Why Do My Boobs Hurt When I’m on My Period?

Breast pain or tenderness, medically known as mastalgia, is commonly experienced by many people during their menstrual cycle. It is most often attributed to the hormonal changes that occur as part of the menstrual cycle.

What Causes Premenstrual Breast Pain?

During your menstrual cycle, hormone levels fluctuate, particularly the levels of estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuating hormone levels can cause breast tissue to retain water and become more sensitive, which can lead to breast discomfort, tenderness, or even pain. Moreover, these hormonal fluctuations can cause the milk ducts (aka breast ducts or milk glands) in the breasts to enlarge, leading to further discomfort.

The severity of this breast pain can vary from person to person. It can range from having more 'awareness' of your breasts to mild discomfort, while others may have more significant pain that interferes with their daily activities. The tenderness or pain typically begins a few days before the period and may continue for the first few days of the menstrual cycle.

Apart from sore boobs, other premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include:

• Mood changes (mood swings, irritability)
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Food cravings or changes in appetite
• Headaches
• Acne breakouts
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Sleep disturbances
• Digestive issues

How to Get Relief from Breast Soreness 

Good news: If you experience breast soreness in the run-up to or during your period, there are some things you can try to relieve breast pain. Here are some options that may help alleviate premenstrual breast swelling and breast pain during menstruation:

Wear a Supportive Bra 

Wear a well-fitting, supportive bra that provides proper coverage and minimizes breast movement, which can help reduce discomfort. If there’s swelling, you may find your everyday bra feels suddenly tight, especially if it has underwires. A wireless bra or a supportive sports bra that’s not too constrictive might be more comfortable for a few days. 

Try Heat Therapy 

Applying a warm compress or taking a warm shower can help relax the breast tissue and relieve pain. If breasts ache, some individuals find relief by using heat pads or hot water bottles on their breasts.

Or... Cold Therapy 

Cold compresses or ice packs can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing temporary relief from breast pain. Use a thin cloth or towel to protect the skin and apply cold therapy for short periods, typically up to 20 minutes at a time.

Try Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, can help reduce breast pain and inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying medical conditions or take other medications.

Consider Making Some Dietary Adjustments 

Some women find that reducing their intake of caffeine, salt, and high-fat foods helps alleviate breast pain during their menstrual cycle. Although scientific evidence is limited, it may be worth trying to see if dietary changes have an impact on your symptoms.

Try to Manage Your Stress Levels

Stress can exacerbate hormonal imbalances and increase breast pain. Engaging in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or other stress reduction activities can potentially help manage symptoms.

Exercise, But Manage Bounce

Engaging in regular physical activity can help regulate hormone levels and reduce breast pain. In general, aim for moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, gentle jogging, or cycling, for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. However, when your breasts are tender, high-impact exercises with a lot of bounce may exacerbate the pain. On those days, opt for walking, gentle stretching, swimming, or another low-impact exercise. Also, wear a supportive bra to manage breast movement and bounce.

Avoid Too-Tight Clothing

Wearing tight-fitting clothing or constructive underwire bras can compress the breasts and worsen the pain. Opt for looser, more comfortable clothing during your menstrual cycle.

Other Possible Causes of Breast Pain

Breast pain may occur for reasons beyond the hormonal changes associated with your menstrual cycle. So, if you don’t normally experience breast pain around your period but you suddenly do, the explanation might not be causally related to menstruation.

Here are some of the other reasons women may experience breast pain.

Large, Heavy Breasts

Large breasts can cause strain to the ligaments and tissues supporting the breasts, causing breast soreness, shoulder pain, back pain, or neck pain. The pain may be exacerbated by physical activity or prolonged periods of standing or sitting. A supportive bra can go a long way in helping to alleviate this pain, but if your breasts cause significant daily pain, you might want to talk to your healthcare provider. In rare cases, breast surgery (reduction) might be considered.

Other Hormonal Changes

Your menstrual cycle isn't the only thing that causes hormones to fluctuate! Other events, such as: 

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Perimenopause
• Menopause 

all come with hormonal fluctuations too (it's a wonderful rollercoaster ride we go on!) These changes can lead to breast pain or tenderness. Using hormone medications may also cause breast tenderness.

Injury or Trauma

Trauma or injury to one or both breasts, such as a fall, blow, or compression, can result in breast pain. You'll usually be aware of this when it happens — a blow to the chest during a sports game, for example. The pain also may be accompanied by swelling, bruising, or visible signs of injury.

Mastitis or Other Breast Infections

Mastitis is inflammation and infection of the breast tissue. It commonly occurs in breastfeeding women, but it can also affect women who are not breastfeeding. Mastitis typically affects one breast, causing pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and sometimes a fever.

Mastitis usually occurs when bacteria enter the breast tissue through a cracked or damaged nipple. This can happen during breastfeeding when bacteria from the baby's mouth or the mother's skin enter the breast. The bacteria can multiply and cause an infection, leading to inflammation and subsequent symptoms of mastitis. In some cases, mastitis can occur without an obvious source of infection.

Medications

Certain medications, including hormonal therapies, oral contraceptives, and some antidepressants, can cause breast pain as a side effect. The prescribing doctor and/or your pharmacist should walk you through the possible side effects of any medication they are prescribing. If the pain is severe, report back… there may be alternatives they can try!

Other Breast Conditions, Including Some Forms of Breast Cancer

Certain breast conditions like fibroadenomas (noncancerous tumors) or breast cancer can cause breast pain. It's important to note that breast pain is not typically the primary symptom of breast cancer — odds are you would notice other symptoms before breast pain. However, any persistent or unusual breast pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

When to See a Doctor About Sore Breasts

If you’re asking this question, it’s a good sign to book a check-up. That said, breast tenderness around one’s period is not alone considered a worrying sign. But if you are worried, or you’re experiencing severe pain, why not book a checkup to put your mind at ease?

If breast tenderness is more persistent (still occurring after your period) or you notice any of the following, it’s a very good idea to book a check-up:

• Persistent breast pain that interferes with daily life or sleep
• A new or painful breast lump
• Nipple discharge

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free, and in period underwear.