Breast Cancer Awareness

Reasons Behind Breast Pain

Breast pain (mastalgia) is common and can be cyclical (linked to the menstrual cycle) or non-cyclical. Below are the primary causes:

1. Hormonal Changes (Cyclical Breast Pain)

• Menstrual cycle: Hormonal fluctuations, especially estrogen and progesterone.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes in early pregnancy cause sensitivity.
• Puberty: Developing breast tissue may be painful.
• Perimenopause: Hormonal shifts can trigger discomfort.

2. Breast Conditions

• Fibrocystic changes: Lumpy, tender breasts, worse premenstrually.
• Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs causing pain.
• Mastitis: Breast infection during breastfeeding.
• Breast abscess: Pus accumulation, often post-infection.

3. External Factors

• Ill-fitting bra: Poor support strains chest muscles.
• Injury or trauma: Bruising or strain from exercise.
• Post-surgical pain: After surgery or biopsy.

4. Medications

• Hormonal therapies: Oral contraceptives, HRT, fertility drugs.
• Antidepressants: Especially SSRIs like fluoxetine.
• Heart medications: Including digoxin, spironolactone.

5. Musculoskeletal Causes

• Costochondritis: Rib cartilage inflammation.
• Muscle strain: From physical activity.

6. Breast Cancer (Rare Cause)

• Usually painless, but inflammatory breast cancer can cause pain, redness, swelling.

7. Other Factors

• Large breasts: Can cause ligament strain and back pain.
• Stress and anxiety: May increase sensitivity or tension.