Is Breast Pain Normal After My Period?
Some women regularly experience breast pain after menstruation. However, if you experience breast pain and it isn't the norm for you, contact your physician.
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Considerations
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Several conditions and injuries can cause breast pain. Many women fear that breast pain may be a symptom of breast cancer, but according to Medline Plus, breast pain is not a common symptom of breast cancer.
Causes
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Breast pain or soreness is a normal sign of menstruation, and pain may begin as early as two weeks before your period starts. The main cause of breast pain after menstruation is cyclical changes in hormone levels, with pregnancy being the second most common cause.
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Fibrocystic Breast Changes
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Fibrocystic breast tissue contains lumps and every woman has them. Right before your menstrual period, they tend to become swollen and tender, causing discomfort. These changes are natural and benign. Women who develop this regularly are said to have fibrocystic breast disease, which affects 60 percent of women, according to Medline Plus.
Treatment
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Your physician may prescribe oral contraceptives to regulate hormones, which can relieve breast pain. If breast pain is due to injury, use an ice-cold compress for pain relief. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth; don't put ice directly on the skin. You may also take aspirin to relieve the pain.
Special Considerations
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In some cases, breast pain after menstruation may be caused by a breast infection, which can be treated with antibiotics. If there is nipple discharge in addition to the pain, see your physician.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jesse Yardley
