Local breast pain

Women experience local breast pain mainly during menstruation and ovulation. These are physiological phenomena in two special periods, so don't worry too much. If it is not during menstruation or ovulation, it may be breast pain caused during pregnancy or after artificial abortion. I hope female friends can understand the causes of local breast pain and take preventive measures.

What causes breast pain?

1. Breast pain during pregnancy

Some women experience breast pain around 40 days after pregnancy due to the placenta and villi secreting large amounts of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin, which causes breast hyperplasia and breast enlargement. In severe cases, the pain may last throughout the pregnancy and no treatment is needed.

2. Breast pain after artificial abortion

After an abortion, some women complain of breast tenderness and a palpable lump. This is because the pregnancy is suddenly interrupted, and the hormone levels in the body drop sharply, causing the newly developed mammary glands to suddenly stop growing, resulting in breast lumps and breast pain.

3. Breast pain during puberty

The earliest breast pain in girls usually occurs between the ages of 9 and 13. At this time, the girl's breasts begin to develop. First, the nipple swells, and then a dome-shaped lump about the size of a pea or a bean appears in the breast tissue under the nipple, which is slightly swollen and painful. After menarche, it will disappear on its own as the breasts mature.

4. Postpartum breast pain

Breast swelling, hardening and pain often occur 3 to 7 days after delivery. This is mainly caused by breast lymph retention, venous congestion, interstitial edema and obstruction of mammary ducts. Mothers should breastfeed as early as possible. If there is a lump, you can apply hot compress and massage the lump before breastfeeding; you can also use a breast pump to draw out milk to promote patency of the mammary ducts.

5. Breast pain after sex

This is related to the physiological changes in the breasts during sexual intercourse. People with low libido or disharmonious sex life cannot achieve sexual satisfaction, so breast congestion and swelling are not easy to subside, or they subside incompletely. Continuous congestion will cause breast pain. Therefore, women should attach importance to a good sex life, and those who have no orgasm or low sexual desire should seek medical attention.

6. Premenstrual breast pain

More than half of women experience breast fullness, hardness and tenderness before menstruation. In severe cases, the breasts may become swollen and painful even with the slightest vibration or collision, and the original granular or nodular feeling becomes more obvious. This is caused by increased estrogen levels in the body before menstruation, breast hyperplasia, and edema of the breast interstitial tissue. The above changes may disappear after menstruation.

How to treat chest pain?

1. Prevent obesity

For women who are overweight, losing weight can help relieve breast pain.

2. Change your eating habits

Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet and consume fiber from whole grains (whole grains), vegetables, and beans.

3. Stay calm

When you are nervous, the adrenaline secreted by the adrenal glands will also interfere with the conversion function of GIA.

4. Avoid eating too salty food

High-salt foods can easily cause breast enlargement, and such foods should be avoided especially 7 to 10 days before menstruation.

5. Eat low-fat and high-fiber foods

In the week before menstruation, try to eat low-fat, high-fiber foods such as coarse grains and whole wheat, which can also improve the body's nutritional balance and relieve bloating and pain.

6. Try hot compress

Hot compress is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that can relieve breast pain by using a heat bag, hot water bottle, or hot bath. If you use alternating cold and hot compresses, the effect of eliminating breast discomfort will be better.

7. Take vitamins

The diet should contain foods rich in vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and B vitamins. These vitamins help regulate the production of prostaglandin E, which in turn inhibits the effects of prolactin. Avoid margarine and other hydrogenated fats.

8. Wear a secure bra

In addition to preventing breast sagging, the more important function of a bra is to prevent further compression of the already compressed breast nerves and eliminate discomfort. Careful sisters will find that those jogging athletes wear stable bras for this health reason.

9. Avoid diuretics

Diuretics do help remove fluid from the body and can also reduce breast swelling. But this immediate relief comes at a cost. Excessive use of diuretics can lead to potassium loss, disrupt electrolyte balance, and affect glucose formation.

10. Isolate caffeine

Medical experiments have shown that quitting the habit of drinking coffee every day can significantly improve breast pain. Of course, it's not just coffee, you should also stay away from caffeinated chocolate, cola, tea, and even caffeinated painkillers to relieve pain.

11. Massage your breasts regularly

Gently massaging the breasts can help return excess body fluid to the lymphatic system. When massaging, first apply soapy liquid to the breast, and rotate your fingers along the surface of the breast in a circle about the size of a coin. Then use your hands to press the breasts in and bounce them up, which is extremely helpful in preventing breast discomfort.

12. Use castor oil on your chest

Castor oil contains a substance that can enhance the function of T11 lymphocytes, which can accelerate the recovery of various infections and eliminate pain.

The method is: drop castor oil on cotton cloth folded into four layers, let it be soaked with castor oil, but not too wet to avoid dripping everywhere. Apply the cloth to your breasts, cover with a layer of plastic wrap, and then place a hot compress bag on top. Adjust the heat pack to a temperature you can tolerate and leave it on for an hour.