Information on Causes for Soreness in Your Breast
In most cases, pain or soreness in your breast is not a serious condition; however, given that in even a small number of cases it could indicate a medical issue, it is good for women to become familiar with the possible causes.
Breasts are a universal feature of all mammals, both male and female. The difference is that, for the female of a species, the breasts have a purpose; to nurse and supply a source of nutrition for their infants. In women, the breasts begin to enlarge around the time of puberty. The degree of development differs from woman to woman although the ability to nurse is the same whether the breasts become large or remain quite small. While boys experience a slight growth in the area of the breasts, they do not achieve the same growth as for women. This is mainly due to the fact that there is no scientific or biological reason for men to have breasts, for they serve no purpose.
The development of a woman’s breasts is much more complex because of the hormones that play such a major role in reproduction. Throughout life, the female anatomy endures a number of swift and ongoing changes; from childhood to puberty, puberty to pregnancies, into premenopausal stages and postmenopausal stages. Hormones are at the root of all of these transitions, and spur the body to produce a variety of symptoms as they surge or diminish in the body. Swelling, tenderness, and soreness in your breast are all symptoms that women will experience at some point through their life.
Two hormones, progesterone and estrogen are the main culprits behind swollen and tender breasts at any age. In puberty, these two hormones are produced in large amounts just before a teenage girl has her period. Water retention is a common side effect of the excess of these hormones, which can make the breasts swell and feel achy as result. Throughout the reproductive years, this tenderness of the breasts may cause discomfort prior to the onset of the menstrual cycle. As a woman’s body gears up for handling pregnancy, these same two hormones are produced in high quantities to prepare the breasts for the upcoming task of bringing forth milk.
Premenopause and menopause involve a decrease in the production of both estrogen and progesterone, although the levels do not fall equally. Progesterone usually is found in much lower amounts than estrogen, and soreness in your breast is one of the results of this hormonal imbalance.
Pain is generally the method used by the body to let us know something out of the ordinary is going on within the body. Even when normal hormone influences on the body are suspected for the tenderness felt, if there is any concern on the part of a woman as to the reason for the pain she should consult with her doctor. There are some other causes for breast pain other than hormonal reasons. Stress is known to manifest at times in painful breasts, for reasons that are unknown. Physical exercise that utilizes the chest muscles can make the breasts tender, especially if the exercise is overdone.
To alleviate breast pain, an acetaminophen can be taken. Avoid caffeinated products, as these lead to an increase in symptoms. Often, soaking in a warm tub can help not only to relieve the pain but also to relax. Some women find that massaging evening primrose oil into the breast tissues helps.
Hormones are the most likely cause of soreness in your breast, but if there is any question as to the frequency or level of pain, a trip to the doctor can serve to alleviate not only the pain but your piece of mind as well.