What Does it Mean When Your Breast Is Sore?
According to the Mayo Clinic, 70 percent of women experience breast pain and tenderness, called mastalgia, at some point in their lives. This pain can be caused by hormonal changes, cysts, medication and breast size.
Cyclical pain
This pain is a result of cyclical hormonal changes in women, corresponding with menstruation or pregnancy. It usually occurs in both breasts and is described as a general sense of soreness and heaviness. It usually stops after menopause.
Noncyclical pain
Noncyclical breast pain is not related to a woman's monthly cycle. It may occur in only one breast and feels like a sharp, burning pain in a localized area of the breast. This type of pain may be caused by a cyst or fibroadenoma.
Medication
Some medications, including infertility treatments and oral contraceptives, can cause pain in the breasts due to the hormones they contain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medications are also associated with breast pain.
Size
Women with larger breasts often experience breast soreness. This pain is usually accompanied by pain in the neck, back and shoulders. Breast reduction surgery can alleviate this pain.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer does not usually cause breast pain. However, cancerous lumps in the breasts can become painful.
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