Breast Pain

Breast pain is a common disorder which most females will suffer from at some point in their lives. The two most common are premenstrual breast pain and mastitis which occurs mainly in breast feeding mothers.

Premenstrual breast pain

This occurs a few days before menstruation and takes the form of breasts feeling tender and may be ‘lumpy’. For some the pain may be quite severe and pain relief will be required.

The condition is linked to hormonal changes in the body. Raised levels of oestrogen in the blood causes water retention making the breasts feel heavier and fuller.
The symptoms should disappear when menstruation begins however if you find that it continues after this point then you should consult your doctor.

Treatment

This can be treated by the usual pain killers such as paracetemol. Other over the counter medication to relieve pain may include Oil of evening primrose which has many other benefits to assist premenstrual females.
A natural diuretic such as freshly chopped parsley may help counteract water retention.
Cut back on the amount of sugar and salt in your diet and try and eat a balanced sensible diet rich in vitamins and minerals to maintain blood sugar levels and promote health.

Mastitis

This is an inflammation of the breast tissue mostly associated with breast feeding. It is caused by a bacterial infection entering through cracks on the skin of the nipple. The breast itself becomes red and inflamed. They are also sore and very tender.
Abscesses can form in the breast in some cases and this can bring on fever.

Treatment

The infected breast needs to be emptied of milk by either breastfeeding which will be very sore or by expressing the milk inside. Anti biotic pills will be prescribed to fight the infection.
Surgery may be required to treat any abscesses that have formed in order to drain it away.

There are many products available in the baby sections of the larger chemists which are aimed at helping cracked and sore nipples during breastfeeding. These only cost a few pounds. The majority of these help to soften the nipple area itself. Vitamin E is a common ingredient of these creams.