Amelia Grant

If your boobs hurt, your mind may immediately think of the "C" word. However, the likelihood of breast cancer is low.

Breast discomfort is almost never related to malignancy. Breast pain is classified into two types: Cyclical pain is usually related to your period and affects both breasts. Non Cyclical pain is caused by something else and does not have a monthly pattern. It might affect one or both breasts, the entire breast, or only a portion of it.

Most breast pain resolves on its own or is easily addressed. Consult a doctor if the pain persists for more than a week or two or interferes with daily activities. If you have any additional symptoms, such as a lump that isn't related to your period, discharge from your nipple, or evidence of infection such as redness, swelling, or warmth, you should see a doctor.

Here are some possible causes of breast pain.

1. Periods 

The predictable surges of estrogen and progesterone around your monthly menstruation cause two-thirds of breast pain.

Any woman who is in menstruation can experience hormonal breast soreness. Period-related boob discomfort is typically felt in both breasts at the same time and all over your breasts. The majority of folks describe their pain as achy rather than acute.

For other women, knowing that the pain will go away in a week to ten days is enough. Over-the-counter pain relievers are used by other ladies.

2. Pregnancy 

The first trimester of pregnancy brings a whirlwind of hormones that can produce mood swings, food cravings, exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, as well as breast pain.

Breast tissue expands, milk ducts expand, and nipples become sensitive. The pain is caused by "acute hormonal alterations," such as those found in human chorionic gonadotropin. The discomfort is usually just momentary.

3. Breastfeeding 

You may experience pain when the infant initially latches onto your nipple or if his or her mouth is not properly positioned. Your baby's damp mouth may also cause badly chapped and cracked nipples. Discuss how to address these symptoms with a doctor or lactation counselor, as they can lead to infections, including yeast infections.

4. Medications 

Any hormone-containing medication–birth control, hormone therapy, and some infertility treatments–can produce breast soreness, just as naturally occurring hormone surges do before your period.

Other sorts of drugs, though, can do the same. Antidepressants are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), for example, can cause breast soreness, as does chlorpromazine, an antipsychotic.

5. Cysts 

Cysts are frequent in women aged 35 and up. A cyst is an obstructed or clogged breast gland with fluid accumulating behind the obstruction. Cysts are normally painless, however, they can cause discomfort.

6. Surgery 

Any type of trauma to the breast, including surgery, a biopsy, an elbow to the chest, a seatbelt injury, or even rough sex, can cause pain. If you have an injury, you will most likely understand why you are in pain immediately away. Hopefully, it's not so serious that the discomfort lasts.

An injury can produce fat necrosis, which manifests as a thickening or lumpiness in the breast, even up to two years later.

7. Shingles 

Shingles is an adult-onset form of the chickenpox virus. Anyone who had chickenpox as a child can get shingles, but the infection will only bother your boobs if the shingles rash appears on your breasts.

With itching blisters that pop, the rash can be excruciatingly painful. You may also experience a fever, headaches, and light sensitivity.

8. Muscle strain 

A strain to your pec muscle after a strenuous workout may feel like breast pain, even if the problem is elsewhere. Heat and over-the-counter pain medicines are usually sufficient to relieve muscular pain; but, if the pain is severe, your doctor may recommend something stronger.

Muscle discomfort is just one sort of "extramammary" pain, or pain that originates elsewhere yet is felt in the breast. Pneumonia, heartburn, spinal difficulties, gallbladder illness, heart disease, and neck arthritis are some of the other causes.

9. The size of your breasts 

Voluptuous, pendulous boobs might put considerable tension on breast ligaments and tissues. This might create discomfort not only in your breasts but also in your back, neck, and shoulders. Some ladies choose breast reduction surgery in extreme instances.

10. Wearing the wrong bra 

Even if you don't have enormous boobs, an ill-fitting bra might cause pain. The majority of women wear bras that are too big, and a bra that is too big will not support you effectively.

A bra that is too tiny isn't much better, as it may feel restricting and uncomfortable. If the underwire causes you pain, choose one with additional cushioning at the base of the breast.

11. Menopause

Women approaching the Big Change may have duct ectasia, a painful enlargement, and thickening of the milk duct. This results in the accumulation of liquids and debris.

Other signs of duct ectasia include a cottage cheese-like discharge from the nipple, a nipple bent inward, or a lump, but some women have no symptoms at all.

The condition normally resolves itself over time and does not increase your chance of developing breast cancer. If the pain persists, your doctor may consider surgical removal of the duct. Fortunately, you can do breast reconstruction afterward.