Why Are My Breasts Sore During Periods?

Experiencing aches and pains in different parts of the body from time to time is not uncommon. Whether it’s due to a muscle pull after working out, or a stomach ache after a heavy meal, these pains are often dull and are expected to subside in a short period of time.

But encountering pain in the breast and armpit area can be worrying, especially due to the proximity of the breast to the heart. Breast pain may be felt along the armpit area as well due to the anatomy of breast tissue and how it connects to the underarm region. The axillary tail is a tissue that connects the underarm to the breast, connecting the sensations felt across both regions.

In many cases, breast soreness and armpit pain is caused due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle. This is a heavily under researched topic and it is not fully understood why this pain occurs, however several associations have been made with increases in estrogen and prolactin.

Breast pain is clinically known as mastalgia and can be broadly classified under two types:-

1. Cyclic Pain

This pain is dull in nature and is felt across both breasts. It is described as a soreness that extends from the breast to the armpit region. The pain is most severe during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels are at their highest as this causes the lymph nodes to swell, making the breast and armpits more sensitive and tender. Breast soreness may also be experienced during ovulation. This pain is usually relieved after one gets their period.

2. Non-cyclic Pain

This type of pain is sharper and more severe. It may only be experienced on one side. There can be various causes for this type of breast pain, and the treatment varies according to the cause. Some common causes for this type of pain are:

• Breast cysts

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Muscle strain

• Mastitis

• Angina

Breast cancer is one of the main concerns people may have when experiencing breast pain. While breast pain can be a sign of breast cancer, it is unlikely to present as a standalone symptom without other breast cancer symptoms like:

• Nipples turning inward

• Presence of a hard, possibly painful lump in the breast

• Nipple discharge

• Skin on the breast which is red, thickened or dimpled, like an orange peel

• Swollen lymph nodes on your armpits or near your collarbone

Treating Cyclic Breast Pain

If your breast pain is caused by your hormones and menstrual cycle, it will be short-lived and will subside as you get your period. While you can’t get rid of the pain, you can take some steps to increase your comfort as much as possible, like:

• Not wearing a bra for a few days, and wearing loose tops

• Lightly massaging the breasts and armpits

• Taking some over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol or Ibuprofen

• Limiting caffeine consumption

• Increasing your magnesium intake through foods like nuts and dark chocolate or a supplement

Also read - Having dark chocolate during periods

When should I see a doctor?

Medical attention can be necessary for certain types of breast pain, especially if you’re unaware about what’s causing it. You should check in with your doctor if your breast and armpit pain:

• Persists during and after menstruation 

• Does not go away after self-care methods of treatment

• Gets worse with time

• Is accompanied by other symptoms like a lump in your breast, differences in the skin on your breast and armpit, nipple discharge, shortness of breath, and fever

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