Breast pain and lumpy breasts: Home Doctor & Self Therapy

Many healthy women experience breast pain (mastalgia) or lumpiness. The symptoms normally affect both breasts and are usually related to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. A few days before your menstrual period your breasts may feel swollen, painful, tender, and/or lumpy. These symptoms usually go when the period is over. A more general tendency to breast lumpiness sometimes occurs during adolescence, during pregnancy, or when taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy. Women who are breast-feeding sometimes develop a red, hot, painful area on one breast due to a buildup of milk or infection (mastitis). Although the majority of breast lumps are not cancer, persistent lumps should always be investigated.

See your doctor first

Arrange to see your doctor promptly if:
● You find a lump in your breast
● You have lumpiness that persists throughout your menstrual cycle
● You have persistent breast pain that is unrelated to periods, or pain in your armpit
● You think your symptoms may be due to taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy
● You have symptoms of mastitis

What you can do yourself

Use the following measures to identify and to help alleviate cyclical breast pain or breast lumpiness.
(For an attack of mastitis, follow the specific advice on the opposite page.)
● Keep a journal for 2 or 3 menstrual cycles, noting when your breasts become lumpy or sore and when the symptoms pass. This will help you decide if the problem is related to your menstrual cycle.
● Make sure that all your bras fit properly. Try wearing a larger size the week before your period, and/or wear a support bra, such as a sports bra, to reduce breast movement. You may find that wearing a soft bra at night also helps to make you feel more comfortable.
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DRUG REMEDIES

Analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, will help relieve discomfort for the few days each month when your breasts are painful. If you are breast-feeding, consult your doctor before you take any medication.

NATURAL REMEDIES

Vitamin B6 supplements can help reduce or prevent cyclical breast pain or swelling. Usually, you will need to take the supplement for 2–3 months to feel any benefit. Don’t exceed the recommended dose, because high doses can be harmful. To boost your intake of B6 from your diet, eat foods such as poultry, eggs, soy, oats, whole-grain bread and cereal, bananas, and nuts.
Foods containing B6 If you prefer not to take vitamin supplements, eat foods that are rich in B6, such as nuts, bananas, and whole-grain bread.