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Breast pain

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Breast pain or mastalgia is a common problem that occurs in younger, premenopausal women. Although it can also occur in postmenopausal women, the incidence is quite rare. Breast pain can occur in either breast or both and can last for days, weeks or sometimes even months.

Having breast pain need not mean you have breast cancer. However, if you have constant pain that disrupts your normal daily activities such as work or sexual relationships, consult your doctor and get a breast exam done.
Types of breast pain
Breast pain is classified into three types, depending on the age, frequency and location at which it occurs. The three types of breast pain are:

Cyclic breast pain: Cyclic breast pain is the most common type of breast pain. It generally occurs in both breasts with the pain being felt in the entire breast. You may feel breast tenderness, swelling or lumpiness. Cyclic breast pain usually affects women who are in their 30s or 40s.

Non-cyclic breast pain: Most often this kind of breast pain usually occurs only in one breast. You may feel pain only in a specific area of your breast. Non-cyclic breast pain is characterized by a burning or sore kind of pain. Non-cyclic breast pain tends to affect women who are in their forties or fifties

Extra-mammary breast pain: This type of breast pain occurs from a cause other than the breast, such as muscles in the chest wall, but you may feel as though it is originating in the breast.



Causes
The exact cause of breast pain is difficult to determine in most cases, although there are a number of theories as to what causes pain or tenderness in your breasts. Some of them are:
  • Hormonal changes that occur during periods.
  • Breast injury.
  • Pregnancy and breast feeding.
  • Breast infections.
  • Water retention that may occur during periods.
  • Breast cancer, although this is not a usual cause of breast pain.
Seeking medical help
Fortunately, in most cases, breast pain goes away on its own after a few months. However, make it a point to visit your doctor if you feel any kind of pain in your breasts that persists for long. Tell your doctor about the kind of pain you feel and where exactly in your breast area you feel it. Your doctor may also conduct a mammogram (an X-ray of the breasts) to see if you have lumps in your breasts. There are different treatments for breast pain depending on what is causing it. You and your doctor can decide one that is most suitable for you.
Self help
The following are tips that can help relieve breast pain, although there is no scientific or medical evidence to prove it. But it is worth giving a try:
  • Wear a firm, supportive bra. While performing exercises, wear a sports bra that supports your breasts well.
  • Try using ice pack compresses to relieve pain.
  • Avoid situations that can cause stress and anxiety in you. Practice relaxation techniques. Severe breast pain may be associated with stress and anxiety.
  • Avoid beverages and foods that contain Caffeine. Cutting back on Caffeine can provide relief.
  • Limit salt intake.
  • Eat a healthy well-balanced diet. Avoid foods that are rich in fat.
  • Taking vitamins E or B6 can be of help.




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With 27 Vital Nutrients including Choline and DHA For Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
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