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What does it mean to have pain in the breast after the period ends? Is it a serious situation? Do you need to see a doctor? What can we do to make it pass? You can find the answers to all these questions and much more below.
Is it normal to have breast pain after menstruation?
Breast pain after menstruation is a common problem that can cause discomfort and anxiety and affect a person’s quality of life. Many people find that their breasts are tender or sore in the days leading up to their period . Most women find that the pain goes away when their menstrual period starts or shortly after. However, some may find that the pain does not go away – even after their menstrual period ends.
This article will summarize some of the causes of breast pain after menstruation. It will also offer some advice on when to see a doctor for breast pain, as well as some recommended treatment options .
Types of pain in the breast after the end of menstruation
There are two general categories of breast pain. These are cyclical and non-cyclical breast pain.
Cyclic breast pain occurs at regular intervals and is related to hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle . For example, estrogen rises in the second half of the menstrual cycle. This increase can cause pain and swelling by stimulating the breast tissue .
Also, estrogen levels peak in the middle of the first half of the menstrual cycle before ovulation. This can cause cyclical breast pain that gets worse after a while. Cyclic breast pain is the most common type of breast pain among premenopausal women and can cause breast pain after menstruation ends.
Breast pain is often cyclical when:
- Occurs at certain times of each month
- Affects both breasts
- Makes breasts feel fuller
Non-cyclical breast pain is not related to the menstrual cycle, so it is not associated with a particular pattern. It can be fixed or intermittent and usually only affects one side, the right or left breast.
Causes of pain in the breast after the end of menstruation
The cyclical breast pain mentioned above can sometimes cause breast pain after menstruation ends. This may be the result of the peak in estrogen levels during the first half of the menstrual cycle . However, after the menstrual period ends, breast pain can occur for a variety of other reasons as well.
The following items summarize the causes of breast pain after menstruation ends.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy triggers hormonal changes that can cause the breasts to swell and become tender. Women may not realize they are pregnant , especially if they have had blood-like discharge or implantation bleeding for a while. But this type of bleeding is common in the early stages of pregnancy.
Some other possible signs of early pregnancy include:
- nausea or vomiting
- Tiredness
- More frequent urination, especially during the night
- increased vaginal discharge
- Constipation
- Unusual tastes, smells and cravings
Women should take a pregnancy test if they experience any breast pain after a menstrual period . This is especially important if other possible pregnancy symptoms are experienced.
Drugs used
Some drugs used can also cause breast pain after menstruation ends. Some of these drugs include:
- hormonal drugs
- antibiotics
- Antidepressants
If there is any doubt that breast pain is related to taking a new medication, the affected person should speak to a doctor. They should never stop taking medication unless their doctor says it is safe to do so.
breast injury
Breast pain can cause pain in one or both breasts , depending on the location of the injury . The pain felt in such a situation can cause sudden and intense pain or pain that gets worse and worse . The affected person may also notice that something similar to a bruise has formed on the breast.
However, the breast does not have to be bruised for the injury to be painful . Sometimes, an injury to one of the areas such as the chest, arm, and shoulder can cause pain in or near the breast.
breast tissue inflammation
Mastitis is the medical term for inflammation of the breast tissue. This condition can affect anyone, but is more common in people who are breastfeeding.Mastitis symptoms tend to come on quickly and usually only affect one breast.
Symptoms of mastitis can include:
- A red, swollen and painful area on the breast
- Increased temperature in the affected breast
- A burning pain that may be constant or may only be during breastfeeding
- A lump that can be felt in the breast
- White or bloody nipple discharge
Thrush
Thrush is a type of fungal infection. It usually develops due to the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans . This fungus normally lives harmlessly on a person’s skin, but sometimes it can grow out of control and cause an infection.
Thrush can develop anywhere on the skin, including the nipples . Thrush on the breast and nipple is more common in people who are breastfeeding.
Other possible symptoms of thrush in the breast area include the following:
- Itching or burning in the breast
- cracked nipples
- Nipples that look red, shiny, or flaky
- A blister-like rash on the nipples
- Pain in the breast during or after breastfeeding
Referred pain
Sometimes pain from another part of the body is felt as if it is coming from the breast. Some conditions that can cause this type of pain include:
- Costochondritis: Costochondritis refers to the inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs. It typically causes a sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with movement or deep breathing.
- Acid reflux: Sometimes acid reflux causes a burning pain in the chest. The affected person may feel that the source of the pain is in their breasts.
- Gallbladder problems: Some people with gallbladder problems report experiencing pain in their chest . Gallbladder pain usually occurs near the ribs on the right side of the body and may radiate to the back or shoulder bones.
breast cyst
According to the Breast Imaging Society , the most common cause of breast pain is a benign breast cyst. A breast cyst is a type of noncancerous cyst. Breast cysts can be round or oval and vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Also, they can sometimes be soft or hard.
Many women have breast cysts but are unaware of it. A person can only notice a cyst when it becomes painful.
Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society , breast cancer does not usually cause pain. However, in some cases, it can also be painful. Other symptoms of breast cancer include:
- A lump in the breast or armpit
- A hard lump that doesn’t move
- Thickening or swelling of breast tissue
- Changes in breast skin such as redness, pitting or flaking
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast
- Nipple retraction
- nipple pain
- nipple discharge
When should you see a doctor?
The affected person should see a doctor if any of the following are experienced:
- Cyclic breast pain that is severe enough to interfere with daily function
- A change in the cyclical pattern of breast pain
- Suspected infection or disease
- Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, and fever
- Pain experienced with breastfeeding that may indicate infection
- Any lump or growth in the breast or armpit
- Change in size, shape or texture of the breast or nipple
How does the pain in the breast go away after the period ends?
After a period of time, the best treatment for breast pain after menstruation depends on the cause of the pain. Some possible treatment options include:
- Birth control pills for cyclical breast pain
- Over-the -counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen for cyclical breast pain and muscle injuries
- Gentle massage for muscle injuries
- Warm compresses and antibiotics for breast tissue inflammation
- antifungal medicine for thrush
- Surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy for breast cancer
- Treating and managing underlying health conditions such as acid reflux or gallstones
- Changing the type or dose of medication for drug-induced breast pain
As a result
There are many potential causes of breast pain after menstruation ends. Common causes include injury, infection, and benign growths. In some cases, the condition causing the pain will go away without the need for medical treatment.
Less commonly, breast pain can be a sign of breast cancer. Anyone experiencing any possible signs of breast cancer should see a doctor for a diagnosis. Early detection generally improves treatment outcome.
People who experience breast pain after menstruation should also seek medical treatment for any non-cyclical breast pain or cyclical breast pain that severely affects daily functioning. Doctors will diagnose the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatments.