Breast pain

Overview

Cyclic breast pain comes and goes with your period, often in both breasts, and eases once your period starts.

Noncyclic pain isn't tied to your cycle. It may come from a bra that doesn't fit, a chest wall strain, or a cyst.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Breast pain or tenderness

Less common

• Swelling or heaviness before a period
• Pain spreading to the armpit

Look up a symptom: Breast pain or tenderness

When to get medical care

Causes

Hormone changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, cysts, injury, chest wall pain, and some medicines.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Being in your 20s to 40s
• Hormone therapy or birth control

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional asks about the pain and examines your breasts.

Questions you may be asked

• When the pain happens in your cycle
• Any lumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes

The exam

A breast exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Mammogram or ultrasound: If there's a lump or the pain is in one spot.

Treatment

Most breast pain gets better with simple steps.

Self-care

• Wear a supportive, well-fitted bra: a sports bra during exercise and sleep can help
• Use warm or cold packs
• Track pain with your cycle

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

If birth control or hormone therapy seems to cause it, talk about other options.

Prevention

To ease pain:

• Wear a supportive bra

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gynecologist (OB-GYN) or a breast specialist.

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Stay active in ways that feel good to you.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Breastfeeding: See the mastitis page for a painful red breast.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Breast pain is common and usually gets better on its own.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• Pain diary across your cycle

Questions to ask

• Do I need imaging?
• Could my medicines cause this?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Breast pain