Menopause and Breast Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief

Menopause and breast pain, you may be wondering if there is any link in them. There may be!

Menopause brings about a lot of physical changes, and sore breasts are one condition that most women go through. Medically known as mastalgia, this might be due to the hormonal ups and downs inside your body as you pass through menopause. But where does menopause relate to breast pain, exactly? 

In this blog, we will talk about the causes, symptoms, when one should consult a doctor, and the effective treatments available regarding sore breasts during menopause.

Menopause and Breast Pain–What Is The Link?

Breast pain can be alarming, especially if it’s new to you. However, you should know that, generally, fluctuating hormone levels of oestrogen and progesterone are the link between breast pain and menopause.

These hormone levels go on a wild see-saw as the body gets ready to shut your reproductive years off, especially during perimenopause transition time before your period stops completely. Oestrogen, which triggers breast tissue, may go through the roof and cause tenderness of the breasts during menopause. The pain can range from mild to extreme, and while it’s often temporary, it can feel intense and impact your daily activities.

Causes of Breast Pain at Menopause

Following are some of the menopausal stage causes related to breast pain. While hormonal changes are the most frequent, there are other reasons your breasts ache, including:

Hormonal Fluctuations— The Main Culprit.

The drop and rise in oestrogen can cause the breasts to feel swollen or tender. This accounts for the main culprit in most cases of sore breasts at menopause.

Other medical conditions that can easily predispose anyone to this include the following.

1. Fibrocystic Breasts

This is a condition in which the breast tissue takes on a lumpy appearance or resembles a rope. It may increase during menopause and cause tenderness in the breasts.

2. Weight Changes

Weight gain is yet another factor that occurs during menopause and may add to breast pain. The extra weight increases the size of the breast tissue and makes the breast feel heavier and more sensitive.

3. Certain Meds

HRT or any other medications for treating the symptoms of menopause may also lead to breast tenderness.

Here are the Symptoms of Breast Pain in Menopause.

Awareness of the symptoms will help you diagnose whether your feelings are expected at this stage of life or something serious. 

You may feel:

1. Pain to  touch on your breasts, particularly on the sides or towards the armpits. 
2. Fuller or swollen breasts leading to discomfort.
3. A dull, persistent ache in the breasts
4. Sharp shooting pain.
5. Discomfort or pain in one or both sides.
6. Pain that is persistent or may be intermittent.

When to See a Doctor for Breast Pain During Menopause?

While breast pain at menopause is common, it is equally important to know when the pain might signal something of greater concern. If you experience any of the following symptoms with your breast pain, it is time for a doctor’s visit:

1. A new lump in your breast.
2. If the skin on your breasts changes colour or texture, for example, dimpling, or if the shape of your breasts changes. 
3. the pain in the breast doesn’t go away or gets worse over time, and it may be worth taking a professional opinion.
4. Unexplained nipple discharge requires the need to see a doctor.

Pain in the breasts isn’t usually considered to be associated with breast cancer. Still, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially if you experience other changes along with pain.

Natural Remedies for Sore Breasts During Menopause

There are various natural strategies for relieving breast pain during menopause.

1. Prefer Wearing a Supportive Bra

A well-fitted and supportive bra can make a big difference. Sports bras or maximum support bras help minimise the movement of breast tissue, decreasing pain.

2. Try Herbal supplements

Some women take herbal supplements like evening primrose oil or flaxseed to help balance their hormones. However, it is best to consult your doctor before taking any supplement.

3. Tweak Your Diet

Reducing caffeine and salt intake often alleviates breast tenderness. Both these substances are believed to lead to fluid retention and swelling, which increases breast sensitivity.

4. Apply Heat

The application of heat soothes aching breasts. Warm compresses or a heating pad often help reduce pain and inflammation.

5. Exercise Regularly

This keeps you active and helps not only with your overall menopause symptoms but also improves your circulation and makes your breasts hurt less. Two low-impact exercises include walking and swimming. 

Apart from breast pain, menopause causes other symptoms like vaginal itching and dyspareunia. You must keep discussing your symptoms with a healthcare provider for prompt relief.

Professional Options of Treatment for Breast Pain

If natural remedies are not easing your discomfort, you might want to consider professional treatments. Options often recommended by doctors for more severe or persistent breast pain at menopause include the following:

1. Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can relieve painful breasts resulting from menopause. In cases of severe pain, your doctor can prescribe certain medications.

2. Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy assists you in combating symptoms related to menopause, which in this case includes breast pain. By stabilising oestrogen and progesterone levels, HRT can reduce sensitivity of the breast caused by hormonal changes. However, this risks certain things, such as blood clots or increased cases of cancer in the breast, and for that reason, you must make a thorough consultation with a doctor.

3. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

If you want to consider a more “natural” but professional treatment, consider BHRT. This therapy uses hormones identical in chemical form to those your body creates itself. In the same vein, as with HRT, BHRT will ease the pain symptoms, but remember that the risks and benefits using this are virtually the same as those of its traditional counterpart, HRT.

4. Testosterone Implants

While testosterone is considered a male hormone, it also plays an essential role in female health. It can be utilised in women to minimise menopausal symptoms, which include breast pain. These implants release small, steady amounts of testosterone into your body, helping to balance hormones and ease discomfort.

Now you Know the Link Between Menopause and Breast Pain.

Breast pain and menopause are closely related due to underlying hormonal fluctuations. It may be alarming, but it is usually a symptom of the natural transition. Though discomfort is possible, you may explore many options to manage the pain. You can wear supporting bras or just bring about minor adjustments in your lifestyle, as relief can be tried in many ways. Conversely, take note of changes in your breasts and get yourself checked if the pain persists or other symptoms are found disturbing.

If your breast pain during menopause is posing mental health effects and disturbing your daily tasks, consult an expert practitioner for BHRT or hormonal replacement therapy in Bradford. Relieving breast pain minimises the general discomfort and adds to your mental and physical well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Pain During Menopause

1. How long does menopause breast pain last?

Breast pain during menopause can last from a few months to several years, depending on individual hormone changes. It usually decreases as oestrogen levels drop.

2. How does menopause affect breasts?

Menopause causes breasts to become less dense and more fatty, leading to sagging and changes in size due to hormonal shifts.

3. What kind of breast pain indicates menopause?

Menopause-related breast pain often feels tender, achy, or burning due to hormonal changes. It usually comes with other menopause symptoms and is typically temporary.

4. How can I stop my breasts from hurting during menopause?

To ease breast pain, reduce salt and caffeine intake, stay hydrated, wear a supportive bra, and do light exercise. If pain persists, consult a healthcare professional.