Breast Pain: 11 Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

Breast pain is a common symptom that is most often caused by hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or puberty. It can also be linked to breastfeeding, certain medications, contraceptive changes, or benign breast conditions such as cysts, fibroadenomas, and intraductal papillomas.

Breast pain is usually mild, affects one or both breasts, and often improves within a few days without treatment. Depending on the cause, it may occur with symptoms such as nipple discharge, redness, swelling, a burning sensation, or a breast lump.

Treatment may include supportive bras, warm compresses, medication changes, hormone therapy, or medical procedures. Persistent breast pain, fever, nipple discharge, or a new lump should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Types of breast pain

According to the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), breast pain can be cycle-related or non-cycle-related. Cycle-related breast pain usually happens before or during a period due to hormonal changes.

Non-cycle-related breast pain is not linked to the menstrual cycle and may be caused by pregnancy, menopause, breastfeeding, medications, cysts, or other breast conditions.

Why do my boobs hurt?

The main causes of breast pain include:

1. Start of puberty

Girls between 10 and 14 years old may notice mild breast pain or tenderness as their breasts start to develop during puberty. This discomfort is a normal part of growth and usually goes away on its own.

What to do: No specific treatment is needed. Wearing a well-fitting, supportive bra and applying a warm compress or taking a warm bath may help relieve discomfort.

2. PMS or menstruation

Hormonal changes before and during menstruation can cause breast pain in some people. This is usually not serious, but it can be uncomfortable and may happen every month.

Also recommended: 16 PMS Symptoms You Should Know (w/ Symptom Checker) tuasaude.com/en/pms-symptoms

Mild to moderate pain that lasts up to 4 days is usually normal, but pain that lasts more than 10 days or spreads to the arm or armpit should be assessed by a healthcare provider.

What to do: Medication is rarely needed, and breast pain often improves with supportive measures. Hormonal birth control may help some people with cyclical breast pain, although it can worsen symptoms in others. If the pain is severe or persistent, a doctor may prescribe medications such as tamoxifen or danazol.

Natural options, such as chasteberry, evening primrose oil, or vitamin E, may also be considered and are usually taken for 3 months before assessing their effect.

3. Menopause

People entering menopause may experience breast pain or a burning sensation in the breasts. This can happen along with other menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes.

Breast pain during menopause is usually related to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones can fluctuate during perimenopause and affect breast tissue, leading to pain or discomfort.

What to do: Specific treatment is usually not needed for sore breasts. A well-fitting bra, reduced caffeine intake, and warm compresses may help relieve discomfort. However, severe breast pain related to hormonal changes may improve with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Also recommended: 13 Natural Remedies for Menopause Symptoms tuasaude.com/en/natural-remedies-for-menopause

4. Pregnancy

Breasts can become especially sensitive at the beginning and end of pregnancy as the mammary glands grow and prepare to produce breast milk.

What to do: Applying warm compresses, taking a warm bath, or gently massaging the area may help relieve discomfort. During pregnancy, a well-fitting nursing bra can also help support the breasts.

5. Breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, the breasts can become very full of milk and feel hard and painful. Sharp, localized pain in the nipple may indicate a cracked nipple, which can cause intense pain and sometimes bleeding.

Read more about cracked nipples from breastfeeding and how to treat them.

What to do: If the breast is very full and painful, removing milk by breastfeeding or using a breast pump can help relieve discomfort from breast engorgement.

Nipple pain should be evaluated for signs of a clogged milk duct or cracked skin, as these issues can increase the risk of mastitis. If breastfeeding difficulties continue, it is important to seek support from a lactation consultant.

6. Medication use

Some medications, like methyldopa, spironolactone, digoxin, oxymetholone, and chlorpromazine can cause breast pain as a side effect.

What to do: Talk to your doctor if breast pain starts after taking a medication. They may adjust your dose or prescribe an alternative medication if needed.

7. Breast cysts

Some women have fibrocystic breast disease, a common noncancerous condition that can cause breast pain, especially before menstruation. It may also cause breast lumps or nodules that can change in size or disappear over time.

Read more about breast cysts and what can cause them.

What to do: When breast pain is not related to menstruation, medications like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen may be used as directed by a healthcare provider.

8. Change in birth control

When starting or changing a birth control method, breast pain may occur as the body adjusts to new hormone levels. The pain is usually mild to moderate, often affects both breasts, and may feel like tenderness, soreness, or burning.

What to do: Wearing a comfortable, supportive bra and gently massaging the breasts in the shower may help relieve discomfort. Breast pain usually improves within 2 to 3 months as the body adapts to the contraceptive.

9. After surgery

Breast pain can occur after surgery in the chest or breast area, especially during the first few days after the procedure. This soreness is usually related to skin tension and normal healing of the breast tissue.

What to do: If the pain is severe in the first few days, lasts for several weeks, or gradually gets worse, a doctor should reassess the area to identify the cause and recommend treatment as needed.

10. Breast fibroadenoma

A breast fibroadenoma is the most commonly diagnosed benign breast tumor. It usually appears between ages 20 and 40 and may feel like a well-defined, movable lump that can sometimes be tender.

What to do: A gynecologist or breast specialist should be consulted for evaluation. The doctor may order a breast ultrasound or mammogram to confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment if needed, which may include surgical removal of the lump.

11. Intraductal papilloma

Intraductal papilloma is a benign growth that forms inside the breast ducts. It can cause breast pain, a breast lump, and bloody nipple discharge, and is more common in women between 30 and 50 years old.

What to do: A gynecologist or breast specialist should be consulted for assessment and testing. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the papilloma.

Does breast cancer hurt?

Breast pain is rarely a sign of cancer. More common signs of breast cancer include nipple discharge, breast skin dimpling, or a new lump.

The risk of breast cancer is higher in women with a strong family history, especially in a mother, sister, or grandmother. Risk may also be higher after age 45 or in women who have had cancer before.

Benign breast changes, such as cysts or noncancerous lumps, are not usually linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. If breast cancer is suspected, a healthcare provider should be consulted for evaluation and testing, which may include a mammogram.

When to go to the doctor

You should seek medical attention if breast pain is severe, lasts for more than 10 days, or occurs with symptoms such as:

• Clear or bloody nipple discharge

• Breast redness or pus

• Fever

• A breast lump that remains after your period

According to ACOG, routine checkups can help assess breast cancer risk, reproductive health, and screening needs. Mammograms are generally recommended starting at age 40, while a breast exam may be done for pain, a lump, nipple discharge, skin changes, or higher cancer risk.

A healthcare provider may examine the breasts and nearby lymph nodes, and order tests such as a mammogram or ultrasound based on symptoms, age, and personal or family history.