Your breasts can tell you a lot about what’s happening in your body. If they hurt, talk to your doctor to find out what’s causing it.
In many cases, sore breasts are nothing to worry about. They can be caused by a variety of things, from normal hormone fluctuations to an ill-fitting bra.
Hormonal Changes
During sexual arousal and intercourse, the body produces a surge of hormones. This increase in estrogen and progesterone affects the milk glands and ducts, which may cause breast tenderness. This is especially true if you have had unprotected sex.
Another reason for breast pain after sex is a medical condition such as cysts or infection. If your pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever or nipple discharge, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Birth control pills can also cause breast pain. When birth control first came on the market, they contained high doses of estrogen, which caused many women to experience a temporary increase in breast size and tenderness. However, most birth control pills now contain much lower amounts of estrogen and do not have this effect.
Cyclical breast pain is caused by monthly fluctuations in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This type of pain usually occurs before or during menstruation, but can also happen at other times in a woman’s life. It is sometimes present during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and usually disappears once the hormonal changes have stopped.
Excessive Physical Activity
While sex is great for your body, overdoing it can also lead to sore breasts. The pain comes from straining the pectoralis major muscle, which extends across your chest, down to your nipples, and into your arms. This type of pain is generally temporary and heals on its own.
Sometimes, a sore breast can indicate a serious medical condition, such as an infection. If you’re concerned about breast pain, especially if it persists after sex, contact your doctor immediately.
While many women blame breast pain on their period, it can occur any time of the month or even when they’re not on their menstrual cycle. The discomfort is caused by a variety of factors, most of which are related to fluctuating hormones. Luckily, the majority of boob-related discomfort isn’t anything to worry about, but it’s still worth taking note and seeking help if necessary. Some medications can trigger breast pain as well, including diuretics, digitalis preparations, methyldopa (Aldomet), spironolactone (Aldactone) and oxymetholone (Anadrol). Talk to your health care provider to learn more about your symptoms.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal changes are essential for our bodies, but sometimes the recipe gets mixed up and we end up with some unwanted side effects. These side effects can range from fatigue and weight gain to itchy skin and acid reflux.
During the follicular phase of your menstrual cycle (before you get your period), your estrogen and progesterone levels rise, which can make breasts feel tender. This pain usually disappears once your period starts, or you can take over-the-counter meds like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to alleviate the discomfort.
If you’re experiencing breast tenderness and it isn’t due to pregnancy or an ill-fitting bra, talk to your doctor. They may recommend a hormone test to see what’s going on in your body and prescribe some medications if necessary.
In some cases, the hormone imbalances that cause these uncomfortable symptoms can be corrected with diet and natural supplements. For instance, fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 are essential to breast health. If you have a deficiency in these fatty acids, your nipples can become swollen and irritated. You can correct this problem by eating a healthy, balanced diet and supplementing with evening primrose oil.
Paget’s Disease
Paget’s disease of the nipple is a condition that causes changes in the skin of the nipple and the area of darker skin around it (areola). These changes are a bit like the rash of eczema or psoriasis and can be painful, itchy, or flaky. They are usually in one breast but can spread to both sides of the nipple and the surrounding tissue.
It is not related to the bone disease also called Paget’s disease and occurs in both men and women. It is most common after age 50. It often occurs alongside a type of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast cancer elsewhere in the breast.
Treatment for Paget’s disease of the nipple focuses on relieving pain and preventing complications. Medications that decrease the formation of new bone may help reduce symptoms. Annual visits with your doctor and periodic X-rays are important to watch for changes in the affected bone. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (eg, acetaminophen and ibuprofen) can be helpful in decreasing pain. In some cases, your doctor will recommend surgery to remove the affected areas of bone and use radiation therapy on the rest of the chest to prevent cancer from developing in those areas.
Irritation
Irritation is the feeling of annoyance, pain, or discomfort caused by something. It is not uncommon to feel a little bit of irritation in your boobs after you have had sexual intercourse. This is usually because of rubbing or tugging on your breasts during sexual activity.
You may also be experiencing breast pain because of friction on your nipples or the area around them. This is very common after sex, especially during foreplay. During this time, your heart rate and blood pressure increase, which can cause the nipples to harden and the areolas to expand. It is thought that this can stimulate the same areas of the brain that are activated during clitoral stimulation, which can lead to orgasms.
Another estrogen-fueled change that can affect your boobs is puberty. During this time, your breast buds start to grow, and then the nipples and areolas will grow larger and darker in color. Your breasts might be sore during this time because of the extra hormones, but they will heal on their own. This is why it is important to wear a bra that fits properly.