What is breast tenderness?


Breast Problems Spotlight

Breast tenderness may be associated with either hormonal or reproductive changes (such as early pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome, or premenstrual tension), dietary changes (such as large amounts of caffeine), use of estrogen medications (such as birth control pills), weight gain leading to breast ptosis (drooping), or a primary disorder in which breast tenderness is just one of several symptoms. Some of these primary disorders may include mastitis (breast inflammation), which is often experienced while breastfeeding, fibrocystic breast disease (benign breast changes), or more serious disorders such as ectopic pregnancy (life-threatening pregnancy growing outside the uterus), breast abscess, or a benign or malignant tumor.

Breast tenderness that is cyclical may be related to hormonal changes and reproductive cycles. Often a simple change in diet or occasional use of over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen can be enough to alleviate the pain. On the other hand, some symptoms (such as persistent pain, tenderness lasting more than two weeks, and tenderness with no relation to your menstrual cycle) may indicate a more serious condition, such as breast abscess or breast cancer.

Seek prompt medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: heat or redness in the breast tissues or on the breast surface; breast pain on one side only; fever or chills; new, unusual or changing lumps in the breast; abscess or discharge not related to breastfeeding; or bleeding from the nipple.You should also seek prompt medical care if your breast tenderness is persistent or causes you concern.


What other symptoms might occur with breast tenderness?

Breast tenderness may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms that frequently affect the breast may also involve other body systems.

Breast symptoms that may occur along with breast tenderness

Breast tenderness may accompany other symptoms affecting the breast including:


What causes breast tenderness?

Breast tenderness is often a result of the natural menstrual cycle, as estrogen gradually peaks just before mid-cycle, causing the breast ducts to enlarge. In addition, progesterone levels peak near day 21 in a 28-day cycle, causing growth in the milk glands. Both contribute to normal premenstrual swelling and tenderness, which is experienced to some degree by most women. These same hormonal ch... Read more about breast tendernesscauses
