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Every woman faces temporary changes in breast size. The bust can decrease with sudden weight loss or swell during menstruation. This can indicate both natural physiological processes and serious malfunctions in the body. It is very important to separate the usual symptoms (mild discomfort, sensitivity) from unnatural pain, suspicious seals and disruption of the mammary glands. What is the mechanism of breast swelling, for what reasons does it occur and in what cases is the help of a doctor needed?
Anatomical structure of the organ
The mammary gland is a secondary sexual characteristic that develops in all female mammals. In sexually mature women, the glands form two symmetrical elevations that are adjacent to the anterior chest wall (between the 3rd and 7th ribs). On the surface of the breast is the nipple, surrounded by the areola. The mammary gland itself is a dense body in the form of a convex disc. It is surrounded by a layer of adipose tissue and is literally “attached” to the body with the help of muscles. The blood supply to the organ is carried out through the internal and lateral thoracic arteries.
Throughout life, the female breast undergoes cyclical changes. They are closely related to the menstrual cycle and the preparation of the body for fertilization. Before the onset of menstruation, the mammary glands swell, become more sensitive, and the nipple and areola may change color slightly. If fertilization does not occur, the balance of hormones is restored, sensitivity disappears, and the breast returns to its usual size.
The mechanism of breast swelling
An increase in the size and sensitivity of the breasts is an absolutely normal symptom that develops in most sexually mature women. This is due to the complex structure of the breast. The breast consists of three types of tissue – connective, fatty and glandular. Connective tissue forms the frame of the breast and rarely undergoes significant physiological changes. The fat and glandular layer are more pliable and hormone-dependent. They can grow or, conversely, decrease in size under the influence of certain hormones, weight surges, and general health.
In addition to fat, breast swelling can be triggered by blood vessels. The size and structure of the mammary glands largely depends on the blood supply. How it works? Blood rushes into the chest area, dilates blood vessels, which affects the volume of the chest. A similar effect can be seen during sports or other active pastime. As soon as the blood supply normalizes, the volume of the vessels and the chest will decrease.
If breast swelling in women is a symptom of both normal and pathological internal changes, then male breast enlargement indicates a specific disease. It’s called gynecomastia. This is an increase in the mammary gland with hypertrophy of adipose tissue. The disease indicates an imbalance of female and male hormones.
Possible causes of breast enlargement
Swelling of the mammary glands can be long-term or short-term. For example, during pregnancy, the maximum volume of the breast is maintained until the end of feeding, and during sexual arousal it disappears after a few minutes or hours. How is this possible?
Menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle has a tremendous impact on the health, mood and well-being of sexually mature women. Each day of the cycle is associated with the production of a certain amount of hormones. These hormones affect both the internal state and external beauty. For example, progesterone and prostaglandins, which accumulate in the body by the second phase of the menstrual cycle, increase the pain threshold, provoke swelling and increased sensitivity of the breast.
If the breast swells, becomes too sensitive or hurts in the first phase of the menstrual cycle, consult a doctor. Perhaps the balance of hormones is disturbed or other pathological processes are taking place in the body.
Pregnancy and lactation period
Active breast growth during pregnancy is associated with the important hormone prolactin. Most of the prolactin is produced in the pituitary gland, after which it enters the bloodstream and intensely prepares the female body for the future role of the mother. Already in the second month of pregnancy, the breasts increase significantly in size, and the nipple and areola become darker. Changes affect not only the external, but also the internal characteristics of the body. The mammary gland is rebuilt to provide the unborn child with milk.
During the feeding period, breast weight can reach from 300 to 900 grams (normally this figure varies from 150 to 200 grams).
Breast swelling during pregnancy and lactation is temporary. Upon completion of feeding, the hormonal balance is gradually restored, and the female body is preparing to become pregnant again. Soon the mammary gland loses volume and shape, but usually does not return to its original pre-pregnancy size.
Stimulation and arousal
Most women define the chest as one of the erogenous zones. She is extremely sensitive to touch, sudden movements and any other stimulation. In response to stimulation, the mammary glands may increase slightly in size, become elastic and slightly firm. The reaction of the body to a particular effect can be specific and depends on each individual woman. Some do not experience any emotions during active breast stimulation, others even react to the friction of clothing or underwear. Feeding the baby can also be considered as stimulation. As soon as the baby captures the breast, a signal is sent to the brain about the need to produce milk. As a result, the liquid fills the milk ducts and visually enlarges the gland.
Temperature differences
Exposure to high or extremely low temperatures can also affect bust volume. It’s all about blood circulation. When overheated, the liquid rapidly fills the blood vessels, significantly expanding them, which leads to swelling of the mammary glands.
When hypothermia occurs, the body starts its natural defense process and speeds up blood flow in order to survive. This can be traced by the reaction of the skin to cold water – it turns red, a slight swelling appears, and uncomfortable tingling is possible. Similar changes occur in all soft tissues, including the chest.
Lifestyle specifics
Not only the quality of life, but also the appearance of a person depends on the daily diet. If you consume many more calories than you can use, excess weight gradually accumulates in the body. Excess fat is distributed to each part of the body, according to the specifics of its structure, affecting the chest.
Lack of drinking fluid can lead to edema. Most often they are accompanied by discomfort, dry skin, and sometimes painful sensations.
Pathological causes of swelling
Breast swelling and hardening does not always indicate natural physiological processes inside the body.
Sometimes it is a symptom of such diseases:
- Laktostasis. This is the stagnation of milk in the ducts of the mammary glands. The condition is typical only for nursing mothers. Stagnation can form in one gland or affect both at once. To neutralize lactostasis, it is advised to drink plenty of water and often apply the baby to the chest. If this does not help, you should consult a doctor.
- Mastopathy. Growth of breast tissue, which is accompanied by pain and abnormal secretion. For a decade, mastopathy has been one of the most common breast diseases.
- Fibroadenoma. A benign neoplasm caused by a lack of progesterone and estrogen. The tumor grows or provokes new cancerous foci, which literally put pressure on the tissue and provoke its swelling.
- Mastitis. Inflammation of the mammary gland. It can develop in any woman, regardless of pregnancy, childbirth and the number of children.
In what cases it is necessary to see a doctor?
First of all, determine the nature and cause of pain. If you have never experienced such sensations, consult a gynecologist. Describe your condition, tell about the conditions in which it arose. If the doctor finds suspicious symptoms, then you can immediately undergo a diagnosis and neutralize the disease in a timely manner. Often, the natural swelling of the mammary glands does not bring significant discomfort. The main thing is to be reasonable and learn to listen to your own body.
Do I need to examine my breasts myself?
There is a popular belief that the breast should be examined/palpated regularly to prevent the development of dangerous diseases and changes. The main fears of women are associated with cancer, hormonal disruptions, which can affect the size of the breast. Is this so, how effective is self-palpation and how to properly care for the mammary glands?
Self-examination cannot be equated with a visit to the doctor and routine diagnostics. Often a woman can notice a strange swelling of the breast, feel for seals, make a terrible diagnosis and bring herself to psychosis.
Or, conversely, regularly probe the chest, feel safe and refuse a planned mammogram. As for pathological changes, the focus of cancer may be limited to a few millimeters and it will be impossible to fix it without special equipment. Self-diagnosis is an additional, not the main manipulation. Enjoy the benefits of modern medicine, do not forget about regular visits to the gynecologist and diagnostic measures.
If you decide to conduct regular palpation, correctly calculate the force. Excessive mechanical pressure on the chest can lead to the formation of hematomas, inflammation and pain. What symptoms should you see a doctor for? The presence of a node, swelling, discoloration of the skin, retraction of the nipple, enlargement of the lymph nodes in the armpit, blood or any other discharge from the mammary glands.
Which doctor should I contact? Experts advise first of all to contact a gynecologist. If this is necessary, he will redirect the patient to a mammologist or oncologist.
Treat palpation as a routine activity (like brushing your teeth) and don’t overestimate symptoms. Puffiness and swelling of the glands in the second phase of the cycle can be easily confused with a cyst or false pregnancy.
To avoid misunderstandings, discuss with the gynecologist how you feel before / during / after your period, describe the pain and the usual state of the breast. So you will better understand your body and separate norms from pathologies.