Breast pain is often related to the menstrual cycle of women. But they can also occur outside of your period. In this case, it may be a sign of trauma, infection, cyst or cancer.

Breast pain, also called breast pain, mastalgia or mastodynia, is a common ailment in women, particularly related to the hormonal cycle. They can be mild to moderate or severe, be constant or occur only occasionally.

The pain can manifest itself in the form of stabbing, cramping or even burning. There are generally two types of breast pain:

• those related to the menstrual cycle (menstruation) – we speak of cyclical pain: they affect both breasts and are likely to last a few days a month (before menstruation) or a week or more per month (i.e. a few days before menstruation as well as during);
• those that occur at other times and are therefore not associated with the menstrual cycle – this is called non-cyclical pain.

Note that around 45-50 years will appear in some women, major changes in the level of hormones in the blood, with a disruption of the cycle. This is called pre-menopause and then menopause. Literally putting an end to the rules. This period can be particularly physical for some women with significant pain in the breast, sleep and mood disorders and especially the famous hot flashes. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor or the gynecologist to medically organize a hormonal transition in order to alleviate the symptoms of this painful period.

While breastfeeding, women may have breast pain:

• during the flow of milk;
• if there is engorgement of the breasts;
• if the milk ducts are blocked;
• or in the event of mastitis (a bacterial infection) sometimes hyper painful (an inflammation of the mammary gland or even a bacterial infection).

Note that in general, breast cancer is not painful. But if the tumor is large, it can cause harm.

Most often, it is the hormones associated with the menstrual cycle that are the cause. In these cases, the breasts increase in size and become hard, tight, swollen, and painful (mild to moderate). It’s normal. But other factors can cause breast pain. Let us quote for example:

• the presence of breast cysts, or breast nodules (mobile mass, which is more painful when it is large);
• trauma to the breasts;
• past breast surgery;
• taking certain medications (such as infertility treatments or birth control pills, hormones, antidepressants, etc.);
• the simple size of the breast (women with large breasts may experience pain);
• or pain originating in the chest wall, heart or surrounding muscles and having radiated to the breasts.

Note that cyclic breast pain tends to decrease with pregnancy or menopause.

To determine the cause of breast pain, your doctor may:

• perform a clinical breast exam (palpation of the breasts);
• ask the radiologist for imaging: mammography, breast ultrasound;
• or a biopsy (ie taking a piece of breast tissue to analyze it).

Perform a teleconsultation with a doctor in a few minutes from the application or the Livi.fr website if your pain persists. Obtain a reliable medical diagnosis and a prescription with the appropriate treatment according to the doctor’s advice. Consultations possible 7 days a week from 7 am to midnight.

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Breast pain can become more and more bothersome if it is not taken into account and treated. The pain may intensify. It may also be the sign of a pathology that it is better to take care of quickly.

Breast pain can become more and more bothersome if it is not taken into account and treated. The pain may intensify. It may also be the sign of a pathology that it is better to take care of quickly.

As mentioned above, it is not normal to have pain in the chest except during the cycle and after medical examination if the doctor informs you that there is no cause for concern he will prescribe a treatment for pain to be taken with each cycle. For the rest, do not hesitate to practice self-palpation once or twice a week and to consult a doctor if in doubt. The treatment will be that of the cause.