Breast painis common in menopause andperimenopause.
Breast pain can also continue after menopause (when periods have stopped for at least 12 straight months).
This article explains common types of breast pain, what causes the pain, and how to manage it.
Verywell / Sydney Saporito
Verywell / Sydney Saporito
What Is Breast Pain?
Breast pain varies among individuals and even within the same person.
It can be constant or come and go.
The level of pain can also vary from day to day and may occur in one or both breasts.
There are different types of breast pain, including cyclic and noncyclic.
Another condition that can cause breast pain is mammary duct ectasia.
Cyclic breast pain may worsen during perimenopause.
Noncyclic breast pain is more common in people who have been through menopause.
Cyclic mastalgia may worsen during perimenopause.
Cyclic pain associated with the menstrual cycle typically starts a few days to two weeks before menstruating.
It usually occurs in both breasts, but it can occur in just one.
Symptoms usually subside when the menstrual period is over.
Noncyclic breast pain occurs most often in people who are inpostmenopause.
This can block the duct and lead to fluid buildup.
It can occur at any age, but it is more common in people approaching menopause.
Often, mammary duct ectasia has no symptoms.
It usually is only discovered during abreast biopsyperformed for another reason.
If symptoms do occur, they may include:
You should discuss any noticeable lumps with your healthcare provider.
Pain from trauma to the breast may last for weeks.
Pain and swelling may also occur if the trauma causesinflammationor a clot under the skin.
Risk Factors for Breast Pain
Caffeine,stress, and smoking may exacerbate breast pain.
Other studies suggest that breast pain could be affected by the hormone prolactin.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause can cause breast pain to start or increase.
Smoking, stress, caffeine, and some medications may worsen breast pain.
Cyclic breast pain may worsen in perimenopause or menopause.
Noncyclic breast pain occurs most often in people who are in postmenopause.
Breast pain is not a common symptom of breast cancer and is usually not a sign of something serious.
However, breast pain should be checked by a healthcare provider, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
Eren T, Aslan A, Ozemir IA, et al.Factors effecting mastalgia.Breast Care.
2016;11(3):188-193. doi:10.1159/000444359
Australian Menopause Centre.Breast pain and tenderness.
Harvard Health.Breast pain: Not just a premenopausal complaint.
American Cancer Society.Duct ectasia.
Eren T, Aslan A, Ozemir IA, et al.Factors effecting mastalgia.Breast Care (Basel).
