Written by Benjamin Lee - Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Consultant - February 07, 2023
Menopause can be a very difficult time for many women, and one of the issues that often accompanies it is breast pain. This type of discomfort during this period of life is normal and usually doesn’t require medical attention, but there are times when it should be taken seriously. In this article, we’ll look at what causes your breasts to hurt during menopause, when you should worry about the pain, and possible treatments.
What Causes Breast Pain During Menopause?
Breast pain during menopause is usually caused by fluctuations in hormone levels. A decrease in estrogen levels can result in a condition known as cyclical mastalgia—the most common cause of breast pain in pre-menopausal women—which causes swelling and tenderness that may come and go throughout the month. That’s why it is important to also track your cycle to understand any patterns related to breast pain.
The second most common cause of breast pain during menopause is noncyclic mastalgia, which can be triggered by psychological factors such as stress or physical issues like poor posture or an injury. Noncyclic mastalgia often persists regardless of changes in hormones over time.
When Should You Worry About Breast Pain During Menopause?
Most cases of breast pain don’t require medical attention; however, you should see a doctor if it occurs together with other concerning symptoms like lumps or discharge from your nipples. If the pain lingers longer than usual or becomes too extreme, especially if it happens suddenly or without warning signs like those mentioned above, then you should contact your doctor right away as it could signal something more serious like cancer.
Treatments For Breast Pain
One way to combat breast pain during menopause naturally is through lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine intake (which could worsen symptoms due to its effects on adrenal function) and performing gentle massage techniques with aromatherapy oils (eucalyptus oil has been linked to reducing chest pains).
In addition, some women find relief from hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially those experiencing cyclical mastalgia due to sudden drops in estrogen levels associated with menopausal transition. Hormone replacement therapy may help reduce symptoms such as hot flashes and improve sleep quality while offering protection from bone loss. BHRT Pro Center experienced specialty clinic provides comprehensive HRT programs tailored around individual needs while helping patients reach their desired health goals safely and effectively!
If these methods are ineffective at managing symptoms then over-the-counter medications may be prescribed by a doctor in order to address issues such as inflammation that could be exacerbating the problem. Severe cases may even require surgery so it’s best practice to reach out for professional advice if the issue cannot be managed on your own terms despite all these potential improvements listed above.
In conclusion, though painful breasts are a normal part of menopausal transition they shouldn’t be ignored if they become too severe or sudden since they could indicate something more serious like cancer requiring medical attention sooner rather than later. Lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine intake & massaging aromatherapy oil can help reduce chest discomfort while finding relief from hormone replacement therapy such as offered at BHRT Pro Center have helped countless people find satisfactory hormonal balance once again with minimal side effects!