Pain in breast at night. Breast pain: causes. Diseases and other causes

If, when touched, the chest and nipples hurt when pressed?

If the chest hurts on the side when pressed, this can be a sign of many diseases. In order not to miss the development of pathology, you need to know about the symptoms in advance.

What can cause chest pain when pressed? When should you contact a specialist?

What causes discomfort in the middle chest if you touch her?

Causes of chest pain

In the case when the chest hurts when pressed, this can greatly frighten a woman. But is it worth it to worry?

There can be many reasons for discomfort, ranging from the most harmless to malignant tumors.

First you need to inspect the house. You need to gently touch and press the surface of the breast and follow the sensations. If it hurts inside when you touch the nipple, you should be wary.

Uncomfortable underwear

She usually small size and with clear boundaries. When palpated, it looks like hard balls that move under the skin.

The disease occurs due to a disruption in the work of hormones, so the formations may become smaller after the completion of menstruation.

Fibroadenoma can be confused with a tumor, but its difference is that the formations do not disappear when viewed in a supine position.

At the same time, if a woman is in a horizontal position, cancerous tumors disappear, they are not visible.

Cystic formations

Cysts are hollow places in the breast tissue that are filled with fluid. The cause of the occurrence is the proliferation of connective tissues. It is possible that trauma to the chest area increases the likelihood of developing cysts.

With such a disease, severe pain is observed, treatment is required to reduce discomfort.

Getting rid of voids occurs by sucking out the liquid. After the procedure, the pain is reduced.

This disease is characterized by the appearance of a single node in the chest, the process is accompanied by pain in the area of ​​the affected tissue. After a short time, the knot becomes softer, which reduces discomfort.

The symptoms of tuberculosis are similar to oncology. Self-examination will not exact characteristics diseases, but by ultrasound, the specialist will accurately tell the cause of the pain. If tuberculosis develops in the chest, inward scars appear in one place.

As a result of the disease, the mammary gland can swell and change its shape. There may be an increase in lymph nodes and redness on the skin in the area affected by the disease. The characteristic symptom is inside the chest.

A woman may experience the following symptoms:

1. Weakness and lethargy.
2. Lack or decrease in appetite.
3. Increase or decrease in body temperature.
4. Increased sweating skin.
5. Unreasonable weight loss.
6. Symptoms of intoxication are possible.

It is worth remembering that such a disease is quite rare, and the occurrence of breast tuberculosis is impossible without the presence of its primary form in the body. A biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis.

Fat necrosis

Most often, necrosis occurs after an injury to the mammary gland. Even a weak blow, to which a woman will not pay due attention, can cause it.

Due to damage, the vessels of the mammary gland are injured and lose blood supply. Further, there is a death of soft tissues in this area.

Subsequently, there will be a scar formation, calcium deposits and the appearance of a solid formation are possible.

May begin as a result of rapid weight loss or radiation therapy.

The disease is often asymptomatic, pain occurs only with large. Necrosis can be confused with oncology, as it looks very similar to a malignant tumor on mammography or ultrasound. To accurately determine the nature of the disease, a biopsy is prescribed.

Treatment is surgery. The affected area is removed further development necrosis in the form cancerous tumor impossible.

What other causes of chest pain can be

Discomfort in the middle of the chest and in the mammary glands can occur for many reasons:

• hormone disorder thyroid gland;
• the presence of VSD (vegetative-vascular dystonia);
• neuralgia in the region of the heart (pinching);
• lung disease;
• osteochondrosis in the spine.

The risk of developing diseases that lead to the fact that when touched increases in some cases:

• refusal to breastfeed;
• late birth or lack thereof;
• the presence of bad habits;
• injuries in the middle of the chest;
• bad heredity;
• diseases accompanied by a violation of the formation of hormones;
• diabetes and gallbladder disease.

In addition, you should beware of bad ecology and frequent interference with the work of the body.

How is the diagnosis carried out?

You should visit a specialist as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms:

1. Enlarged lymph nodes.
2. The presence of neoplasms or seals in soft or glandular tissues.
3. Change in the shape and symmetry of the breast and nipple.
4. Pain on palpation.
5. External changes in the skin and areola.

Only a doctor can diagnose the disease after necessary analyzes and procedures. The specialist must touch the neoplasms, after which some questions should be answered:

1. When the pain started.
2. Feeling intensity.
3. Dependence on the menstrual cycle.
4. Localization of pain.
5. Do the nipples hurt and the presence of discharge from them.
6. Does it hurt when you press on your chest?

It is worth paying attention to the reception medicines especially hormonal ones.

Treatment

After the doctor determines the diagnosis, it is necessary to prescribe treatment for the mammary glands. It can be surgical or conservative intervention.

Tumors and formations in the form of cysts and necrosis are removed with concomitant treatment. If the pain is hormonal causes, their work should be adjusted. It could be diet or medication.

It is worth remembering that you can start treatment only after consulting a mammologist.

Thank you

Pain in the mammary glands quite often worries women. It is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, a feeling of fullness in the chest, swelling and great sensitivity of the nipples. Pain does not always mean that a woman has mammological or oncological disease. However, it is better to take care of your health and find out the cause of the pain.

Depending on the frequency of the arising pain sensations, there are:

• Cyclical pain.
• Noncyclic pain.

The nature of the pain that occurs:

• Acute.
• Dull.
• Shooting.
• Cutting.
• Stab.
• Pulsating.
• Burning.
• Nagging-pulling.

Acute pain in the breast

If, on the basis of objective evidence, it is clear that sharp pain has nothing to do with menstruation when the woman has already left reproductive period; or when the pain arises outside menstrual period ) - it is better to contact a mammologist for advice.

Burning pain in the breast

Stitching pain in the breast

Aching pain in the breast

Pain in the mammary glands, as a clinical symptom, can manifest itself in various diseases:

• Intercostal neuralgia.
• Fibroadenoma of the mammary glands.
• Breast abscess.
• breast cancer.

Mastopathy is benign disease mammary glands. It is manifested by the growth of gland tissues, chest pain, discharge from the nipple. Mastopathy always affects both breasts. With mastopathy, pain in the mammary glands is usually dull aching in nature. Feeling of heaviness in the chest rare cases enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit. By the way, 15% of women with mastopathy have no pain. So, based on only one symptom - chest pain - it is impossible to draw conclusions and immediately diagnose "mastopathy". Mastopathy in some cases can degenerate into a cancerous tumor.

Fibroadenoma of the breast - This is a tumor-like encapsulated formation with a clear contour. To the touch, the chest becomes compacted, painful, an incomprehensible substance may be released from the nipples. Women of middle and older age are shown surgical intervention to remove fibroadenomas. Since fibroadenoma is usually a benign formation, it does not violate the entire structure of the breast tissue. In exceptionally rare cases, fibroadenoma can turn into sarcoma ( cancer).

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands. Develops during breastfeeding so-called lactational mastitis ), with careless execution hygiene standards. Entrance gates for infection are cracks in the nipples. Accompanied by pain during feeding. Expressing milk is also painful, but this procedure must be carried out, only in this case the milk will not stagnate in the ducts, and cause further deterioration of inflammation.

Sometimes mastitis is confused with mastopathy, in fact there are two different diseases. Mastitis is less dangerous than mastopathy - it is easier to diagnose and treat.

breast abscess - enough rare complication mastitis, turning into an independent form of the disease. With an abscess, pus accumulates in the cavities of the mammary gland. Accompanied by severe pain, inflammation. To cure a woman, a surgical opening of cavities with pus is performed.

Which doctor should I contact for pain in the mammary glands?

If a woman is disturbed by periodic bouts of severe intense pain, aggravated by walking, pressing on her chest, or taking a deep breath, then intercostal neuralgia is suspected, and in this case it is necessary to contact neurologist (make an appointment).

If a woman is concerned about almost constant dull aching pain in both mammary glands, combined with discharge from the nipples, a feeling of heaviness in the chest and sometimes an increase in lymph nodes in armpit, then mastopathy is suspected, and in this case, the woman needs to contact gynecologist (make an appointment) or mammologist (make an appointment).

If a dense, spherical, painless seal is felt in a woman's mammary gland, which provokes a feeling of fullness or pain in the chest before menstruation, and is also combined with the release of an incomprehensible substance from the nipples, then fibroadenoma is suspected, and in this case it is necessary to contact oncologist (make an appointment) or mammologist.

If a woman at any age has severe pain, redness and swelling of the breast in combination with purulent secretions from the nipple, high body temperature and chills, then a breast abscess is suspected, and in this case it is necessary to consult a surgeon. If a woman lives in a large city, then you can also contact a mammologist-surgeon.

If a woman of any age develops chest pains of any nature and at the same time the shape of the mammary gland changes, the skin on it becomes wrinkled, the nipple is retracted, nodules and seals are felt in the chest, there are discharges from the nipple, and axillary and supraclavicular The lymph nodes enlarged, then breast cancer is suspected, and in this case it is necessary to contact a mammologist.

Women at risk for breast disease are:

• Not giving birth at all, or having given birth to one child.
• Maternal history of predisposition to cancer.
• Not breastfeeding or breastfeeding short period time.
• Multiple abortions.
• Not regularly sexually active.
• Emotionally unstable, stressed, anxious.
• Residents of ecologically disadvantaged areas.
• obese; suffering from diabetes, diseases of the liver, gallbladder and thyroid gland.
• Drinking alcohol and smoking.
• Postponed injuries of the mammary glands.

What diagnostic methods are used?

• Clinical examination.
• X-ray mammography.
• Ductography.
• Needle biopsy.
• Pneumocystography.

• about past illnesses;
• about transferred operations;
• about menarche that is, about the time of the onset of the first menstrual bleeding), about the regularity of menstruation;
• the number of pregnancies and abortions;
• about the number of births.

X-ray mammography - This is one of the main methods for objectively assessing the condition of the mammary glands. X-ray allows you to identify the presence of functional changes in the early stages of the disease. Many women are afraid of this procedure, believing that they receive a strong dose of radiation. In fact, it has been proven that the dose of X-ray exposure is very insignificant, so it is not dangerous to carry out preventive mammography every two years.

A non-palpable nodular formation can be easily detected after mammography, when a mammologist analyzes the resulting X-ray. This explains the value of mammography as an objective diagnostic method.
Mammography is desirable to take place every two years, at an older age - annually.

What tests and examinations can a doctor prescribe for pain in the mammary glands in various cases?

When chest pains are paroxysmal in nature, that is, they appear suddenly, from time to time, are present for some time, and then disappear, and they are very intense, aggravated by walking, pressing on the chest or taking a deep breath - the doctor suspects intercostal neuralgia and prescribes the following tests and surveys:

• General blood test (sign up);
• X-ray of the spine (make an appointment) And chest (enroll);
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine (make an appointment);
• Spondylogram;
• Electrocardiography (ECG) (enroll).

When a woman almost always has dull aching pains in both breasts, combined with discharge from the nipples, a feeling of heaviness in the chest and sometimes an increase in the lymph nodes in the armpit, the doctor suspects mastopathy and in this case, first of all, palpates (palpates) the mammary glands and prescribes mammography (make an appointment) in the first half of the menstrual cycle. In addition to mammography, it is often prescribed Ultrasound (make an appointment) because these two methods instrumental examination allow diagnosing mastopathy in women with high information content and accuracy. If, according to the results of ultrasound or mammography, a nodular formation was detected, then a biopsy (make an appointment) followed by histological examination to identify possible cancer. As a rule, other studies to confirm the diagnosis of mastopathy, in addition to ultrasound and mammography, are not prescribed, since in such cases they give little additional information. But still, sometimes, more often in order to study the pathology, the doctor can prescribe tomography and ductography (sign up).

After identifying mastopathy, in order to clarify the causes of this disease, the doctor prescribes colposcopy (make an appointment) to assess the total hormonal background, and determination of the concentration of progesterone in the blood (enroll), estrogens, follicle-stimulating, luteinizing hormones, thyroid hormones (sign up), thyroid stimulating hormone (make an appointment), adrenal hormones (sign up). Also, to assess the state of the endocrine organs, Ultrasound of the thyroid gland (make an appointment), adrenal glands (enroll), liver (sign up), pancreas (enroll), radiography of the Turkish saddle, computed tomography of the pituitary gland. To identify possible metabolic pathologies, biochemical analysis blood (sign up) And immunogram (to sign up).

When a dense spherical formation is felt in the mammary gland, not too painful, but combined with a feeling of fullness of the chest before menstruation, the release of an incomprehensible substance from the nipples - the doctor suspects fibroadenoma, and in this case, palpates (feeling) the breast and prescribes an ultrasound with a biopsy. A biopsy is needed to rule out a malignant tumor. Other studies for fibroadenoma are not prescribed, since ultrasound and palpation are quite enough to make a diagnosis.

When during the period breastfeeding a woman develops severe arching chest pains, combined with swelling, induration and redness of the mammary gland, fever and chills - mastitis is suspected. In this case, the doctor performs an examination and prescribes an ultrasound. Typically these simple diagnostic methods enough to make a diagnosis. In rare cases, with dubious ultrasound results, a tissue biopsy is taken for their subsequent examination under a microscope. Mammography for suspected mastitis is not prescribed. However, after the detection of mastitis, to determine the microbe-causative agent of inflammation, it is prescribed bacteriological culture milk from the affected gland.

When a woman has severe chest pain combined with her redness and swelling, purulent discharge from the nipple, high body temperature and chills, a breast abscess is suspected. In this case, the doctor prescribes the following tests and examinations:

• General blood analysis;
• General urine analysis ;
• Bacteriological culture of discharge from the nipples;
• Cytogram (sign up) discharge from the nipples;
• Breast ultrasound (make an appointment);
• Mammography;
• Computed tomography of the breast;

If, in addition to chest pain, the shape and size of the breast changes in a woman, the skin on it wrinkles, the nipple is pulled inward, nodules and seals in the breast are felt, there is discharge from the nipple, and the axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes are enlarged, then a malignant tumor is suspected. In this case, the doctor prescribes the following tests and examinations:

• Mammography;
• breast ultrasound with dopplerography (make an appointment);
• Ductography;
• Thermography;
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast (make an appointment);
• Biopsy with histological examination.

It is contraindicated to undergo an examination:

• Pregnant women.
• Breastfeeding.
• Teenagers.

ductography method allows you to detect changes in the milk passages. The essence of this diagnostic method is that the contrast substance, which is added methylene blue, injected with a thin needle into the dilated milk ducts. After that, mammography is performed in the lateral and anterior projection. Thanks to the injected contrast agent, the sector with pathological formations easier to visualize on x-ray.

Method needle biopsy often used in the diagnosis of fibrocystic mastopathy. Cells are taken from the affected tissue for cytological examination. The biopsy method has a high accuracy and therefore is often used in mammology.

Pneumocystography - puncture the cyst cavity and remove the cavity fluid, which is then examined under a microscope. Instead, air is introduced equal to the volume of liquid evacuated from the cavity. Then a mammogram is performed.
The whole procedure takes a few minutes and is painless. The therapeutic effect of filling cysts with air, combined with high information content, gives pneumocystography the status of a reliable and accurate diagnostic study.

Since the occurrence of benign and malignant processes in the mammary glands directly correlate with hormonal imbalance, then for the choice of tactics effective treatment it is necessary to determine the hormonal status, in particular, to identify the level of the hormone prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, it stimulates the growth and development of the mammary glands, as well as the production of milk in nursing mothers. A high level of the hormone indicates diffuse mastopathy and some other diseases of the mammary glands.

Treatment of pain in the mammary glands

Much more often, phytotherapy, vitamin therapy, and nutritional supplements are used for treatment. Special diet, which provides for a reduction or absolute rejection of the use of chocolates, Coca-Cola, coffee, alcohol - regulates the balance well steroid hormones.

Sometimes with pain mammary glands doctors recommend taking pyridoxine (vitamin B6 ) And thiamine (B1 ). Some biologically active additives, For example evening primrose oil also help relieve pain symptoms.

If the diagnosis revealed pathological changes in the mammary glands, then the treatment is conservative and / or surgical.

Conservative treatment implies appointment a wide range medical preparations:

• Vitamin therapy ( vitamins are especially important E, A, C, B ).
• Drugs that normalize the secretion of sex hormones.
• Sedatives, anti-stress therapy.
• Enzyme therapy ( treatment with enzymes that regulate metabolic processes).

Prevention of pain in the mammary glands

Prevention of breast diseases is considered regular sex with permanent partner; complete rejection of abortion; pregnancy, breastfeeding.

And there is another simple way to reduce pain in the mammary glands - change your bra. You can not wear a tight, uncomfortable bra shape, because its main function is to support the mammary glands, and not to squeeze them and create compression.

Unpleasant sensations in the mammary glands, the appearance of pressing, aching or acute, causes panic horror in women of all ages.

To fears for one's health and life is added the fear of loss of attractiveness, reduction active period life.

However, such a symptom does not always appear against the background of the development of pathology, there are other reasons.

Girl's chest hurts - when is it normal?

IN adolescence chest pain due to physiological processes. Starting from the age of 10 - 12, under the influence of sex hormones, occurs.

Soreness may appear already at the first stage of development, when the nipple swells or a seal appears under it. With an increase in glandular tissue, discomfort occurs after physical impact(touch, injury) or are permanent.

With the advent of the first menstruation, breast growth becomes rapid. This is followed by the period of the formation of the cycle, when the lobules of the mammary glands continue to form, the number of blood vessels increases. Breast tenderness may come and go from time to time.

Upon reaching 14 - 16 years of age menstrual cycle normalizes, lasts from 28 to 34 days. The change in the hormonal background during its duration is reflected in the condition of the breast.

The first phase (from the beginning spotting) is characterized by the predominance of estrogen, and the mammary glands are soft and painless. In the second phase, after ovulation begins. Under its action, the blood supply to the chest increases, it increases in size, thickens, swells. The pain can be localized on the nipples or cover the entire surface, sometimes it radiates to the hand. Symptoms disappear with the onset of menstruation.

What diseases can cause chest pain? And how to determine the cause?

If a woman has sore chest regardless of the phase of the menstrual cycle, this may indicate the development of a pathological process. The risk factors are endocrine diseases, lack of childbirth, refusal to breastfeed, abortion.

- the process of growth or replacement of glandular tissue with fibrous tissue. It is manifested by the presence of multiple nodules in the mammary gland, which gradually increase. With the development of the disease, discharge from the nipple may occur when pressed.

Benign neoplasms(cyst, lipoma, fibroadenoma) are characterized by the appearance of an elastic ball in the thickness of the tissue, sometimes with a change in skin color over the localization site. Pain is constant with increased pressure.

Malignant tumors rarely accompanied by pain. Among the first signs are the appearance of seals, a change in the contours of the breast or the shape of the nipple, peeling of the skin, an increase in axillary lymph nodes.

Developing when microorganisms enter the tissue. It is more common during lactation, but can become a complication of mastopathy with a decrease in immunity. Leaks with high rates temperature (up to 40 ° C), swelling and redness of the chest.

What can relieve chest pain - medications - a list

The cyclic form of pain in the mammary glands is absolutely normal. To improve the quality of life, several groups of drugs are used:

1. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory)- have analgesic properties, these include Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol.
2. Diuretics to relieve swelling of the chest, it is better to use soft herbal preparations or herbal preparations Phytonephrol, Uriflorin.
3. Combined homeopathic remedies Mammoleptin, Mastodion - contain a complex of plant extracts that reduce pain.
4. Ointments containing natural ingredients- Mastofit, Traumeel, relieve inflammation and pain.
5. Hormonal gels- Progestogel, Crinon, eliminate hormonal imbalance, may have contraindications for use.

If infectious inflammation is suspected, bacteria must be treated to reduce pain. For this, antimicrobial agents and antibiotics are used.

Folk remedies for chest pain - a list of recipes

Recipes traditional medicine supplement analgesic therapy. When the chest hurts, apply compresses, infusions, home-made herbal tea.

. In spring or early summer, dig up a plant with a root, wash, clean the underground parts. Squeeze out the juice, filter through cheesecloth. Mix with sugar 1:1, dilute with alcohol in the amount of 0.1 part of the juice volume. Infuse in the refrigerator for 3 days. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day. For a compress, fresh burdock leaves are used, which are fixed on the chest during a night's sleep. In an infusion of leaves and roots of burdock, moisten a cloth and hold until completely dry. To prepare it, the plant is crushed, placed in an enamel bowl and poured with boiling water. After cooling, use once.

Beet. Take 2 medium root vegetables, grate, add a tablespoon of 9% vinegar. Stir and lightly heat the mass in a water bath or in a microwave oven. Apply to the mammary glands, wrap with a film, and on top with a flannel diaper. Keep no more than 8 hours. can be used internally. It removes toxins, activates the lymphatic and immune systems. After preparing the juice, it is kept in a cool place for 3 hours, filtered. Take starting with 1 tablespoon in the morning, gradually increasing the dose to half a glass. To improve taste qualities drink, mix with any other juice or dilute with water.

Herb tea. You can buy ready-made medicinal herbs or cook it yourself. Take equal shares of nettle, calendula flowers, boron uterus, rose hips. Pour 1 tablespoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water, let it brew. Drink warm 3-4 times a day, you can add honey for taste.

How can you reduce chest pain in a teenager?

IN puberty discomfort associated with the growth of the mammary glands can be corrected without the use of drugs.

To relieve stress from pectoral muscles wearing a bra helps physical exercise. Compliance with the principles of a healthy lifestyle (daily regimen, proper nutrition) contributes to the formation of hormonal levels, normal operation the entire reproductive system.

It is necessary to exclude exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin of the chest, adhere to the rules of hygiene, and prevent diaper rash in the hot season. Hypothermia is also unacceptable.

What is the relationship between sexual regularity and chest pain?

As a result of an irregular sexual life in a woman's body, the balance of sex hormones can be disturbed. Long-term leads to an increased content of estrogens, which retain fluid, therefore, increase the swelling of the mammary glands.

In addition, the absence of a permanent sexual partner affects the psycho-emotional state of a woman. She is prone to depression, more often, which negatively affects the entire endocrine system.

Can a bra cause chest pain? How to choose the right one?

Tight underwear squeezes the chest, disrupting blood circulation and lymph outflow. When the mammary glands enlarge before the onset of menstruation, the pressure of the bra becomes stronger. In this case, even if a woman usually does not have breast pain in the second phase of the cycle, such a symptom may appear.

It is better to choose underwear from natural fabrics, its size and style, suitable for the shape of the breast. The bra should not leave marks after wearing, dig into the skin. Underwired models are not intended for daily use.

Cups can tightly fit the chest, but do not squeeze it. The straps are chosen wide enough to evenly distribute the weight of the chest. The clasp at the back should not be pulled up.

To keep your breasts healthy, wear a bra for no more than 12 hours a day.

What foods can cause chest pain? What to eat and what not?

The synthesis of estrogen occurs with the participation of cholesterol, so the use a large number fatty foods provokes hormonal imbalance and, as a result, pain in the mammary glands. Muffins and sweets contribute to the appearance, which also leads to an increase in estrogen production.

Abuse of salt leads to fluid retention, the appearance of edema, a feeling of fullness in the chest. Coffee, strong tea, dark chocolate contain methylxanthines, which increase pain.

All types of canned food, non-natural products containing dyes have a negative effect on endocrine glands and therefore also banned.

To maintain health reproductive system You should enrich your diet with the following foods:

1. Vegetables rich in fiber. All types of cabbage leaf salad, spinach, beans, root vegetables.
2. Dairy products. Especially kefir and cottage cheese, with a reduced fat content.
3. . The best option – chicken breast, but lean pork is also allowed.
4. Fish, preferably marine.
5. Fruits and berries. It is useful to use them fresh, as well as drink juices and compotes.

What is the danger of chest pain in women?

Pain is always a signal of the body about violations or the threat of them. possible appearance. Therefore, when the chest hurts, a woman should think about her health.

The appearance of discomfort in the background physiological changes associated with the menstrual cycle are considered normal, but can develop into serious hormonal dysfunctions. In such cases, it is enough to reconsider your lifestyle, change your diet in order to avoid illness in the future.

Breast pathologies are diagnosed in 70% of women reproductive age. modern medicine allows you to completely get rid of most of them. It is important not to miss the onset of the disease and start treatment in the early stages.

VIDEO Why does my chest hurt?

VIDEO Fibrocystic mastopathy. What causes chest pain

Pain and its causes in alphabetical order:

pain in the breast

Pain in the mammary gland or mastalgia - quite frequent condition, which worries about 70% of women at least once in their lives. Most often, breast pain occurs in women in young age, in the premenopausal period. However, postmenopausal women can also experience this condition. Almost every tenth woman experiences pain in the mammary glands varying degrees severity for more than 5 days within a month. In some cases, pain in the mammary gland in a woman can last throughout the entire period of menstruation. These pains affect daily activity, such as work, family relationships as well as sexual life.

By itself, mastalgia alone is rarely a sign of cancer. However, if you are worried about unexpected pain in the mammary gland and thoughts about cancer do not leave you, then in order to find out the cause of these pains, consult a doctor.

Mastalgia can be cyclic, non-cyclic, and non-breast related. In this case, cyclic pain is usually associated with the menstrual cycle. Acyclic pain is usually constant and not related to the menstrual cycle. Pain that is not associated with the breast can be a sign of muscle pain, but sometimes it may seem to a woman that the cause is the breast.

With cyclic pain, the process usually captures both mammary glands and usually the pain spreads throughout the gland, especially affecting its upper and outer parts. With cyclic pain, irritability, swelling and swelling of the mammary glands are common. Women often describe this pain as a feeling of heaviness and fullness in the chest. This pain is most pronounced during the week before the onset of menstruation and subsequently gradually subsides. Cyclic breast pain is the most frequent view pain, which occurs in 2/3 of women.

Non-cyclic pain often affects only one mammary gland and is localized in any one place. Less commonly, non-cyclic pain may be diffuse character and affect the entire mammary gland, capturing the armpit. Often such pain is described by women as burning, irritated. Cyclic breast pain typically occurs in women in their 30s and 40s, while non-cyclic breast pain occurs in women over 40.

What diseases cause pain in the mammary gland:

Causes of breast pain

1. With the cyclic nature of pain, disorders of the hormonal status are usually observed. The hormonal theory of cyclic pain in the mammary gland is explained, for example, by the fact that during pregnancy or in the postmenopausal period, this pain stops. This is due to the fact that in these states there are no constant cyclic hormonal changes in a woman's body.
The occurrence of pain in the premenstrual period and the weakening or disappearance with the onset of menstruation. Sometimes there is no clear connection with the onset of menstruation. Usually bilateral localization, mainly in the upper, outer areas of the mammary glands. different intensity painful sensations - from dull, aching (more often) to pronounced, hindering hand movements. The pain may radiate to the armpits or arm. The examination may reveal slight tuberosity of the breast tissue. expressiveness clinical manifestations usually increases with age and decreases sharply or disappears after menopause. The occurrence of cyclic mastalgia is associated with a change in hormonal levels. More than 2/3 of women, usually of young reproductive age, suffer from this type of disorder, although similar complaints are known in postmenopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy.

2. The causes of non-cyclic pain in the mammary gland are more likely to be associated with anatomical changes in the breast, rather than hormonal ones. It could be a cyst blunt trauma undergoing breast surgery. Non-cyclic pain can also be due to causes not related to the mammary gland (chest wall, muscles, joints and nerves).
Characteristics: the pain is often unilateral. Localization - mainly in the middle part of the mammary gland, around the nipple. Sharp, burning, cutting pain. It can be both periodic and constant.
Localized, long-lasting pain in the mammary gland may be associated with the presence of a fibroadenoma in it ( benign tumor) or cysts. However, in order to avoid more serious reasons acyclic mastalgia (for example, breast cancer), it is recommended to contact a specialist as soon as possible.

3. The cause of pain in the mammary glands may lie in an imbalance. fatty acids in the tissues of the mammary glands. This imbalance, in turn, increases the sensitivity of gland cells to hormones. This explains the effectiveness in some cases of pain using primrose oil. This oil contains gamma-linolenic acid. It is believed that this acid is able to restore the imbalance of fatty acids in the body and reduce the sensitivity of breast tissue to hormones.

4. In addition, cyclic pain may be associated with certain medications, such as hormonal fertility drugs or contraceptives. Cyclic breast pain may be a side effect of taking estrogen and progesterone, which may explain why some women continue to have breast pain even after menopause when they are forced to take hormonal preparations. In addition, it is reported that sometimes this pain can be observed when taking antidepressants.

5. Mastitis and others infectious diseases. Except local symptoms(pain, redness, swelling of the mammary gland) are accompanied by symptoms of intoxication (fever, sometimes with chills, headache, loss of appetite, general weakness and etc.). Mastitis often occurs in postpartum period due to the penetration of pathogens through the microcracks of the nipple and stagnation in the gland of milk.

6. Breast cancer. In addition to pain sensations of varying degrees (but they may be absent!) It is characterized by the presence of a tumor-like formation with fuzzy contours, more often in the upper outer areas of the mammary gland, a change in the skin over the tumor in the form of wrinkling or “ orange peel”, retraction of the nipple or discharge from it. The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in nulliparous women or women who gave birth to their first child late, in women with a hereditary predisposition, with overweight body, the presence of mastopathy.

Diagnosis of pain in the breast

So, if you are concerned about pain in the mammary gland, you need to find out the cause of this pain. First of all, the doctor finds out your history, that is, he conducts a survey of what exactly worries you, the nature of the pain, their connection with menstruation, with other factors, the localization of pain, as well as past diseases. The doctor will definitely ask:
How long have you been experiencing these pains?
- What is the intensity of these pains?
- Is the pain localized in one or both mammary glands?
- When did you do last time mammography?
- Are there any other manifestations along with the pain, for example, discharge from the nipple?
- What medications do you take?

Next, a manual examination of the mammary glands is carried out, as well as the condition of the axillary lymph nodes. It is also usually recommended x-ray examination- mammography. In case of detection of a tumor-like formation, an ultrasound is prescribed.

Which doctor should I contact if there is pain in the mammary gland:

Are you experiencing breast pain? Do you want to know more detailed information or do you need an inspection? You can book an appointment with a doctor Eurolaboratory always at your service! The best doctors examine you, study external signs and help identify the disease by symptoms, advise you and provide needed help. you also can call a doctor at home. Clinic Eurolaboratory open for you around the clock.

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Do you have breast pain? You need to be very careful about your overall health. People don't pay enough attention disease symptoms and do not realize that these diseases can be life-threatening. There are many diseases that at first do not manifest themselves in our body, but in the end it turns out that, unfortunately, it is too late to treat them. Each disease has its own specific symptoms, characteristic external manifestations- so called disease symptoms. Identifying symptoms is the first step in diagnosing diseases in general. To do this, you just need to several times a year be examined by a doctor not only to prevent terrible disease but also support healthy mind in the body and the body as a whole.

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Ovulation is the process of release of an egg into the lumen of the fallopian tube from the ovary. In this case, most often women experience discomfort and some soreness in the lower abdomen. This is understandable, but many also note soreness in the chest area. Why is this happening? Do I need to urgently run to the doctor or is the condition a variant of the norm?

Why does my chest hurt during ovulation?

In gynecology and mammology, there is a special term that defines soreness of the mammary glands during ovulation. This condition is called cyclic mastodynia. Experts consider this condition to be the norm for the female body.

In order to understand why this happens, you should know what the monthly cycle is for and what kind of changes in the woman's body take place. Ovulation occurs approximately in the middle of the menstrual cycle (somewhere in the second week after the end of the last period). Physiologically, it is characterized by the rupture of the follicle with a mature egg and its release from the ovary. At the same time, there is an increase in the level of progesterone, the female sex hormone, in the blood. This phase is called the luteal phase.

What is progesterone responsible for?

progesterone in female body is responsible for the possibility of fertilization and prepares future mother to a possible pregnancy. First of all, the uterus directly experiences its influence on itself. The epithelium on it begins to grow and prepare for the implantation of a fertilized egg.

The hormonal surge does not go unnoticed by other target organs. The mammary gland is one of them. Pregnancy involves further lactation period - feeding the baby breast milk. With an increase in progesterone levels, the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for preparing the mammary gland for feeding, is stimulated. There is fluid retention in the glandular tissue, which a woman observes on the scales (weight fluctuation from one and a half to three kilograms during the day). The mammary gland is stretched, noticeably increases in size, swells. Pressure irritates pain nerve receptors and vascular bundles. Violation of patency through the vessels leads to an increase in their permeability and even greater swelling of the mammary gland due to flooding of the connective tissue. All this leads to a feeling of discomfort and soreness in the chest.

Why does my chest hurt after ovulation?

After ovulation, progesterone and prolactin levels remain high for some time, which is considered the best for conceiving a child. Then, 3-4 days before the onset of menstruation, the pain subsides, the hormonal background is rebuilt. With the onset of menstruation, there should be no pain in the mammary gland.

If fertilization has occurred, then the pain does not subside, but may even intensify. In this case, it makes sense to take a test to determine a possible pregnancy. If the test fails and discomfort persists, it is necessary to consult a specialist and undergo a diagnosis to exclude a possible pathology.

Why does my chest hurt before ovulation?

In the first phase female cycle the hormone estrogen is synthesized. During puberty it is the cause of the appearance of sexual characteristics in a girl, including being responsible for the growth of the mammary glands. This process is accompanied painful sensations.

After the hormonal changes are settled and puberty ends after menstruation, the pain in the mammary glands should disappear before the onset of ovulation. Sometimes discomfort in the area of ​​​​the glands appears 3-4 days before the rupture of the follicle. This is associated with the crossover of the hormonal background: there is still a lot of estrogen, and the level of progesterone begins to rise.

If the stomach and chest hurts after ovulation

After ovulation has occurred, soreness in the area of ​​​​the mammary glands persists, but it is dull, aching in nature, causing discomfort. If there is an increase in pain against the background of pain in the abdomen, the likelihood of pregnancy is high.

During the period of ovulation itself, pain in the lower abdomen is natural. This is due to the fact that the rupture of the follicle itself is an injury that is accompanied by cramping pain, may be accompanied by a feeling of nausea, sometimes vomiting joins. A woman at that time may feel weak, fatigue increases. After the egg begins its "journey" through fallopian tube in the uterine cavity, the pain subsides, the condition returns to normal.

As soon as fertilization has occurred, the probability of which remains high for the first 48 hours after ovulation has occurred, the egg is implanted in the endometrium - slime layer at the bottom of the uterus. This process may be accompanied not only by pain, but also by bloody discharge from the vagina.

Pain in the nipples during ovulation

Before the release of the egg in the blood, there is a release of estrogen, which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone. After ovulation, in place of the burst follicle, the so-called corpus luteum. It is this formation that produces progesterone.

For 14 days increased concentration female estrogen and insufficient at that time the amount of progesterone cause characteristic symptoms cyclic mastodynia:

• drawing pains in the mammary gland;
• increased sensitivity of the nipples;
• increase and swelling of the organ in size;
• symmetrical lesion.

Most of the nerve endings are concentrated in the nipples. With the growth of gland tissue under the action of progesterone, compression of the vascular bundles occurs. The impact is transmitted to the nerve endings - the woman feels pain in the nipples. It happens that patients note hypersensitivity and discomfort in the nipples. In this case, the breast tissue changes slightly.

Hormonal imbalance and the appearance of pain during the period of ovulation can cause stress, a previous abortion or miscarriage, inflammatory process thoracic spine.

Another cause of pain in the nipples is the lack of sex. The oversaturation of the body with hormones in the middle of the cycle does not find the proper release, so the substances are sent to the target organs, where they produce the corresponding symptoms.

Swelling and pain in the nipples may worsen when taken oral contraceptives. The reason is an incorrectly selected drug, a violation of the medication, an insufficient or overestimated dosage. Mandatory consultation of a specialist and the decision of further tactics.

How to alleviate the condition?

There are a number of techniques that can improve general state women.

1. The easiest way to relieve pain is to shower or bathe. warm water expands blood vessels relieves swelling of the mammary gland. Additionally, you can use aromatherapy. Soothing scents will help relieve tension, which will slightly reduce the concentration of prolactin, which is a stress hormone.
2. It is recommended to perform self-massage. Movements should be light, sliding. Compression and pressure on the mammary gland is contraindicated. Edema tissues react extremely painfully to such manipulations.
3. During the period of ovulation, it is advisable to avoid sunbathing and hypothermia. Ice compresses are not recommended.
4. An important aspect of treatment is proper nutrition. For the period of ovulation, it is required to exclude coffee, carbonated and alcoholic drinks, chocolate, table salt, fatty and fried. It is possible to use vitamins A, B, C and E both with food and in the form of a medicinal supplement.
5. Phytotherapy. Folk ways treatments aimed at calming nervous system, withdrawals increased tone vessels. Tea and infusion based on mint, calendula, chamomile can reduce discomfort.
6. The patient should refrain from wearing compressive synthetic underwear, which further leads to swelling and pain. A bra should support, not compress, your breasts.
7. At severe pain you can take antispasmodics, painkillers.

How many days will the pain go away?

The time frame for the disappearance of discomfort is purely individual. In many ways, the duration depends on the level of hormones, excitability of receptors and pain threshold female patients. Usually pain accompanies a woman only during the "window of conception". This is the time interval of the hormonal surge of estrogen and LH, leading to ovulation, as well as the viability of the egg cell of 48 hours. If pregnancy does not occur, gradually the pain decreases, becomes rare and local.

Basically, discomfort during ovulation is minor, rarely leads to loss of performance. In some cases, PMS occurs on the eve of menstruation. During this period, there is a repeated increase in sensitivity and swelling of the mammary glands. When bleeding occurs, swelling and pain disappear. This is an absolutely natural process that does not need correction.

Is chest pain during ovulation always a normal variant?

In addition to physiological pain, the appearance of discomfort in the mammary glands may indicate the development of pathology.

1. Fibrocystic mastopathy most often disguised as the norm. In the chest there is an overgrowth of connective tissue. A characteristic feature of the pathology is the appearance of pain in the nipples during ovulation, with a peak before the onset of spotting. The gland swells, the sensitivity of the nipple increases. The appearance of secretions and nodes during palpation of the organ is possible.
2. There may be a hormonal imbalance in polycystic ovaries, thyroid pathology, endometriosis. Pathologies cause an increase in estrogen: the mammary gland increases, becomes sensitive. Endometriosis is characterized by discomfort in the nipple and areola area.
3. In addition, the appearance of a benign, malignant tumor of the breast tissue is possible. Beginning cancer is usually accompanied by a change in color, shape, size of the nipple or the gland itself. Characterized by exacerbation of sensitivity and unilateral lesion.
4. Mastitis. An inflammatory disease that occurs more often during lactation. A feature is the obvious signs of microbial damage: temperature, swelling, redness, soreness of the gland tissue.

To be sure accurate diagnosis consultation with a specialist, an additional examination is required.

When should you see a doctor?

It is quite difficult to draw a line between normal pain sensations and pathological ones. However, if certain signs appear that testify in favor of diseases of the reproductive system, it is recommended to consult a specialist. These symptoms include:

• severe, unbearable pain;
• damage to one mammary gland;
• discomfort does not go away 3-4 days after ovulation;
• the appearance of purulent, sanious discharge from the nipple;
• fever, redness, swelling;
• itching, burning;
• the occurrence of a rash;
• cracks, erosion of the nipples;
• compaction of the gland;
• causeless weight loss, weakness.

Early diagnosis can prevent serious consequences. The best prevention development of diseases, regular annual visits to the gynecologist with ultrasound of the pelvis and mammary glands. Additional consultations when symptoms appear or during pregnancy.

It is extremely important for a woman to know her menstrual cycle. It is better to keep a calendar, mark not only the end and beginning of menstruation, but also record all the sensations. Pain in the mammary glands during ovulation is physiological in nature. However, we should not forget that in some cases the pathology can be hidden behind minor ignored complaints. If necessary, do not delay going to the gynecologist. The reproductive well-being of a woman guarantees healthy offspring.