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What is breast pain (mastalgia)?
Many women have breast tenderness and pain, also called mastalgia. It may come and go with monthly periods (cyclic) or may not follow any pattern (noncyclic).
- Cyclic pain is the most common type of breast pain. It may be caused by the normal monthly changes in hormones. This pain usually occurs in both breasts. It is generally described as a heaviness or soreness that radiates to the armpit and arm. The pain is usually most severe before a menstrual period and is often relieved when a period ends. Cyclic breast pain occurs more often in younger women. Most cyclic pain goes away without treatment and usually disappears at menopause.
- Noncyclic pain is most common in women ages 30 to 50. It may occur in only one breast. It is often described as a sharp, burning pain that occurs in one area of a breast. Occasionally, noncyclic pain may be caused by a fibroadenoma or a cyst. If the cause of noncyclic pain can be found, treating the cause may relieve the pain.
Breast pain can get worse with changes in your hormone levels or changes in the medicines you are taking. Stress can also affect breast pain. You are more likely to have breast pain before menopause than after menopause.
Breast pain is not a common symptom of breast cancer. But in some cases painful lumps are caused by breast cancer.
How can you care for your breast pain?
- If your doctor gave you medicine, take it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve), to relieve pain and swelling. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
- Wear a supportive bra, such as a sports bra or a jog bra.
- Cut down on the amount of fat in your diet. If you need help planning healthy meals, see a dietitian.
- Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Walking is a good choice. You also may want to do other activities, such as running, swimming, cycling, or playing tennis or team sports.
- Keep a healthy sleep pattern. Go to bed at the same time every night, and get up at the same time every day.
Breast pain: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new changes in a breast, such as:
- A lump or thickening in your breast or armpit.
- A change in the breast's size or shape.
- Skin changes, such as dimples or puckers.
- Nipple discharge.
- A change in the color or feel of the skin of your breast or the darker area around the nipple (areola).
- A change in the shape of the nipple (it may look like it's being pulled into the breast).
- You have symptoms of a breast infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around a breast.
- Red streaks extending from the breast.
- Pus draining from a breast.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your breast pain does not get better after 1 week.
- You have a lump or thickening in your breast or armpit.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.