What Is the Cause of Tender and Heavy Breasts During PMS?

The cause of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, varies from woman to woman, just as her symptoms do. A variety of hormonal issues can cause tender, heavy breasts.

Significance

PMS occurs in the latter half of the cycle, after ovulation, as hormones fluctuate to prepare for a pregnancy or for a period.

Progesterone

Progesterone is produced by your ovaries in the latter half of your cycle to prepare your uterus for pregnancy. The increased levels of this hormone can cause your breasts to increase in size and your nipples to grow and darken as a part of this preparation.

Aldosterone

Aldosterone is a hormone from the adrenal gland that can increase in the latter half of your cycle. It can cause you to retain water and bloat, as well as causing swollen breasts.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that prepares the breasts to make milk. High levels of the hormone can affect your breasts.

Prostaglandins

Prostaglandins are chemicals produced by most of your cells that can cause inflammation, uterine contractions and breast pain.