Patient's question:
My breasts always feel sore before my period, specifically on the outer side, where I can feel hard lumps that can be moved. The pain disappears after my period, and the lumps become soft to the touch. Am I suffering from a gynecological inflammation? Could gynecological inflammation cause breast tenderness?Doctor's answer:
Okay, here is the translation, following your instructions:I. Breast tenderness during puberty: This generally occurs between the ages of 9 and 13. After menarche, the tenderness usually disappears on its own.
II. Breast tenderness before menstruation: Many women experience breast fullness, hardness, and tenderness before their period. In severe cases, slight vibrations or collisions can cause discomfort. This is due to the increase in estrogen levels before the period, leading to breast hyperplasia and edema of the tissue between the lobules. These changes usually disappear after the period starts.
III. Breast tenderness during pregnancy: Some women experience breast tenderness around 40 days of pregnancy. This is because the placenta and chorion heavily secrete estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin, causing the breasts to enlarge and leading to tenderness. In severe cases, the tenderness can last throughout the entire pregnancy and usually does not require treatment.
IV. Postpartum breast tenderness: Breast fullness, hard lumps, and pain often appear 3 to 7 days after childbirth. This is mainly due to lymphatic retention in the breasts, engorged veins, interstitial edema, and blocked breast ducts.
V. Breast tenderness after induced abortion: This occurs because the sudden interruption of pregnancy causes a sharp drop in hormone levels, stopping the recent growth of the breasts. This can lead to breast lumps and pain.
VI. Breast tenderness after sexual intercourse: This is related to the physiological changes in the breasts during sexual activity. Women with low libido or an unsatisfactory sex life may not reach orgasm, making it difficult for the breast congestion and enlargement to subside, or they may not subside completely. Persistent congestion can cause breast tenderness.
Many women experience breast tenderness before their period, but they often delay seeking medical attention because they consider it a minor issue and do not take it seriously. As a result, the condition can be mismanaged repeatedly.
Beijing Jun Du Gynecological Experts introduce: Breast tenderness that appears too early before the period, pain after the period ends or after ovulation, and pain when wearing a bra or touching the breasts are all pathological symptoms. They can easily lead to gynecological diseases, such as infertility and breast tumors.