Sometimes it’s easy to think your boobs have mystical powers, especially when it comes to predicting when your period will arrive. For some women, sore, sometimes painful breasts are a good tip-off that Aunt Flo is about to make a visit. While the heads-up is nice, sore breasts can be uncomfortable as hell.
Here’s a look at several common (read normal) reasons your girls may be screaming out, and how to give them some much-needed TLC.
PMS
The most common cause of breast pain is a change in hormones that comes along with your period — a body response to shifts in oestrogen typically manifests in swelling and tenderness on the day before your period begins and the first day of your flow. The good news: It should go away when your period ends. Primrose oil supplements may help, as they keep oestrogen levels stable.
Chest Workout
Maybe you did an impressive round of pushups or dove into a serious new weight-lifting routine. This may seem like breast pain, but the discomfort actually stems from the pectoral muscles lying right under the breast tissue tightening and relaxing. Get relief by applying heating pads and taking a pain reliever as directed.
Your Bra Doesn’t Fit Properly
The wrong lingerie can have pretty serious consequences for your chest. If your bra is too tight or the cup is too small, the underwire may be pushing against your breast (All. Day. Long.), leading to sore boobs. And if you’re not supported enough, all that up-down-and-all-around movement throughout the day can lead to breast tenderness. Use these tips to find a bra that fits.
Wrong Sports Bra
Especially if your breasts are larger, it’s crucial to get the proper support when exercising to keep those babies from bouncing all around and pulling on the breast tissue. Get fitted for a proper sports bra and make sure that nothing is digging in, spilling over, or not fitting perfectly when you jump around in the fitting room.
Too Many Lattes
While coffee and tea may not directly cause breast pain, some studies have shown that cutting out caffeine can help alleviate discomfort, especially for women with fibrocystic breast tissue. If your breasts feel particularly lumpy and you’ve got a three-cup-a-day habit, ask your doctor if you should consider cutting down.
Lumpy Breasts
If you’ve been identified as a women with lumpy breast tissue (technically known as fibrocystic breast tissue), then you are probably well acquainted with breast tenderness linked to your menstrual cycle. This bumpy, uneven breast tissue is actually characterised by fluid-filled cysts, and it’s not necessarily linked to breast cancer. However, they may be more sensitive to hormonal changes.
In general, temporary breast soreness and sensitivity shouldn’t raise any red flags, nor should it send you running to the doctor’s office. It usually just lasts a few days then vanishes from thin air. In the unlikely event that the pain lingers around or gets worse, then it’s time to see your physician. Also, be in the habit of regularly giving your breasts the once-over to make sure there aren’t any changes in appearance, texture, or tenderness. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, bring it up with your doctor.
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