Breast pain is any discomfort or pain in the breast.
Considerations
There are many possible causes for breast pain. For example, changes in the level of hormones during menstruation or pregnancy often cause breast pain. Some swelling and tenderness just before your period is normal.
Some women who have pain in one or both breasts may fear breast cancer. However, breast pain is not a common symptom of cancer.
Home Care
If you have painful breasts, the following may help:
- Take medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Use heat or ice on the breast
- Wear a well-fitting bra that supports your breasts, such as a sports bra
There is no good evidence to show that reducing the amount of fat, caffeine, or chocolate in your diet helps reduce breast pain. Vitamin E, thiamine, magnesium, and evening primrose oil are not harmful, but most studies have not shown any benefit. Talk to your provider before starting any medicine or supplement.
Certain birth control pills may help ease breast pain, although in other cases it may cause breast pain. Ask your provider if this therapy is right for you.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you have:
- Bloody or clear discharge from your nipple
- Given birth within the last week and your breasts are swollen or hard
- Noticed a new lump that does not go away after your menstrual period
- Persistent, unexplained breast pain
- Signs of a breast infection, including redness, pus drainage, or fever
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will perform a breast examination and ask questions about your breast pain. You may have a mammogram or ultrasound.
Your provider may arrange a follow-up visit if your symptoms have not gone away in a given period of time. You may be referred to a specialist.
Alternative Names
Pain - breast; Mastalgia; Mastodynia; Breast tenderness
Images
References
Family Practice Notebook website. Medication causes of mastalgia: breast pain due to medication. fpnotebook.com/Gyn/Sx/Mstlg.htm. Accessed January 1, 2023.
Klimberg VS, Hunt KK. Diseases of the breast. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 35.
Sandadi S, Rock DT, Orr JW, Valea FA. Breast diseases: detection, management, and surveillance of breast disease. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 15.
Sasaki J, Geletzke A, Kass RB, Klimberg VS, Copeland EM, Bland KI. Etiology and management of benign breast disease. In: Bland KI, Copeland EM, Klimberg VS, Gradishar WJ, eds. The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Diseases. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 5.
Review Date 10/10/2022
Updated by: Jonas DeMuro, MD, Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery with added Qualifications in Surgical Critical Care, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.