🩺 Why Do My Breasts Hurt? 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore

 

🩺 “Why Do My Breasts Hurt? 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore”

By Dr. Anjali Menon, Global Breast Health Specialist & Women’s Wellness Advocate

Breast pain—also known as mastalgia—is one of the most common yet misunderstood complaints in women’s health. It can be sharp or dull, constant or fleeting, and often triggers anxiety about breast cancer. But here’s the truth: most breast pain is not cancer-related. It’s your body’s way of signaling hormonal shifts, lifestyle stressors, or structural strain.

Let’s break down the five most common causes.

1️⃣ Hormonal Fluctuations (Cyclical Pain)

This is the most frequent cause, especially in women under 50.

• Pain intensifies before your period and eases after it starts

• Triggered by rising estrogen and progesterone

• Breasts may feel swollen, tender, or heavy

“Think of it as your body’s monthly rehearsal—preparing for pregnancy, even when it’s not on the calendar.”

2️⃣ Poor Bra Support

Yes, your bra could be the culprit.

• An ill-fitting bra strains the ligaments that support breast tissue

• Pain worsens after long days or exercise

• Especially common in women with larger breasts or active lifestyles

Tip: Get professionally fitted every 6–12 months, especially after weight changes or pregnancy.

3️⃣ Breast Injury or Trauma

Breasts are soft tissue—just like muscles.

• A bump, fall, or even tight hug can cause bruising or inflammation

• Pain may be sharp and localized

• Tenderness can linger for days or weeks

If pain persists or you notice swelling, warmth, or a lump, consult your doctor.

4️⃣ Non-Breast Causes (Chest Wall or Muscle Pain)

Sometimes, what feels like breast pain is actually coming from nearby structures.

• Pulled chest muscles, costochondritis (rib cartilage inflammation), or nerve pain

• Pain may radiate to the breast but isn’t caused by breast tissue itself

• Often worsens with movement or deep breathing

“The breast is a neighbor to many structures—sometimes the pain is just visiting.”

5️⃣ Hormonal Medications or Breastfeeding

Certain medications can trigger breast tenderness:

• Birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants

• Breastfeeding can cause engorgement, blocked ducts, or mastitis (infection)

If you’re lactating and experience redness, fever, or sharp pain, seek medical care promptly.

🩺 When to See a Doctor

While most breast pain is benign, you should seek medical advice if:

• Pain lasts more than two weeks

• You notice a lump, discharge, or skin changes

• Pain is one-sided and persistent

• You have a family history of breast cancer

🔍

• Reasons for breast pain

• Cyclical vs non-cyclical breast pain

• Hormonal breast tenderness

• Breast injury symptoms

• Chest wall pain vs breast pain

• Mastalgia causes and treatment

• Breastfeeding and breast pain

• Indian doctor breast health advice

• When to worry about breast pain

• Women’s health blog India

Breast pain may be common—but it’s never trivial. Your body is speaking. Let’s learn to listen with compassion, not fear.