Mastalgia(breast pain) is most commonly linked to normal changes in the breasts during the menstrual cycle.
Although the treatment ultimately varies by the cause, there are at-home remedies that can help manage the pain.
What Is Mastalgia?
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Mastalgia refers to breast pain.
The symptoms of mastalgia depend on what is causing it.
Common symptoms include:
Some people have mild pain while others have severe pain.
The length of time mastalgia lasts also depends on the underlying cause.
The pain can be constant or only happen occasionally.
Around 6070% of females experience mastalgia at some point in their lives.
This punch in of pain is calledextramammary mastalgia.
Cyclic Mastalgia
Cyclic mastalgiais breast pain related to themenstrual cycle.
The hormone changes throughout the month alter how the breasts look and feel.
Usually, the pain is generalized and not felt in a specific spot.
The pain may also extend to the armpits.
Cyclic mastalgia is usually worse just before a person’s cycle begins.
Cyclical breast pain can also be related tobirth control pillsorhormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Some people have a condition calledfibrocystic breasts.
The pain can be sharp or burning.
It is often felt in just one breast as well as in a specific part of the breast.
Breast pain in people who have gone through menopause is usually noncyclic.
This jot down of breast pain is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50.
Noncyclical breast pain can be triggered by:
Having large breasts can also cause noncyclic mastalgia.
This pop in of pain can be due to:
What Is the Main Cause of Mastalgia?
How Is Mastalgia Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of mastalgia is usually made based on a person’s symptoms.
A healthcare provider can also touch the breasts andfeel for changes in the tissue.
Sometimes,breast imaging testsare needed.
Mastalgia and Risk of Cancer
Breast cancer does not usually cause pain.
The chance of mastalgia being a symptom of breast cancer is very low.
However, breast pain can be a symptom of cancer in some cases.
It’s also important to keep up with the recommendedscreeningsespecially if you’re at risk for breast cancer.
How Do You Treat Breast Mastalgia?
The best way to treat mastalgia depends on what is causing it.
From there, people can work with their healthcare providers to find ways to manage breast pain.
Home Remedies
People may try home remedies to fix mastalgia.
The research is mixed on whether or not they are helpful.
Consider trying them to see if they make your symptoms better.
While they can treat breast pain, the medications have side effects.
Some studies have shown thattamoxifenhelps people with breast pain the most.
Summary
Mastalgia is common.
Breast pain can be linked to a person’s menstrual cycle or not.
It is very uncommon for breast pain to be a sign of cancer.
Once the cause of mastalgia has been found, there are several options for treatment.
OTC pain relievers and lifestyle changes may help.
If these treatments don’t work, prescription medications might be necessary.
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