Paying attention to signs and signals from our bodies is a great way to stay in good health. Do not ignore those small pains when you can ask your doctor for what can be the cause. Early information can keep us ahead of any possible issues. Further, keeping our doctor informed will be important in your overall health care treatment. If your doctor has all the information, they are better equipped to give a more precise diagnosis. Here are a few reasons why your breast may hurt.
Menstrual Cycle
Some soreness, or tenderness in your breast during your monthly menstrual cycle may be normal. This pain and sometimes heaviness are linked to the hormones that are present during your cycle. These changes in hormones can cause pain and discomfort but usually does not require treatment.
Mastitis
This pain is usually exclusively experienced by breastfeeding women. The breast tissue is swollen and become inflamed causing pain. The source of the inflammation and pain can either be an infection or not. If it is an infection, bacteria entered the body and infected the breast tissue. The body reacts by fighting back and sending chemicals straight to the source of the problem. These chemicals are designed to help heal and treat the infection and this causes the pain.
If the mastitis is not caused by an infection, then it is a buildup of excess milk in the breast tissue. Although this is not caused by an inflection, the milk build up can lead to an infection. The breast milk builds an environment that is prone to infection-causing bacteria. Treatment may be required to prevent the infection from getting worse. Make sure to consult your doctor.
Fibrocystic Changes
Pain caused by fibrocystic breast changes can happen to women of a wide range of ages from 20-50. This is caused by changes in your body that originate in the ovaries. The hormones that are produced by your ovaries change and those changes are reflected in your breast tissue. The changes may cause your breast to be lumpy, heavy and sometimes painful. Although this pain can vary throughout the month. It usually becomes more painful during your menstrual cycle. You should be monitored closely by your doctor because you need your doctor to help determine if any more serious abnormalities have developed. Contact Eagles Landing Ob/Gyn to schedule an appointment today to get any of these and more questions answered.
