptive method may be recommended.
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Women who suffer from PMS often report increased breast tenderness and discomfort as part of their premenstrual symptoms. This is due to the hormonal shifts that occur in the lead-up to menstruation.
• Lifestyle Factors: Diet, exercise, and stress levels can all influence the severity of mastodynia. For example, a diet high in caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods can worsen breast pain. Additionally, wearing a poorly fitted bra can increase discomfort, particularly during physical activity.
• Breast Structure: Women with larger breasts may experience more strain on the chest wall and breast tissue, leading to increased pain. Proper support, such as wearing a sports bra during exercise, can help mitigate this discomfort.

Hormonal mastodynia : what can you do if your breasts hurt ?

Evening primrose oil, the beautiful yellow flower, is also known as “evening primrose”. Rich in gamma-linoleic acids, it is ideal for women suffering from premenstrual syndrome. It acts effectively on breast congestion, making breasts hyper-sensitive. Take one capsule a week or a month during the ovulation phase to relieve some of the pain.

Wearing the Right Bra

Wearing a properly fitted bra is essential for managing breast pain, particularly during periods of increased sensitivity. A well-fitted sports bra can provide the necessary support during physical activities, reducing strain on the chest wall and minimizing pain. It’s important to regularly check that your bra fits correctly, as an ill-fitting bra can contribute significantly to breast discomfort.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is a well-known natural remedy that has been used for centuries to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, including breast pain. This oil is rich in gamma-linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation and balance hormone levels. For optimal results, evening primrose oil should be taken regularly, especially during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle when breast pain tends to be most severe.

Self-massage to relieve tense breasts

After showering, massage your breasts with the vegetable oil of your choice, or with our happy cycles body serum specifically developed to relieve breast pain (compatible with pregnant women). This encourages the flow of lymph, whose function is to cleanse the body, and whose proper circulation is essential for protection against infection. Self-massage also relieves congested breasts and stimulates blood circulation. Practically, gently draw small circles to form an 8 around both breasts, then use both hands flat to relieve them.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Incorporating anti-inflammatory agents into your daily routine can help reduce the pain and swelling associated with mastodynia. Natural options such as turmeric and licorice extract are known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties. These can be consumed as supplements or incorporated into your diet. Additionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may be used for short-term relief of severe pain.

Adapting your diet

Adapting your diet to your menstrual cycle is a very good habit, especially if you suffer from breast pain. The right foods soften the hormonal peaks responsible for the pain and prevent water retention, which causes additional swelling. To this end, you replace cold meats, sweets (only dark chocolate is allowed, and in moderation) and other fatty or processed products with foods rich in essential fatty acids, such as fish, green vegetables and wholegrain cereals. Preferably, you replace caffeine, a vasoconstrictor that constricts blood vessels and increases breast pain, with green tea, cherry stem infusions or mate, which will do the trick better. Drinking beer or soy can potentially boost breast pain and hyperoestrogenism.

Star active ingredients for breast pain and mastodynia :

Draining agents : Ginkgo biloba, Centella asiatica

Hormone modulating agents: Yam, Evening primrose…

Relaxing agents : Arnica, Magnesium

Anti-inflammatory agents: Licorice extract, Turmeric

Discover our natural products to combat breast pain and tense or congested areas.

Which MiYé products are right for you ?

Discover our natural products to combat breast pain and tense or congested areas.

To relieve breast pain, Happy Cycles Massage Body Serum is specially recommended for women suffering from menstrual discomfort, targeting sensitive and tense areas (breasts, stomach and heavy legs). It’s gentle on the skin and rich in decongesting, draining and soothing active ingredients (Yam liposome, magnesium, arnica, ginkgo biloba). It brings relief to sensitive areas when applied or massaged into the skin.

To enhance your feminine comfort and well-being, discover our feel good duo pack made up of our two natural, phytohormone-free food supplements specially developed to improve physical and mental comfort during periods of hormonal variation (mood swings, fatigue, irritability, stress, cravings, menstrual discomfort…).