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Developing sore breasts during menopause is actually quite common and isn’t always a sign of something worse, like breast cancer.
Join us as we explain what to expect when you get sore breasts during menopause, how to find relief, and what to expect.
Understanding Sore Breasts and Menopause
Causes of Sore Breasts During Menopause
Hormonal Changes
Breast tissue has always been sensitive to hormonal changes. This is most prominent during puberty and, once again, during menopause. The unpredictable hormone spikes that take place during perimenopause are mostly responsible for this tenderness in the breasts.
Fibrocystic Breast Changes
Once referred to as fibrocystic breast disease, healthcare providers have since used a more appropriate term for a normal occurrence.
Fibrocystic changes are most common during your premenopausal years, but these dense, irregular, and bumpy lumps on your breasts may still happen during menopause. They’re almost always never a cause for concern.
According to recent studies, one of the main causes of fibrocystic breast changes is the fluctuating levels of estrogen when you’re having your period and during perimenopause.
Medication Side Effects
Breast pain doesn’t always come with age or your hormones. Sometimes, it’s because of the medication you’re taking.
Drugs like antidepressants (sertraline, venlafaxine, mirtazapine), antipsychotics (haloperidol), and heart drugs (digoxin and spironolactone) can cause sore breasts. The main difference is that the pain isn’t cyclical. Instead, the pain is present every day.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle factors can cause sore breasts during menopause, or make them worse.
These habits include wearing bras that don’t provide enough support and comfort. High-impact exercises like running and jumping can also cause breast pain. This is why certain exercises are better during menopause, including Pilates.
Finally, your diet can contribute to breast pain. Caffeine consumption, in particular, has been shown to cause breast pain in some individuals.
Symptoms of Sore Breasts
Types of Breast Pain
The medical term for breast pain is mastalgia.
The two types of mastalgia are cyclical and noncyclical. As the name suggests, cyclical breast pain or soreness is linked to your menstrual cycle. Meanwhile, noncyclical breast pain is pain that usually originates in other parts of your body, like nearby joints and muscles.
Believe it or not, breast pain is rarely caused by breast cancer. Many healthcare providers don’t consider it as a symptom of breast cancer.
Duration and Intensity
Menopausal sore breasts can vary in intensity and duration. For some, it comes and goes. Others don’t even feel it.
If your breast tenderness is persistent, severe, and no longer cyclical and comes with other symptoms, you should consult your healthcare provider to rule out other possible complications.
Diagnosing the Cause of Sore Breasts
Medical History and Physical Exam
Your healthcare provider will put you through an extensive physical exam and check your medical history to gain a better understanding of what’s causing your sore breasts during menopause.
Part of this exam involves checking your breasts for bumps and the lymph nodes found in your neck and armpits.
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
After your physical examination, your healthcare provider may ask you to undergo one of the following diagnostic tests:
Mammogram
A mammogram is a breast X-ray used to identify cancerous tumors or benign cysts. It’s a routine procedure for menopausal women or women who are over 40.
Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to capture images of underlying conditions in breast tissue, such as cysts and tumours.
A breast ultrasound is usually enough to identify breast problems for those under 40.
Biopsy
In some cases, your healthcare provider might do a biopsy procedure where they remove a small piece of breast tissue to analyze for signs of abnormality like cancer.
Management Strategies for Sore Breasts
Lifestyle Changes
When you get to this stage in your life where you seldom have to worry about dealing with period cramps, napkins, and tampons, but you find yourself having sensitive breasts all over again, it’s time to rethink your entire lifestyle.
Eating healthy, staying fit and active, and practicing mindfulness exercises have all been provided to help improve menopause symptoms, including sore breasts.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
For temporary relief of breast soreness, over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen is another pain reliever that can help with breast discomfort. Finally, topical analgesics: Creams or gels containing ingredients like menthol or capsaicin may provide localized pain relief.
Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication regimen.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
For some women, hormone replacement therapy helps with menopausal symptoms like breast soreness. HRT involves taking estrogen, often combined with progesterone, to supplement the body's declining hormone levels.
Aside from alleviating menopausal symptoms, HRT can help maintain bone density and improve overall quality of life during menopause.
However, HRT isn’t suitable for all women, especially those with a history of certain cancers or cardiovascular issues
Discuss HRT’s potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider to determine whether it's appropriate.
Alternative Therapies
While scientific evidence may be limited for some of these approaches, many women report positive results.
Remember to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any herbal remedies or supplements, as they can interact with medications or have side effects.
Herbal Remedies
Some women find relief from breast soreness through alternative therapies, including herbal remedies like evening primrose oil, black cohosh, chasteberry, and dongquai.
Dietary Supplements
If you prefer something more scientific, certain menopause supplements can help with symptoms like breast pain.
For example, Vitamin E and Vitamin B6 may help reduce breast pain when taken regularly. YOu can combine it with magnesium for better effects. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may also help reduce inflammation and breast pain.
Practical Tips for Alleviating Breast Soreness
Proper Bra Support
Wearing the right bra can make a significant difference in breast comfort.
Bra sizes can change during menopause. Try to look for wide straps, full coverage, and adequate support. A well-fitting sports bra can provide extra support and minimize discomfort for exercise or high-impact activities.
Independent special shops can help you measure your cup sizes correctly and find the right bra size.
If you have larger breasts, you might even want to invest in a sleep bra for better comfort.
Cold and Warm Compresses
Applying temperature therapy can help alleviate breast soreness. There’s a reason why using cabbage leaves for cold and warm compresses is so popular among lactating women - it works!
Try alternating between cold and warm compresses, spending a few minutes with each to determine which provides the most relief.
Gentle Exercise and Stretching
Regular physical activity is part of any effective menopause symptom strategy and doesn’t have to be complicated.
Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can improve overall health without putting excessive strain on breasts. Gentle stretches that open the chest can also help relieve tension in breast tissue and surrounding muscles.
You can also take up yoga and learn specific poses, such as the cobra pose or cat-cow stretch, to help with breast pain.
Remember to start any new exercise routine gradually and listen to your body. If a particular activity causes increased breast pain, modify or avoid it.
When to See a Doctor
Warning Signs and Symptoms
If you notice severe swelling, a noticeable lump in your breasts, redness, and warmth, see your doctor immediately.
These are all potential signs of more serious complications.
Importance of Early Detection and Management
Breast pain doesn’t always mean that you have breast cancer. In fact, it’s almost always never indicative of this life-threatening disease. But it never hurts to be careful.
If you’re experiencing sore breasts during menopause, work closely with your healthcare provider. This gives you the best chance of finding and treating breast cancer early. You have a higher chance of surviving breast cancer if it’s detected while it’s still small and it hasn’t spread to other areas of your body yet.
Final Thoughts on Managing Sore Breasts During Menopause
The perimenopause transition can be a scary time. As your ovaries stop producing estrogen, you’ll start experiencing changes like brain fog, hot flashes and night sweats, and sore breasts, which can be uncomfortable and distressing.
Arming yourself with these symptoms and management strategies can help you navigate menopause more confidently.
FAQs
What causes sore breasts during menopause?
Sore breasts during menopause are typically caused by fluctuating hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes can lead to breast tenderness, swelling, and discomfort, similar to symptoms experienced during the menstrual cycle.
Is it normal to have sore breasts during menopause?
Yes, it is normal to experience sore breasts during menopause. Many women report breast tenderness as a common symptom due to hormonal shifts. However, if the pain is severe or persistent, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions.
How can I relieve breast soreness during menopause?
To relieve breast soreness during menopause, you can try wearing a supportive bra, applying warm or cold compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Maintaining a healthy diet, reducing caffeine intake, and engaging in regular physical activity may also help alleviate symptoms.
When should I be concerned about sore breasts during menopause?
While sore breasts are usually a normal part of menopause, you should be concerned if you notice unusual symptoms such as lumps, changes in breast shape or size, discharge from the nipples, or persistent pain. In such cases, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Can hormone replacement therapy (HRT) affect breast soreness during menopause?
Yes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can affect breast soreness during menopause. Some women may experience increased breast tenderness when starting HRT due to the introduction of hormones like estrogen. If breast soreness becomes bothersome, discuss adjusting your HRT regimen with your healthcare provider.
