9 Reassuring Reasons why your breast hurt

Breast pain accounts for half of all breast-related complaints. But before you jump to dire conclusions (cancer!), read this.

Ø  You're allergic to your fancy body lotion

Many body lotions promise smooth, hydrated skin but some deliver exactly the opposite, giving you red, inflamed, cracked, and painful skin. The chemicals in many cosmetic products can cause an allergic reaction on your skin—even your breasts if you applied the lotion to your chest—and those can include significant swelling and pain.

Other allergy offenders include laundry detergent, hair products (because they run down your chest when you rinse them in the shower), makeup, and sunscreen. "If you recently changed one of your body products and now you have breast pain, there might be a connection.

Ø  You're pregnant!

Sore, tender, swollen breasts are often the very first sign of pregnancy, Congratulations! Blame your hormones: In the early stages of pregnancy your breasts grow faster than your baby. As your estrogen levels increase, they increase the size of your milk ducts, which in turn can increase breast pain and sensitivity, she explains.

Ø  Your bra hates you.

Sixty-four percent of us are wearing the wrong size bra, according to a recent survey of over 10,000 women done by Women's Wear Daily. And this can cause problems worse than a lumpy silhouette. Poorly fitted bras, abrasive fabrics, and shabby underwire are all common causes of breast pain. Instead of enduring 12 or more hours a day in a boob-strangling nightmare, it's worth it to pay a little extra to get something that fits and is comfortable.

Ø  You have an infection.

Blocked milk ducts, ingrown hairs (yes nipple hair is totally normal), clogged sweat glands, and a bacterial illness can all cause localized infections in your breast. Infections are characterized by redness, swelling, and pain and may also cause your nipple to leak pus, blood, or green, red, or brown discharge. You may also have a fever and malaise. If you think you have an infection you need to see a doctor immediately to help determine the cause and the appropriate treatment.

Ø  Your birth control.

Any medication that changes your hormones has the potential to cause breast pain as a side effect. The most common culprit are birth control pills as they increase estrogen levels, but fertility treatments, hormone replacement therapies, and thyroid medications can also cause sensitivity, swelling, tenderness and pain in your breasts. Often this side effect diminishes over time but if it doesn't its worth talking to your doctor about alternative medications.

Ø  Um, you're a woman!

Puberty, menstruation, per menopause, and menopause—basically all the stages of life of being a woman other than childhood—greatly affect hormone levels so it's no surprise that a major symptom of all of them is breast pain. The most common type of breast pain is cyclical, related to your periods, and is normal.

The best way to know if Mother Nature is the cause of your breast pain is to track your cycles and make note of your symptoms so you can see patterns, she says. Also note that the medications most often used to treat the discomforts of PMS, per menopause, and menopause—like estrogen and progesterone creams or pills—also can cause breast pain.

Ø  You're breastfeeding.

Your breasts are good for lots of things—sexy times, filling out a sweater, carrying a spare lipstick—but they really have one actual job: feeding a baby. And boy do they do that job well! During pregnancy, your breasts and milk ducts enlarge to prepare for being the sole source of sustenance for a whole human being. All this growing means a lot of pain, and that continues even more after your baby is born and actively suckling. A lactation consultant can be a lifesaver to a new mom with two incredibly tired tatas.

Ø  You've had a breast trauma.

Rare is the woman who hasn't endured some type of injury to her chest area. Whether it is getting hit with ball, caught by the seat belt in a car accident, or having a surgical procedure done on your breasts, all types of trauma can leave your breasts aching. Thankfully most pain from injury goes away quickly but if it doesn't you should see your doctor to rule out underlying issues like scar tissue adhesions or cracked ribs.

Ø  You have breast cancer.

This is every woman's fear but it's last on the list for a reason: It's a very rare source of breast pain. While breast cancer may show some outward symptoms like lumps, leakage, or changes in the nipple, quite often there's no obvious signs at all. The vast majority of women who goes in with breast pain do not have cancer. But that doesn't mean it's not a valid concern. To calm your worry and cover all your bases its recommends talking with your doctor about all your risk factors, getting regular checkups, and most importantly, knowing your body well. The most important thing you can do for your breast health is to track your cycles and symptoms and pay attention to any changes in your body. If something is different, no matter what it is, we want to know about it! And do pay attention to these potential symptoms of breast cancer.

Source:

Dr. Ramos, Womens’s health