Breast pain Mamae ū

Breast pain (mastalgia) is a common problem. Most women have it at some time in their lives. It is not usually a reason to worry. Most often it is caused by hormonal changes rather than breast cancer or other serious problems. But if you are worried, see your healthcare provider for a check up.

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When to get urgent medical advice

Whether or not you have breast pain, see your healthcare provider urgently if you notice any:

  • skin or nipple changes
  • blood or other liquid (discharge) coming from your nipples, unless breastfeeding
  • lump in your breast.

Causes of breast pain

Cyclical (menstrual) breast pain

Some breast pain is caused by hormonal changes related to your period (menstrual) cycle. This is called cyclical breast pain and usually it:

  • is most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50
  • comes in the days before your period
  • gets better when your period begins
  • affects both breasts, making them feel more swollen and lumpier during this time.

The pain may vary from one month to the next.

Non-cyclical breast pain

Pain not linked to your period cycle is called non-cyclical breast pain. You may have this pain:

  • all the time, or it can come and go
  • in one or both breasts.

It may happen for several reasons, including:

  • the contraceptive pill, Depo-Provera injection, progesterone implants and menopause hormone therapy (MHT) — due to the hormonal effects of these medications
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding — both breasts may become sore
  • menopause — often no cause is found but cysts or age-related changes to the milk ducts can be the problem
  • pain from the chest wall muscles or cartilage underneath your breast.

It is very rare for breast pain to be caused by cancer.

Breast pain in boys and men

Young boys and men can also have pain in the breast area. Sometimes it happens at the same time as breast tissue gets larger (called gynaecomastia). In older men, gynaecomastia may develop when using certain medications. Any discomfort usually gets better after 3 to 6 months.

Self care for breast pain

Most breast pain goes away on its own, without treatment. See your healthcare provider if you:

  • feel no improvement after 3 months of self care
  • have or any other symptoms, even if they do not seem connected
  • are worried.

There are a few simple self care things you can try.

  • Wear a well-fitting and supportive bra, for example a sports bra.
  • Try to avoid underwired bras.
  • Use a bra-fitting service with trained staff — most shops or departments selling bras provide this.
  • Avoid jolting, jarring or high-impact activities such as running for a few months, to see if this helps.
  • Try having soy products such as soy milk, tofu and cooked edamame beans.
  • Reduce the salt intake in your diet.
  • Reduce your caffeine intake (tea, coffee, cola drinks, energy drinks and some over-the-counter medicines can contain caffeine).
  • Try using an anti-inflammatory gel on the painful area.
  • Try a warm compress, ice pack or gentle massage.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider about stopping or changing contraceptives or other hormone medications. You may find symptoms improve when you are taking an oral contraceptive pill, or you may find the pill makes them worse.
  • Keep a diary to record when you feel pain and how it feels. This helps show any patterns, whether changes you make are working or if it is related to your period. Take the diary to your healthcare provider visits.