With all the strange things that happen within your body during your menstrual cycle, are we really surprised that period boobs are a common phenomenon?
(Hint: We’re not.)
If you’ve had breast pain before and/or during your period, we are here to tell you that you are not alone. Amongst other symptoms you may have, your breasts can also be adversely affected during your monthly cycle.
Read on to find out the signs, symptoms and potential remedies for your painful breasts.
Why Do My Boobs Hurt?
Pain in your breast or soreness is also known as mastalgia. It is a common premenstrual syndrome symptom, and is caused due to the hormonal changes that happen in your body before your period.
Leading up to your period, you may feel tenderness or heaviness in your breasts. You may also feel a dull ache. For some, the texture of your breast tissue may change in the days before your period.
The cause of the pain and tenderness is due to more oestrogen being made at the beginning of your menstrual cycle, and it peaks just before mid-cycle. Due to this, the breast ducts grow in size. Your progesterone level also peaks, which in turn causes the growth of breast lobules (milk glands).
These symptoms generally disappear when your menstrual cycle begins, though some tenderness may last throughout your cycle. As women age and approach menopause, breast swelling and tenderness reduce due to a natural change in hormones. Symptoms may also be less in women that take birth control pills.
What are the common signs?
While everyone’s body is unique in its reactions, some of the symptoms you may face are:
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Soreness
- Dull ache
- Changes in texture
Should I be worried?
Absolutely not! Breast pain and swelling, though uncomfortable, are a part of the body’s quirks when preparing for your menstrual cycle. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind, just in case.
Please contact your doctor if you notice –
- Severe pain and swelling, to the point that it makes your daily existence difficult despite taking measures to remedy it.
- New or strange lumps in your breasts, or under your arm.
- Nipple discharge, especially if it’s bloody or brown.
How Can I Make It Better?
While you cannot entirely get rid of premenstrual breast pain, there are several ways in which you can manage and reduce the pain.
1. Wear a supportive bra
Wearing the right kind of sports bra will give your tender breasts the support they need during the day. As per your comfort, you can also choose to wear it at night for extra support.
2. Change in diet
In the weeks leading up to your period, changing your diet slightly may help in reducing breast pain. Caffeine, alcohol and food with high fat and salt content may cause more discomfort. By reducing your intake of these, or removing them entirely, you can manage your pain and even avoid it to a certain extent.
3. Exercise
We know recommending exercise for everything can be a little annoying, but we swear it helps! Getting in 30 minutes of low-impact, vigorous exercise can help manage your symptoms and reduce your breast pain. Remember to avoid running or jumping though, as that might just make the pain worse.
4. Ice pack
To ease the pain, place ice packs or a frozen wet towel across your breasts. Ice helps in reducing the swelling, and will give you much needed relief.
When it comes to painful boobies before your period, you can rest assured knowing it’s a natural albeit annoying part of life. The pain can definitely be managed, and will go away after your cycle.
Remember to keep an eye out for any inconsistencies or lumps that may appear, and keep your boobies safe!
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