Home Women's HealthMenopause Breast pain in menopause: causes and how to relieve it

Breast pain in menopause: causes and how to relieve it

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on
Menopause

Pain in the breasts is constantly worrying. Who does not think that it can be something complicated? Breast pain in menopause usually corresponds to benign diseases, but treating them can significantly improve your quality of life. Likewise, due to the increased possibility of suffering from breast cancer after 50, it is advisable to go to a doctor to rule out this disease.

If you are interested in knowing the possible causes of breast pain in menopause and how to alleviate it, we invite you to read the following article by FastlyHeal.

Mastodynia in menopause

The pain suffered by the breasts due to hormonal changes is known as mastodynia. They usually appear cyclically over and over again before menstruation or during ovulation.

This type of discomfort can intensify just before menopause ( premenopause ) due to the alterations suffered by the female body’s hormones during that stage.

It is one of the most common causes of breast pain at this stage of life. The pain usually has the following characteristics :

  • It is related to the rule.
  • The breasts may increase in size slightly with it.
  • It affects both breasts.
  • It can be worse in the upper and outer parts of the breasts.

These discomforts are part of others that improve when the body is accommodated.

Scientific studies suggest that certain habits can help you suffer less breast pain:

  • Eat less amount of meat.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Do not smoke tobacco.
  • Do not consume coffee or cola-type carbonated drinks.
  • Avoid ultra-processed foods.
  • Apply cool or cool compresses.

Noncyclical breast pain or mastalgia

It is the one that women who have already entered menopause usually suffer, that is, who have not had menstruation for more than one year.

It is not related to the menstrual cycle. It is usually rather intense and is located in a localized area of ​​the breast or radiates throughout it. It can be continuous or come intermittently.

The exact cause may not be known, but it is essential to rule out diseases of the breasts or areas near them that require treatment. It is the case of:

  • Swollen breasts
  • Trauma
  • Drugs.
  • Breast surgery
  • Osteoarticular problems.
  • Digestive diseases.
  • Heart problems
  • Lung diseases.
  • Breast cancer

Most of the time, this breast pain in menopause corresponds to benign issues, but other times it can be the case of more complicated problems.

If they have already ruled out specific causes of mastalgia, you can benefit by correcting eating habits, as suggested in the previous section.

Noncyclical breast pain or mastalgia

Swollen breasts

One of the causes of breast pain can be inflammatory pathology. The infection in the breast ( mastitis ) or skin may be responsible. It is usually necessary to apply cold and local or oral antibiotics depending on the case.

The fungal infections (fungi) can also cause breast pain, especially in areas of folds:

  • Near the armpit.
  • Under the breasts.

Other skin diseases can affect the breast, such as:

  • Psoriasis.
  • Allergies
  • Contact eczema.
  • Apocrine gland plugging (Fox Fordyce disease).
  • Pemphigus.

In these cases, the treatment will be that of the underlying disease using antiallergic drugs, avoiding friction, adequate hydration, antibiotics, and corticosteroids—all as appropriate.

Drugs

The most common cause is hormone replacement therapy. Using hormones to improve menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, can lead to breast pain.

Other medications related to breast pain are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (a type of antidepressant).

If you think this is your case, you must discuss it with the doctor who prescribed the drug so that together you can evaluate the possibilities.

Breast surgery

Obviously, after a surgical process in the breast, pain may appear in it.

If you notice that the pain worsens, the area is more swollen, hot, or you have a fever and general discomfort, and you must see your surgeon. It may be that the surgical site is suffering from an infection that you must treat in time.

Osteoarticular diseases

Spinal problems, a muscle strain in the chest, abdomen, or back, and trauma or blows. Any problem that affects the bones, muscles, or joints near the breast can radiate to it and be perceived as if the pain were from it.

Making a consultation on time can leave you alone and take steps to help you feel minor discomfort. These measures may include:

  • Make no effort.
  • Apply cold or heat depending on the case.

Painful digestive problems

Some digestive diseases can cause pain in the affected area and spread to the breast. Among these causes are:

It would be best if you turned to a trusted professional to improve your symptoms since proper digestion is necessary to maintain the health of your entire body.

heart or lung problems

Maybe a pain originating from the heart, arteries, or lungs can simulate breast pain—angina pectoris or pericarditis as cardiac causes. Pneumonia or pleural effusion are lung problems that can cause this type of discomfort.

Therefore, if you suspect it may be your case, consult your doctor or trusted doctor if you have other symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, or urinating at night.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.

Suppose you want to read more articles similar to Breast pain in menopause: causes and how to relieve it. In that case, we recommend that you enter our category of the Female reproductive system.

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