Needle-like pain in breast

Breasts are one of the most private parts of women. They are not only related to the health of women's bodies, but can also reflect some medical problems. In daily life, some women feel pain in their breasts like being pricked by needles. First of all, we should judge according to the period they are in. It may be a normal physiological reaction during puberty and menstruation, but it may also be caused by diseases such as breast hyperplasia, breast cancer, cervical spondylosis, breast fibroma, breast cysts, etc.

1. Types of breast pain

1. Pain under the breast: Wearing the bra incorrectly

If you have breast pain at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions (the ends of the underwire in your bra), it's likely caused by a badly fitting bra. A survey showed that among 200 women with breast pain during menstruation, 85% of them had their breast pain symptoms completely disappear after wearing a wire-free bra for 12 weeks.

2. Taking birth control pills and estrogen replacement drugs: It’s the medicine’s fault

Whether it is contraceptives taken by women of childbearing age or estrogen replacement drugs taken by menopausal women, they can cause breast pain because they contain estrogen. Those who need contraception can switch to low-estrogen contraceptive pills or condoms. If you are taking estrogen replacement medication and cannot stop taking it, you need to closely monitor breast changes to prevent the appearance of swelling.

3Breast tenderness during puberty and before menstruation: a normal physiological process

A girl's breasts will begin to change 2 to 3 years before her first menstruation. First, the nipple will bulge, and pea- to bean-sized dome-shaped nodules will appear in the breast tissue under the nipple. It is normal to have slight swelling and pain at this time and no treatment is required.

Some women often feel swelling and pain in both breasts about a week before their period, and sometimes even pain in the armpits. Even some slim sisters may feel lumps in their breasts during these days! Don't be afraid. This is a normal physiological reaction caused by the increased level of estrogen secreted by the ovaries before menstruation. If your period comes, these phenomena will gradually disappear and no treatment is needed.

4Breast pain during pregnancy: preparing food for your baby

Generally, one month after pregnancy, the breasts begin to prepare "food" (milk) for the baby. Estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin are all changing, the mammary glands will proliferate, and the breasts will enlarge, causing people to feel bloated and uncomfortable. In severe cases, you may experience breast pain throughout your pregnancy. This condition usually does not require treatment.

5. Postpartum breast pain: Feed your baby as soon as possible

3 to 7 days after delivery, the new mother's breasts will become swollen, painful and have lumps. This is mainly because right after giving birth, the lymph and veins in the breasts are full (that is, they are filled), which prevents the milk in the mammary ducts from being discharged smoothly. Generally, the pain will subside after the milk flow becomes smooth 7 days after delivery. If the milk is not cleared in time and accumulates, it may develop into acute mastitis, which can be very painful.

2. Symptom-type breast pain

1Breast hyperplasia: More than 80% of patients will feel some pain

Breast hyperplasia is common in women aged 30 to 50. Patients will feel breast pain, heaviness or tenderness on a daily basis, which will worsen 3 to 4 days before menstruation. Once menstruation comes, the pain will be relieved but will not disappear completely. The patient may feel one or more nodules of varying sizes, which are round or irregular in shape and feel like a rubber block. Breast hyperplasia is generally benign and rarely turns into cancer.

2 Breast cancer: Only 4.6% of patients will experience pain. Some sisters who always have breast pain will think of the worst, "Will I get breast cancer?" Studies have found that only 4.6% of breast cancer patients have pain as the main symptom.

In the early stages of breast cancer, most cases are diagnosed as lumps, usually near the armpits. These lumps feel hard but rough and cannot be pushed away. Whenever you discover a lump in your breast during self-examination, you should seek medical attention immediately.

3Breast fibroids and breast cysts: They are all benign and should be removed early to avoid unnecessary complications

Breast fibroids and breast cysts are common benign breast tumors in young women. During self-examination, if you feel a smooth, clearly defined, pushable, and generally painless mass, it could be one of these two types, and it is best to seek medical attention promptly. The vast majority of these two types of tumors are benign, and only a very small number may become malignant. In order to eliminate hidden dangers, early surgery is generally recommended.

4. Cervical vertebra disease can also cause breast pain

In the electronic age, more and more young people suffer from cervical spondylosis. When cervical spondylosis causes spasm and edema of nearby soft tissues, it can cause chronic breast pain. Generally, it is unilateral breast pain, accompanied by neck, shoulder and back pain, and breast examination is normal. An X-ray of the neck can help the doctor diagnose whether the problem is with the neck or the breast.