Breast Pain, also known as mastalgia in clinical terms, is a common condition that affects about 70% of women at some point in their life. The breast pain may or may not be related to menstruation. 

Mainly, the pain occurs a couple of days before the periods or can last throughout the period. Though it afflicts nearly 70% of women, the pain rarely becomes severe enough to interfere with day-to-day activities. 

Mastalgia is often mistaken for breast cancer, but it is very normal. In case the pain becomes severe or occurs without menstruation, one must consult a doctor. In minor cases, medications can suffice.

Breast pain is of two types, cyclic and noncyclic:

Cyclic Mastalgia : Cyclic mastalgia is associated with the menstrual cycle. It may be a result of the hormonal changes seen around mensis. Features of cyclic mastalgia include:

• The condition usually affects younger women.
• The pain is most severe just before mensis.
• It affects both breasts and is often described as a feeling of heaviness and soreness in the breast with pain that spreads to the armpit and arm.
• The pain usually disappears after the mensis.
• Cyclic mastalgia usually subsides on its own without treatment.

Noncyclic Mastalgia : Noncyclic mastalgia is unrelated to the menstrual cycle. Features of noncyclic mastalgia include:

• It usually affects slightly older women between 40 to 50 years of age.
• It usually affects a single breast.
• The pain may be described as a sharp, burning pain localized in the breast.
• It may be caused by other conditions like breast cyst.
• The pain is relieved following treatment of the underlying condition.

Breast Cancer

Most of the time, women confuse normal breast pain with breast cancer. However, it is a myth that breast pain accompanies breast cancer. In fact, the foremost symptom of breast cancer is a painless lump. There is a highly unlikely chance that you have breast cancer if you have breast pains. 

However, it is okay to approach a doctor regarding regular breast pains if they are severe. You need immediate medical attention if you observe any of the following-

• A lump in your breast or your underarms
• History of breast cancer in the family
• Any pregnancy-related symptoms
• Swelling in breasts
• Discharge from nipples

In the above-mentioned scenarios, one must consult with their gynaecologist since there might be a possibility of breast cancer. This condition requires immediate and timely medical treatment to prevent the spread of cancer. Breast cancer is a serious issue that requires treatment and proper care from a gynecologist. 

Causes

The cause of breast pain is not known but it may be related to

• Hormonal changes
• Excess salt intake- increases swelling by causing fluid retention
• Pregnancy
• Fibrocystic changes in the breast
• Cysts in the breast
• Inflammation of the breast bone and ribs

Mastalgia treatment

For many women, mastalgia resolves on its own over time. You may not need any treatment.

If you do require treatment, your doctor might recommend that you:

• Eliminate an underlying cause or aggravating factor. This may involve a simple adjustment, such as wearing a bra with extra support.
• Use a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication. You may need to use NSAIDs when your pain is intense. Your doctor may recommend you apply an NSAID cream directly to the area where you feel pain.
• Adjust birth control pills. If you take birth control pills, skipping the pill-free week or switching birth control methods may help mastalgia symptoms. But don’t try this without your doctor’s advice.
• Reduce the dose of menopausal hormone therapy. You might consider lowering the dose of menopausal hormone therapy or stopping it entirely.
• Take a prescription medication.