What is the problem?

Breast pain, medically known as mastodynia, is the general term for discomfort, tenderness or pain in one or both breasts.Breast pain is divided into two categories: cyclical and non-cyclical. In the first case, breast pain is the result of the hormonal cycle, making it the most common type of breast pain in women before and during the menopause. Non-cyclical breast pain, which is more common in menopausal women, is not related to the 28-day cycle, but to fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels. It should be noted that tender breasts are more common in the perimenopause than in the later stages of the menopausal transition, when estrogen levels stabilize. Breast pain can be experienced in different ways. For some women it is tenderness, tightness, soreness, burning or swelling. For others, it is a sharp or acute pain. 

What are the causes?

Breast tissue reacts sensitively to hormones. During the perimenopause, the hormones oestrogen and progesterone rise and fall in unpredictable ways. It is these hormonal changes that cause the symptoms of sensitivity. The quality of the supporting connective tissue decreases with the disappearance of oestrogen, which affects the sensitive skin of the breasts. Hormones are the most common cause of breast pain, but other factors can also play a role, such as breast cysts, breast injuries, stress, mastitis or the use of contraceptives. 

What solutions are there?

It may sound trivial, but a first piece of advice is to wear a bra that fits your chest well. The right size and a comfortable model can make a big difference. Controlling diet and weight is an approach that should be considered. While this won't be a magic bullet for breast tenderness, some foods do contribute to hormonal balance. Phytoestrogens (plant compounds with estrogenic properties) reduce breast pain. They are found in many foods such as soy, oats and linseed. Also remember to cover your need for vitamins E and B6. Avoid excessive salt consumption to limit water retention in the breast tissue. You can also massage your breasts to stimulate lymphatic drainage.