Genesis:
Breast pain is an abnormality in the breast which causes discomfort, ache, soreness etc. which occurs in the breasts of a woman at a certain period which is mostly based on reasons of menstruation or in other case. It is also known as ‘mastalgia’ and the common breast related challenge among women. Areas where the pain occurs include one or both breasts, or the underarm, also known as ‘axilla’ region of the breast.
This is common among most women around the world. It is imagined to be present in up to 69 -70% of women and is most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50.
Generally, breast pain is not normally attached with breast cancer but any experience of pain abnormalities should be reported to a doctor. This experience is not a new thing but the most important thing to note is that breast pain requires treatment depending on the degree of the pain; according to The Women’s Health Resource online portal, approximately 15% of women require treatment” for every type.
Types of Breast Pain
- Cyclical:
This type of pain comes when a woman wants to menstruate and it is the most common. Breast become swollen, painful, tender and, or probably lumpy for few days before that period.
This is because of hormonal stimulation which causes the breasts’ milk gland and duct to enlarge thereby making the breast swell.
Women who are observant will notice that this kind of pain occurs monthly depending on how the breast tissues respond to monthly estrogen and progesterone hormone level. An online specialist Women’s Health portal, this pain occurs both in breasts and it’s described as heaviness or soreness spreading toward the armpit and arm regions. Experience is severe before a menstrual period and often relieved when it ends.
“This pain usually occurs in both breasts. It is generally described as a heaviness or soreness that radiates to the armpit and arm. The pain is usually most severe before a menstrual period and is often relieved when a period ends.”
Cyclic breast pain occurs more often in younger women. And pain subsides without treatment and usually disappears at menopause. About 75% women do have this pain and aggregate age is 34years and stops at menopause stage
- Non –Cyclical:
This is not related to either menstruation or breast cancer but deals with the fact that the breast has undergone an injury or trauma, those who have undergone breast biopsy and pain occurs in a specific area of the breast. This kind of pain occurs at both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal stage in women and usually subsides after one to two years. Non-cyclical pain is mostly common in women between 30 and 50 years of age.
One of the causes of non-cyclical pain could occasionally link to fibro adenoma or a cyst and it can be treated if the cause could be found. Occasionally, noncyclical pain may be caused by a fibro adenoma or a cyst. If the cause of noncyclical pain can be found, treating the cause may relieve the pain.
Roles of Stress and Pregnancy in Breast Pain
When you engage your arms in activities for a long time without creating time to rest, often leads to breast pain. This causes pain in the breasts by affecting the hormone level. One gets this ache by heavy lifting or prolonged use of the arm.
A pain in the breasts during pregnancy is also an interesting stage in the life of woman. At this point, the woman’s breasts become swollen and tender, if your breasts continue to grow by seconds there is probability they are ultrasensitive and tender.
There are nine causes of breast pain, of which pregnancy is one of it. This tenderness/soreness begins from the 4th -9th week of pregnancy and lasting to a trimester, continues until the breast in the milk is formed and ready for feeding.
Breast pain is not a common symptom of breast cancer. But in some cases painful lumps are caused by breast cancer. 2-7% of breast soreness is linked breast cancer.
What Can I Do For Breast Pain?
It is advised that breast pain can be relieved through the use of non-prescription medicines and be safe with it.
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before using any medicine. Do not take aspirin if you are younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye syndrome.
If breast pain becomes severe or lasts longer than 3 weeks, call your doctor to discuss your symptoms.
By Rhoda Olorunfemi
