Breast tenderness before menstruation is caused by changes in hormone levels, while certain foods like animal fats and caffeine can also contribute. Over-the-counter medications are recommended, but severe or one-sided pain should be checked for breast cancer.
All women who have experienced breast tenderness before a period understand how painful this condition can be. Typically, this pain is mainly caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. Other cases of breast tenderness, on the other hand, can be caused by the consumption of certain foods, especially those rich in animal fats and caffeine. Those experiencing breast tenderness are generally encouraged to use over-the-counter medications to treat their pain symptoms. Women who don’t get relief through these drugs may need to take prescription drugs. Those who have severe pain in the breast or experience it only on one side of the body should seek medical help, as this could be indicative of breast cancer.
In most cases, the most common cause of breast tenderness before menstruation is due to changes in hormone levels in the female body. Estrogen and progesterone are the two main hormones that can lead to breast tenderness and typically begin to increase in concentration as ovulation begins. These hormones can increase fluid retention in the body. When this fluid is retained in the breast, excruciating swelling and pain can occur.
Breast tenderness has been linked to the consumption of certain foods. Coffee and other caffeine-rich foods have been found to be the main culprits, as a chemical in these foods can lead to dilation of blood vessels in the breasts, causing further fluid retention. Other foods such as animal fats and dairy products have also been linked to breast tenderness before period. While the cause of breast pain associated with eating these foods remains relatively unclear, some believe that the hormones used in these foods can be passed on to the consumer and lead to even higher hormone levels.
Typically, women experiencing the most severe symptoms are encouraged to use over-the-counter pain relievers and to speak to a doctor if they continue to experience pain. Some women find that chemical birth control can limit breast tenderness before their period. Women who have severe pain in the breast or feel it only on one side of the body should seek medical help as soon as possible. This type of pain could be a sign of breast cancer or a non-cancerous breast tumor.
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