Menopause and Breast Pain
Amidst the menstrual cycle and menopause transition, your breasts can experience varying degrees of tenderness or pain. An estimated 70% of women in Western societies experience breast pain at least once during their lifetime.
When should you be concerned, and how can you promote breast health as you age?
Breast Pain During Menopause
Breast pain—known as mastalgia—can be either chronic or cyclical (coming and going). A study of 500 women with breast pain revealed that the cyclical form of mastalgia usually involves both breasts and is associated with the menstrual cycle.
Menopause-related breast pain can be either chronic or cyclical and feel like stabbing, sharp, throbbing, burning, soreness or tenderness. It may be prompted by hormone changes that cause fluid accumulation in the breasts, which aggravates nerves in the area.
A systematic review of mastalgia treatment notes that the chronic form is often on one side, begins in perimenopause, and resolves without treatment in up to half of cases.
Some forms of menopausal hormone therapy may cause or worsen breast pain, while others (including those with lower doses of estrogen) may not. Breast pain has been observed to have links with lifestyle factors such as tobacco, caffeine, and stress.
When To Seek Care
Breast pain, particularly when it is ongoing or returns repeatedly, can be a real concern. The relationship between breast pain and cancer is not well understood, but pain alone is typically not a sign of a tumor.
If your breast pain is accompanied by any of the following, seek further evaluation:
A change in the size and shape of your breasts, especially only one one side
Change in skin texture
Nipple discharge
Swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone
A palpable lump or firm area on the breast
For the most helpful conversation with your provider about breast pain, reflect on patterns of tenderness, other areas of discomfort on your chest wall and upper back, and any other potential contributors.
Self-Care Solutions
Consider the following strategies to help reduce the severity and frequency of your breast pain:
Quit smoking
Consume less caffeine and alcohol
Drink more water
Cut back on your salt consumption to reduce water retention
Consider your bra. Try a bra that is more supportive or better-fitting.
While breast tenderness is often nothing serious, it’s wise to talk with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned. Also, consider learning more about your individual risk for breast cancer. Practitioners who are up-to-date with breast health science should be able to guide you.