What causes breast swelling?

For female friends, breasts not only represent the external image, but the health of breasts also has a great impact on women's bodies. Many women usually feel swollen breasts. Most of the time, this swelling is normal. For example, the breasts may feel swollen during puberty or before menstruation. These are physiological reasons, so there is no need to worry or treat them. If these are not the reasons, then you should consider whether it is caused by a disease.

What is breast tenderness?

Some patients with breast pain think they have breast cancer because they cannot find the cause for the time being. In fact, there are many reasons for breast pain, most of which are physical pain. Let’s take a look at the causes of breast tenderness.

1. Breast pain during puberty

Girls' earliest breast pain usually occurs between the ages of 9 and 13. This is because girls' breasts begin to develop at this time. At first, the nipples bulge and there will be a slight feeling of pain. However, after menarche, the symptoms of breast tenderness and pain will disappear automatically as the breasts mature.

2. Premenstrual breast pain

Many women experience breast fullness, hardness, and tenderness during menstruation. In severe cases, the breasts may become swollen and painful even with the slightest vibration or collision, and the original granules or nodules may become more obvious. This is caused by increased estrogen levels in the body before menstruation, breast hyperplasia, and edema of the breast interstitial tissue. After the menstrual period, the above changes disappear.

3. Other reasons

1. Premenstrual breast pain

Premenstrual breast pain is caused by increased estrogen levels, breast hyperplasia, cell enlargement, and breast cell edema. This type of breast pain generally does not require treatment. Just pay attention to a light diet before menstruation.

2. Breast pain during pregnancy

Breast pain after pregnancy is caused by the placenta and villi secreting large amounts of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin, which cause breast hyperplasia and breast enlargement. This is a kind of physiological pain, which is in preparation for postpartum breastfeeding. Just change to a wider bra in time to support the growing breasts.

3. Postpartum breast pain

Postpartum breast pain is mostly caused by mastitis. In addition to breast tenderness, there will also be fever and local lumps in the breast, which is mainly caused by blocked milk ducts and milk accumulation. Therefore, breastfeeding should be started as soon as possible after delivery to prevent excessive accumulation of milk in the breasts.

4. Breast pain caused by breast hyperplasia

Breast pain caused by breast hyperplasia can radiate to the armpits, shoulders and back. When the breasts are touched, movable lumps of varying sizes and unclear edges can be felt. It can also be affected by menstruation and emotions. This type of breast pain is caused by metabolic disorders, accumulation of metabolic waste, qi stagnation and blood stasis in the body. You can take some medicines to promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis and regulate endocrine.