Breast pain can be caused by hormonal changes, which can happen during menstruation, menopause or pregnancy. Sore breasts can also be a side-effect of taking medication or changing contraceptives. Breast pain may also be a sign of a cyst in the breast, fibroadenoma or intraductal papilloma.

In general, breast pain is mild and occurs periodically, improving within a few days. However, depending on the underlying cause, you may notice some symptoms, such as nipple discharge, local redness and a burning sensation.

Therefore, if pain or discomfort in the breast persists for more than 15 days or if it appears to be unrelated to menstruation or menopause, you should consult a breast specialist or gynecologist to identify the underlying cause and start treatment as needed.

Why do my breasts hurt?

The main causes of breast pain include:

1. Start of puberty

Girls between the ages of 10 and 14 that are entering puberty may feel mild pain or discomfort in their breasts when they are starting to grow. This may make the breasts more sensitive.

What to do: No specific treatment is necessary. A warm bath may help to relieve some discomfort. It is also important to use a well-fitting bra that supports the breasts during this phase.

2. PMS or menstruation

Hormonal changes that occur before and during menstruation can cause breast pain in some women. This is not a serious finding, but it can be a monthly inconvenience. In these cases, women may feel some tingling in the breasts or nipples or increased sensitivity.

It is considered to be normal if pain is mild to moderate and lasts for up to 4 days. If the pain lasts for longer than 10 days and radiates to the arm or armpit, you should see your doctor for assessment.

What to do: Taking medication is rarely needed, but taking birth control may help to relieve symptoms associated with menstruation. When the pain is intolerable, your doctor may recommend taking bromocriptine, danazol, and tamoxifen. Other natural options can include chasteberry, primrose oil or Vitamin E. These natural options should be taken for 3 months before evaluating their therapeutic effect.

3. Menopause

When entering menopause, some women may experience painful breasts or a burning sensation. Other typical symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats and mood changes. Read more about menopause symptoms that may occur during this time.

Breast pain occurs due to changes to estrogen and progesterone hormone levels. These hormones tend to fluctuate greatly during the first phase of menopause, which can affect breast tissue and cause discomfort.

What to do: Specific treatment is not necessary for sore breasts. Some strategies that can help with discomfort include making sure to use a well-fitting bra, decrease caffeine intake, and applying warm compresses on the breasts. However, severe breast pain that is related to hormonal changes may improve with hormonal replacement therapy.

4. Pregnancy

Breasts can become particularly sensitive at the beginning and end of pregnancy. This is due to the growth of mammary glands for the production of breastmilk. If you suspect you are pregnant, read about the most common 10 first symptoms of pregnancy.

What to do: Applying warm compresses on the breast can help to relieve discomfort, as well as a warm bath or a light massage in the affected area. During pregnancy, you should wear a well-fitting nursing bra, as these will help to support the breasts.

5. Breastfeeding

When breastfeeding, the breasts may feel hard and painful if they are full of breastmilk. If the pain is sharp and localized to the nipple, however, this may indicate cracked nipples. These often cause intense pain and even bleeding.

What to do: If the breast is full and cause pain, then removal of milk with breastfeeding or a breast pump is advised. If you are also feeling nipple pain, assess the area for a clogged duct or cracked skin. Each of these conditions can lead to mastitis, which can lead to more severe symptoms. If you have any breastfeeding difficulties, you should see a lactation consultant for evaluation.

6. Medication use

Some medications, like methyldopa, spironolactone, digoxin, oxymetholone and chlorpromazine can cause breast pain as a side effect.

What to do: You should talk to your doctor about this side effect and about how intense the breast pain is. The doctor may consider prescribing an alternative medication that does not cause breast pain.

7. Breast cysts

Some women may have abnormal breast tissue that is fibrocystic, which may cause breast pain particularly before menstruation. This condition is not linked to cancer, but it can cause the growth of nodules in the breast that may appear and disappear spontaneously.

Read more about breast cysts and what can cause them.

What to do: When breast pain is not related to menstruation, you can used medications like acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen as directed by your doctor.

8. Change in contraceptives

When starting a new contraceptive or changing to another kind, breast pain can emerge. It can range from mild to moderate and it generally affects both breasts at the same time. Pain can also feel like a burning sensation.

What to do: Massaging during a shower and using a comfortable bra can help with breast pain while the body is adapting to the birth control. This can take about 2 to 3 months.

9. After surgery

Breast pain can occur after surgery in the pectoral area, especially in the first few days after the surgical procedure. Soreness can be felt due to skin tension and the renewal of breast tissue.

What to do: If the pain is very intense in the first few days, persists for a few weeks after surgery or gradually worsens, you should see your doctor for reassessment to determine the underlying cause and treat as needed.

10. Breast fibroadenoma

A breast fibroadenoma is the most commonly diagnosed benign breast tumor. It typically appears between 20 and 40 years of age, and is characterized by being a well-defined lump in the breast, which can move and be sore.

What to do: You are advised to consult a gynecologist or breast specialist. The doctor will likely order a breast ultrasound or mammogram to confirm the diagnosis and initiate treatment as necessary, which normally involves surgical removal of the lump.

11. Intraductal papilloma

Intraductal papilloma is the growth of a benign tumor in the breast ducts, causing bloody nipple discharge, as well as breast pain and a breast lump. It is more common in women between 30 and 50 years old.

What to do: It is important to see a gynecologist or breast specialist for assessment and testing. Treatment usually involves surgival intervention to remove the papilloma.

When pain can mean cancer

Breast pain is rarely a sign of cancer, as malignant tumors are not painful. With breast cancer, other symptoms like nipple discharge or indented breast tissue are usually present.

Women at high risk for breast cancer will usually have a strong family history of it (e.g. mother or grandmother with breast cancer), be over the age of 45, and have already had another type of cancer. Young women who have breastfed and were found to have benign lesions or cysts do not have a higher risk of breast cancer.

In any case, if you suspect your have breast cancer, you should see your doctor to complete a mammogram.

When to go to the doctor

You should see medical attention if the breast pain is intense, if it lasts for more than 10 consecutive days, or if it has other symptoms like:

Transparent or bloody nipple discharge
Breast redness or pus
Fever
The appearance of a breast lump that appears after a period

It is also recommended to see your doctor at least once a year for a breast exam and to assess your reproductive health. This can prevent problems and identify any diseases early on.

The doctor will assess your breasts by inspecting the painful areas and assessing for asymmetry or indentations. He or she will assess for any swollen or painful lymph nodes in the armpits or clavicles and determine whether further exams, like mammogram or ultrasounds, are necessary. These will be likely be ordered if there is a family history of breast cancer.