Your Breasts and your Cycle

A woman’s breasts can get swollen, sensitive and tender for many reasons. Almost all of this has to do with the estrogen and progesterone hormone fluctuations in a woman’s body. It can be triggered by ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy and birth control hormones.

Estrogen, which peaks just before ovulation, causes the breast ducts to swell up, causing the breasts to swell up.

Progesterone, which peaks just before menstruation causes the milk glands to swell up. Some women also experience an estrogen surge at this time, which makes it worse.

Cyclical Mastalgia (PMS Breast Tenderness)

Breast heaviness, tenderness, pain and swelling in both breasts is one of the more common pre-menstrual stress (PMS) symptom. Your breasts may feel dense and lumpy during this week.

Some women get so sensitive that they cannot stand any touching of their breasts. Some experience a dull aching. For most women, this discomfort is not debilitating. It normally starts the week before her period is due and it disappears with the first drop of menstrual blood.

As you get older and your hormonal cycles become less severe, the breast tenderness disappears close to menopause.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, progesterone levels keep on increasing early on, causing sore and swollen breasts even though you have no period.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Painful, large lumps that can be pushed around. The lumps are benign, and it will shrink after your period

Inflammatory Cancer

Ths is not common at all, but if it is new, and just on one side, see your doctor. If the breast soreness accompanied by nipple discharge, dimpling or a rash, see your doctor.

Treatment for menstrual breast soreness

Get a good fitting bra

Take an NSAID like Midol, Pamprin, Motrin, Aleve or Ibuprofen. If you start taking this before your cramps start, it will also do wonders for cramp relieve

If you are on a combined oral contraceptive, look for other options or pills with less estrogen

A warm compress to promote blood flow.