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Causes Of Breast Pain: Among numerous conditions, breast pain is quite common among women and is often considered a natural part of a woman's menstrual cycle. Also known as mastalgia, breast pain commonly occurs in women aged between 30 to 50 and affects roughly 70% of women at some point in their lives. But why does breast pain occur?

Breast pain can be troubling and you may wonder if it is a sign of breast cancer. But before coming to any conclusion, it is important to get complete knowledge of the problem. Pain in either or both of your breasts in itself isn’t a sign of breast cancer. Let’s decode below some common causes of breast pain and how you can manage them effectively. 

Causes Of Breast Pain

Hormone Levels

One of the most obvious reasons for breast pain is related to the levels of two hormones; oestrogen and progesterone in the body. Usually during your menstrual cycle, your breasts become sore and tender and stop hurting after your menstrual cycle is over. The rise of oestrogen and progesterone before the start of your menstruation can be the culprit for breast pain. 

Breastfeeding

If you are a breastfeeding mother, then it is quite normal for your breasts to hurt. According to WebMD, breastfeeding itself can cause nipple pain as your baby latches on to them. It may feel like a sharp pinch. It could also cause your nipples to crack and bleed. You can ease the soreness with things like ointments, or even rubbing a few drops of milk over your nipples to soften them before you start.

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Fatty Acid Imbalance

Common Causes Of Breast Pain (Image Credits: Canva)

Fatty acids are usually found in vegetable and animal oils. When the body experiences an imbalance in these fatty acids, it makes your breasts more sensitive to hormones. To prevent breast pain caused by fatty acid imbalance, you can try to reduce foods that are high in fats and eat foods high in complex carbs. 

Support Issues

Another major yet common factor for breast pain support issues. Usually, women with large breasts may suffer from breast pain due to stretched ligaments and breast tissues. This not only hurts your breasts but can cause pain in your back, neck and shoulders as well. You should always wear a well-fitting bra to provide good support to your breasts and reduce chest and breast pain. 

Certain Medications

According to the Mayo Clinic, certain hormonal medications, including some infertility treatments and oral birth control pills, may be associated with breast pain. Breast tenderness is a possible side effect of oestrogen and progesterone hormone therapies that are used after menopause.

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(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)

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