Causes of Breast Tenderness and Pain
A feeling of heaviness in the breast that hurts when it’s touched or palpated, is known as breast tenderness.This condition occurs both in men and women, but women tend to experience tender breasts more often than men, as a woman’s body undergoes more hormonal fluctuations.You must visit your physician if the tenderness persists and turns chronic.
Usual Presenting Symptoms along with Breast Tenderness:
*Swelling;
*Increased sensitivity to touch and pressure;
*Soreness, aches and pain, especially when moving;
Here are a few common causes of Breast Tenderness and Pain:
1. Increased Breast Size: Breast size increases during the phase of puberty in both girls and boys, and is also marked by a period of hormonal fluctuations.As with any other body tissue, increase in the mass of breast tissue can also cause tenderness and pain due to pressure effects.
2. Pregnancy: There is marked fluctuation in the levels of hormones during the whole period of pregnancy, a feeling of breast swelling and tenderness is usual.An unbalanced level of estrogen and overgrowth of milk ducts are the causes usually implicated.
3. Breastfeeding: This happens due to the large number of full milk ducts.When a woman is not able to empty both her breast regularly, the breasts feel heavy and enlarged, resulting in tenderness and pain.Also that repeated trauma due to suckling by the infant may cause mastitis (breast inflammation).
4. Premenstrual Period : Before the menstrual cycle ensues, body goes a lot of hormonal shifts, this may result in breast tenderness and pain.Appearance of fibrous tissue in the breast may also cause some swelling and tenderness.
5. Menstruation: Cyclic changes in the level of hormones during the menstrual cycle main also cause periodic pain and tenderness in breasts.
6. Menopause: During this period, the body experiences an irregular level of estrogen hormones that cause breast tenderness.
7. Fibrocystic Breast Disease: Very tiny fluid-filled cysts in fibrous tissue in the breast turn into noncancerous or benign breast lumps causing the breast to feel tender and sore.
8. Breast Cancer: A cancer of the breast is characterized by lumpy nodes that can be easily felt during palpation.Although not the most usual presentation of breast cancer, pain and tenderness in the breast are often associated with a malignant change.
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pearl2010 | Feb 27, 2010 | Reply
Thank you for this.This is very informative article especially for women.
ganeshgolha | Feb 27, 2010 | Reply
Good post thanks for info
Butterfly Musings | Feb 28, 2010 | Reply
a great article!!
Hepsi.M | Feb 28, 2010 | Reply
Very helpful info given in this article to women.
It is well written too. Thanks for sharing.
AlmaG | Feb 28, 2010 | Reply
A very informative post and helpful for most women. Thank you!
Anamika S | Feb 28, 2010 | Reply
Good Post! Informative and what all women needs to know. Thanks for the share.
Citra Florenca | Mar 8, 2010 | Reply
Great info!
XXElleXX | May 23, 2010 | Reply
Most breast irregularities are unlikely to be anything serious .. more often than not, an hormonal imbalance is the problem .. but as you’ve already advised Hazzeeeb .. it is best to consult a doctor if you’re unsure ~ excellent