Are You Experiencing Breast Pain?
Breast pain, also known as Mastaglia, is commonly encountered by women between the ages of 30-50. Generally, there are two types of breast pain, cyclic and non-cyclic. Cyclic breast pain can happen around the time of menstruation (hormonal). There shouldn’t be other symptoms such as newly developed lumps, change of nipple color, nipple discharge or changes in texture. The pain should not persist for more than a couple weeks during the menstrual cycle and is mild to moderate. Non-cyclic breast pain can occur in one or both breasts and is typically not associated with the menstrual cycle. Non-cyclic breast pain can develop from illness or injury, weight gain, or certain medications can trigger it. This pain can also be associated with a cyst, an infection, or inflammation.
Breast pain can stem from other factors such as wearing the wrong type of bra or the beginning phase of menopause. As menopause is another process of hormonal change, it can have a similar effect as the breast pain someone experiences during the menstrual cycle. It is best to consult a doctor about the breast pain you are experiencing to get the best advice and next steps for treatment.
Call your doctor if you are experiencing:
- Newly found breast lumps (specifically, that do not go away after the menstrual cycle)
- Changes in breast lumps such as severe swelling or redness
- Nipple discharge
- Pain in one area of the breast
- Pain getting worse over time
- Severe pain
Ask yourself:
- Do I have a lump in my breast and how long has it been there?
- What level of pain am I experiencing?
- Is the pain in one area of the breast or both?
Most importantly, breast pain is normal for most women. Keep an eye out for pain and tenderness, but there is no need to excessively stress as there is a small chance it is linked to breast cancer. Your doctor will examine you based on your symptoms and may order a mammogram or breast ultrasound.
If you are experiencing breast pain in the Los Angeles area, call the office of Dr. Elizabeth Arena to schedule your next appointment.
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