BREAST SORENESS

Breast soreness is very common. It affects most women at some time in their lives.

The degree of soreness, and where and how it is felt, Other breast soreness
differs for each woman. It might be sharp, stabbing,
dull, throbbing or aching. It might be felt in all or part Other common reasons for soreness in one or both
of the breasts, one breast or both. It can also affect the breasts are:
armpit area. »» wearing a bra that doesn’t fit or isn’t supportive enough
»» stress
For many women, the soreness is barely noticeable.
For others, the pain is so great that it affects their »» consuming a lot of caffeine (for example, in coffee, tea,
everyday lives. Usually the condition goes away in time. cola, chocolate and energy drinks like Guarana)
»» weight gain (this can cause breasts to get heavier)
The medical name for breast soreness is mastalgia.
»» injury to the breast (this might include scarring from
There are many reasons for breast soreness. surgery)
»» taking certain medicines, especially the contraceptive
Hormonal breast soreness pill or medicines that reduce cholesterol
(often called cyclical mastalgia) »» breast cysts or fibroadenomas
Women who are having periods or taking Hormone »» physical activity that puts strain on the chest, shoulder
Replacement Therapy (HRT) often have breast or pectoral muscles (for example, heavy lifting)
soreness. This happens when the tissue in their breasts »» conditions affecting the chest wall, ribs or muscles that
responds to hormones. lie underneath the breasts

The most common hormonal breast soreness comes

from an increase in the level of oestrogen before
Breast soreness and cancer
a period. This causes milk ducts and glands to swell, For many women, the biggest concern about breast
trapping fluid in the breasts. Many women have soreness is that it is a sign of cancer.
tenderness or pain in the lead-up to a period, and
Breast soreness is not often associated with cancer.
sometimes right through it.
Your doctor has found no sign of cancer in your breasts.
Some women experience regular breast soreness at
other stages of their menstrual cycles.
Diagnosing breast soreness
The hormones that cause breast soreness might
To try to find a cause for breast soreness, your doctor
also cause cyclical swelling or lumpiness. They can
will have considered:
also affect the size, shape or sensitivity of cysts
and fibroadenomas. »» whether there is any obvious cause for the pain
(for example, a scar or an injury)
Hormonal breast soreness usually stops when a
woman’s periods stop, although it might continue »» the history of the pain
if she is taking HRT. »» where, when and how you feel the pain
»» the results of a physical examination and any ultrasounds,
Hormonal breast soreness is normal, but it is not
mammograms or other tests that were needed
usually very severe. Pain that lasts more than a week
»» whether you are still having periods or taking HRT.
around the time of a period, or pain that stops a woman
from everyday activities is considered to be not normal. Sometimes, even with all this information, it will still
not be possible to tell you what is causing your pain.
This doesn’t mean that the pain is not real.

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Managing breast soreness Feelings

Everyone manages the impact of pain differently. The list For many women, breast soreness is upsetting.
below contains tips that might help you to relieve breast It can bring up many different feelings and worries.
soreness or discomfort. Most have not been scientifically It’s understandable to fear cancer. It’s also common
proven, however some women find them effective. to find tests stressful and invasive.
Most of the time, women feel relieved to know that breast
Tips to reduce breast soreness
soreness is a common condition that is not harmful
These might take a few weeks to work: or dangerous. Sometimes, however, women feel anxiety
»» wearing a supportive, well-fitting bra or frustration. It’s understandable to feel like this, especially
»» cutting down on caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate if doctors cannot find a reason for the breast soreness
and energy drinks) or cannot suggest a way to relieve it. Sometimes women
»» taking evening Primrose Oil (but not if you have epilepsy) continue to worry about cancer.
»» taking b group vitamins (check with your doctor or Some women find that breast soreness affects how they
pharmacist about dosage) feel about themselves, their sexuality, relationships or work
»» cutting out or cutting down on smoking and/or performance. Living with pain of any kind is difficult. Living
marijuana use. with breast pain might be especially hard because people
»» These might work straight away, but they won’t prevent don’t always feel comfortable to talk openly about breasts.
the soreness returning: If breast soreness is having a negative impact on your life
»» Applying anti-inflammatory gels or creams to the sore or if you are still worried, it might help to share your feelings
area (ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice) with supportive family members or friends. You could also
»» Using a hot pack on your breasts or having a hot bath get information or advice from your GP or a Women’s
or shower Health Nurse at your local community health centre. You
»» Using an ice pack on your breasts are welcome to talk with a specialist or Breast Care Nurse
»» It is important to talk with your doctor if you are regularly at a Breast Clinic if you feel this would help to put your
taking medicines for pain relief. mind at rest. Talking with a counsellor might also help.

If you are taking prescription medicines, it is also worth This information sheet is written for women who have been
discussing with your doctor whether any of these might be examined by a breast specialist and found to have a benign
causing the soreness. (non-cancerous condition). It is not intended as a substitute
for the advice of a qualified doctor.
What happens now?
Language link
Your breast soreness does not put you at any
increased risk of breast cancer. You should follow the
recommendations for screening for breast cancer for
women of your age and family history.
All women need to be alert to any changes in their breasts
that are not normal for them. If you have any change
in your breast that is different to your normal hormonal
changes, you should have it checked by your General
Practitioner (GP).

www.thewomens.org.au

DISCLAIMER The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this fact sheet
or incorporated into it by reference. We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are
encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent
care you should go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department. © The Royal Women’s Hospital, November 2003. Reviewed November 2018

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