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Why Do My Boobs Hurt? Everything You Should Know About Breast Pain

Breast pain can cause anxiety and discomfort, but it's a common issue that many women experience, often stemming from benign causes.

Whether it's a mild pain or a more severe ache, understanding the causes of breast pain can help you manage it effectively. 

In this article, we’ll look at what causes breast pain and explore treatments to help you find relief and peace of mind.

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What Does Breast Pain Feel Like?

Mastalgia – or breast pain – is one of the most common issues experienced by women of childbearing age, affecting nearly two-thirds of them at some point in their lives. 

This pain can range from mild breast tenderness to severe discomfort and is often described as a dull ache, heaviness, or tightness in the breast. 

What are the three types of breast pain?

• Cyclical breast pain: Linked to the menstrual cycle, this type of pain typically affects both breasts. It usually begins a few days to weeks before menstruation, subsides during the period, and gradually disappears in the following days.

• Non cyclical breast pain: Unrelated to the menstrual cycle, this pain is often caused by structural issues in the breast, such as injury, tumors, infections, or surgery.

• Referred pain (chest wall pain): This occurs when pain is felt in the breast but originates from another part of the body. The complex network of nerves in the chest area can cause pain signals to overlap, leading to breast pain. 

Conditions such as acid reflux, costochondritis, gallbladder problems, or stomach issues can sometimes cause this type of pain.

What Causes Breast Pain?

Menstruation

Breast tenderness and pain are often caused by hormonal fluctuations, especially in estrogen and progesterone. 

Women often experience breast pain before their menstrual period, and during pregnancy, elevated hormone levels can also cause breast tenderness, frequently as an early sign that may persist through the first trimester.

Research shows that 70% of women will experience breast pain due to their menstrual cycle at some point in their lives.

Hormone imbalances

When we experience mental or emotional stress, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol, which disrupts the balance of reproductive hormones. 

Higher levels of stress can lead to more intense and unusual premenstrual symptoms (PMS) compared to your typical experience. This often results in more painful cramps, sharper lower back pain, and increased breast tenderness.

In fact, anything that affects your hormones — including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy — can cause breast pain.

Menopause

Another time when your hormones may fluctuate or become imbalanced is during and just before menopause. 

At this stage, your periods permanently stop as estrogen levels decline naturally with age. 

Since estrogen is a key reproductive hormone, the transition into menopause, and the months leading up to it, can often result in breast pain.

What are Some Common Conditions That Cause Breast Pain?

Fibrocystic breast disease

Fibrocystic breast disease is a benign (noncancerous) condition and a common cause of cyclic breast pain, typically linked to hormonal changes. 

This condition is a benign breast disease characterized by fibrocystic breast tissue, which can cause lumps, tenderness, and discomfort, especially around the menstrual cycle.

Fibroadenoma

Fibroadenomas can occur at any age but are most common in women between 14 and 35. 

These lumps often feel like small, rubbery marbles in the breast. While they are not always painful, they can become tender around your menstrual period due to sensitivity to hormonal changes. 

Fibroadenomas may grow larger during pregnancy and shrink as you approach menopause or after it. They are the most common cause of breast lumps in younger individuals.

Breast cysts

Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the breast tissue, containing either liquid, solid material, or a mix of both. They are very common and can often go unnoticed since they are not always painful. 

While most breast cysts are benign, some may require further evaluation to rule out cancerous growths.

Breast infection

Mastitis

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue, often involving inflammation of the nipple, milk ducts, and surrounding skin. 

It can be caused by factors such as blocked milk ducts or engorgement. Immediate treatment is essential, as untreated mastitis can lead to the formation of a breast abscess.

This condition is more common among breastfeeding women, with up to one-third of cases occurring in this group, compared to only 5% to 9% of nonpregnant women who develop it. 

Abscess 

A breast abscess is a complication of mastitis, resulting from a buildup of infected white blood cells, bacteria, and debris within the breast. 

It is typically painful, warm, and tender to the touch, with noticeable thickening of the skin around the abscess. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent further complications.

Breast engorgement

Breast engorgement occurs when milk builds up in the breast. 

This can be due to overproduction of milk, decreased expression of milk (breast pumping) or decreased breastfeeding. It can lead to discomfort and swelling if not addressed.

The condition may occur during the early days when you’re breastfeeding and is common among women who have a stillbirth or miscarriage.

Galactocele

A galactocele is a small, milk-filled cyst or collection of unexpressed milk that forms near the milk ducts. It is caused by an obstruction that prevents milk from being released, often leading to a firm, painless lump in the breast. 

While galactoceles are generally not harmful, they can cause discomfort and may require drainage if they become too large or bothersome.

Galactocele is a condition that occurs after pregnancy among lactating women. 

Duct ectasia

Duct ectasia is an inflammatory condition that leads to the widening and thickening of the milk duct walls within the breast tissue. While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to result from the weakening and twisting of the duct walls.

Breast cancer

The greatest concern women have when discovering a breast lump is the fear of cancer. Fortunately, not every lump is cancerous. 

Symptoms of breast cancer, including inflammatory breast cancer, may include: 

• Unintentional weight loss

• Increased size of one breast

• Stippling of the skin (known as Peau d'Orange, resembling an orange peel)

• Abnormal nipple discharge

• Nipple retraction (when the nipple pulls back into the skin)

• Swollen glands under the armpit

What Are Some Lifestyle Choices and Habits That May Cause Breast Pain? 

Wearing ill-fitting bras

Whether you’re wearing regular bras or sports bras, you should always choose the right fit for your breast size. 

An incorrect bra can cause pain because it may:

Be too tight: A bra that is too tight can dig into the skin, especially around the underwire or straps, causing discomfort. In severe cases, tight bras can cause constriction, leading to further discomfort and potential circulation problems.

Offer poor support: An ill-fitting bra that is loose and slack may provide enough support for someone with smaller breasts, but it can be problematic for larger breasts. Without proper support, the breasts can move excessively during daily activities, leading to straining, pulling, and even bruising.

Smoking

Smoking affects the balance of reproductive hormones, which can lead to cyclic breast pain. 

Additionally, it can reduce blood flow to the breast tissue, impairing overall breast health and potentially increasing the risk of other complications, such as delayed healing and tissue damage.

Alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption can worsen gastrointestinal (GIT) issues, such as acid reflux or gastritis, which may lead to referred pain felt in the breast. 

This occurs when irritation or inflammation in the digestive tract triggers nerve pathways that radiate pain to other areas, including the chest and breast region.

How Do I Manage or Treat Breast Pain?

In most cases, breast pain can be effectively managed at home using the following treatments:

OTC medication

Be sure to consult with your doctor before using these, especially if you're breastfeeding: 

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)  

• Ibuprofen (Advil)  

Home remedies and lifestyle adjustments

• Taking supplements like vitamin E or evening primrose oil

• Apply a hot compress to relieve pain and discomfort  

• Express milk if your breasts are engorged after pregnancy

• Breastfeed regularly or practice on-demand feeding  

• Wear a supportive bra to reduce strain and discomfort 

When Should I Be Concerned About Breast Pain?

While most breast pain and lumps are caused by benign conditions, certain symptoms can indicate breast cancer, complications from breast surgery, or other more serious health issues.

Here are some signs that may require medical attention:

• Unintentional weight loss  

• Fever or unmanageable pain  

• Nipple retraction  

• Breast swelling or an increase in size, especially if it involves one breast  

• Abnormal nipple discharge  

• Skin on the breast that appears dimpled, resembling an orange peel  

• New lumps felt during self-examination  

• Nontender lumps under the armpit, particularly if accompanied by other breast-related symptoms 

Where Can I Learn More About Managing Breast Pain?

If you’re struggling to find relief from breast pain, contact LifeMD. We can answer any questions you have about sore breasts.

A board-certified doctor or nurse practitioner can offer guidance, rule out any serious conditions, and prescribe the medication you need to feel better.

Make your appointment today to take control of your health — all from the comfort of your own home.

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