Breast Pain (Mastalgia)
Understanding and Managing Breast Pain
Breast pain affects up to 70% of women and is rarely associated with breast cancer. Our specialists provide expert evaluation and effective treatment strategies.
Breast pain or tenderness is a very common breast symptom, experienced by up to 70% of women to varying degrees. The severity can vary from a feeling of heaviness or fullness, to quite excruciating pain that interferes with normal activities. Thankfully breast pain is not commonly associated with breast cancer.
Cyclical Mastalgia
This is breast pain that occurs on a regular basis in association with your normal menstrual cycle. It is related to normal hormone fluctuations and most women experience an increase in tenderness from the middle of their cycle.
Characteristics:
- • Heavy, full, aching and throbbing sensation
- • Upper outer quadrants of breasts
- • Improves when period begins
- • Very sore to touch
Non-cyclical Mastalgia
This is breast pain that is NOT associated with your menstrual cycle, and is more common in women in their 40's onwards. It can come and go quite quickly, or stay for an extended period.
Characteristics:
- • Often felt in one breast or area
- • Burning, stabbing, or throbbing pain
- • May be associated with cysts or fibroadenomas
- • Often no cause found
Management Strategies
Non-medication therapies
- Wear a well fitting bra, fitted professionally
- Stress management, gentle exercise, good sleep
- Reduce caffeine intake
Supplements & Medication
- B1, B6 and E vitamins
- Evening Primrose Oil (up to 3g daily)
- Simple analgesia (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen)
Expert Breast Pain Management
Get expert evaluation and effective treatment for breast pain from our FRACS qualified specialists. We provide comprehensive assessment and personalized management plans.