Eight Common Causes of Breast Pain

Women of all ages report having breast pain, also known as mastalgia. Pain can occur both before and after the menopause. However, breast pain is most common in younger menstruating women.

While nearly 70 percent of women report breast pain at some point during their lives, only around 15 percent require medical treatment.

The severity and location of breast pain can vary. Pain can occur in both breasts, one breast, or in the underarm. Severity can range from mild to severe and is typically described as tenderness, sharp burning, or tightening of the breast tissue.

Hormonal changes due to events such as menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause can also have an effect on the type of breast pain experienced.

Common causes of breast pain

The following are eight common causes of breast pain.

Breast cysts

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and some may be at a higher risk for developing painful breast conditions than others. At times, women may develop milk duct or gland changes resulting in breast cyst forming.

Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can be soft or firm and may or may not cause pain. These cysts typically enlarge during the menstrual cycle and go away once menopause is reached.

Medications

Certain medications can contribute to the development of breast pain. Medications that are linked to an increase in breast pain include:

Infertilitytreatments
Oral hormonal contraceptives
Postmenopausal estrogenand progesteronepreparations
Selective serotoninreuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Antidepressants
Digitalis preparations
Methyldopa (Aldomet)
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Some diuretics
Anadrol
Chlorpromazine

People with breast pain should speak to their healthcare provider to see if any of their medications are having an effect.

Breast surgery

Undergoing breast surgery and the formation of scar tissue can lead to breast pain.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is a type of arthritis that occurs where the ribs and breastbone connect. While this condition is not related to the breast, the burning pain caused by it can be confused with actual breast pain. This form of arthritis is seen in older adults and people with poor posture.

Fibrocystic breast changes

Women who are premenopausal and those who are undergoing treatment with postmenopausal hormone treatment may develop lumpy, tender, and swollen breasts caused by the buildup of fluid. This harmless condition is referred to as fibrocystic breast changes.

Mastitis

Mastitis is a painful infection of the breast. It is most commonly experienced by lactating women due to a clogged milk duct. However, it is not an infection that only occurs in breastfeeding women.

Symptoms associated with mastitis often include fever, aches, and tiredness, along with breast changes such as warmth, redness, swelling, and pain.