Breast pain and lumpy breasts (Part 2): Home Doctor & Self Therapy

What you can do yourself continued…

● Reduce your caffeine intake by cutting down on drinks such as coffee, tea, and cola.

● If you suffer from fluid retention and bloating, cut down on salt the week before your period.

● Increase the amount of carbohydrates in your diet, eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and avoid fatty food.

● If you are overweight, try losing some weight. Excess fat reserves in your body can affect your hormone levels and contribute to breast pain.

● If tension or stress makes you more susceptible to cyclical breast pain, try practicing some deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises

● Take an analgesic on the days when your breasts are painful (see DRUG REMEDIES, below).

● Some women find supplements of vitamin B6 help ease cyclical breast pain and lumpiness (see NATURAL REMEDIES).

● Regularly examine your breasts for lumps (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, below).

Mastitis

● If you are breast-feeding and you have pain in one breast due to mastitis or milk buildup (engorgement), continue to feed your baby at least every 2 hours from the affected breast, unless your doctor has advised you otherwise. This will keep the milk flowing and keep the breast from getting too full. Alternatively, use a breast pump.

● Make sure your baby is latched on correctly and is sucking properly; This will help relieve pressure on the breast.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE

01

Breast awareness If you examine your breasts once a month, you will know what looks and feels normal for you and find it easier to notice any change. The best time to do this is just after your period, when any hormone-related lumps should have subsided. If you no longer have periods, choose a specific day that will be easy to remember, such as the first day of each month.

02

1 Strip to the waist, then stand with your arms by your sides. Look at your breasts in a mirror from the front, then turn and view them from each side to check the outer edges.

2 Raise your arms. Look at your breasts from the front and each side. Put your hands on your hips, tense your chest muscles, lean forward, and look again. Each time, check for dimples, puckered skin, changes in size or shape, and changes in the nipples.

03

3 Lie down and put one hand behind your head. Feel the breast on that side, using the flat of your fingers in firm, small, circular movements. Examine the whole breast, including the nipple and armpit. Change hands and repeat the examination for the other breast.

4 Note any abnormalities such as tenderness, lumps, swollen veins, or thickened areas. If you discover any changes, consult your doctor.

Seek further medical advice

Arrange to see your doctor if:

● Cyclical breast pain or lumpiness has lasted for more than 2–3 menstrual cycles and is not relieved using self-help measures

● Breast pain is causing you distress and/or is preventing you from carrying out your normal daily activities