Patient's question:
Medical Description: Lately, I've been feeling a sense of swelling in both breasts. What could be the reason?History of Treatment and Effect: No treatment has been administered.
Help Needed: Please have the experts answer.
Doctor's answer:
1. Breast tenderness during puberty: This is the earliest form of breast pain in girls, typically occurring between the ages of 9 and 13. At this stage, girls' breasts begin to develop, starting with the elevation of the nipples. Small, round, pea-sized or bean-sized hardened bumps may appear beneath the nipples, accompanied by mild tenderness. After menarche, as the breasts mature, this tenderness usually resolves on its own.2. Breast tenderness before menstruation: More than half of women experience breast fullness, hardness, and tenderness before their period. In severe cases, even slight vibrations or collisions can cause discomfort, and existing granular or nodular sensations may become more pronounced. This is due to the increase in estrogen levels before menstruation, leading to breast hyperplasia and edema in the interstitial tissue. These changes typically disappear after the onset of menstruation.
3. Breast tenderness during pregnancy: Some women may experience breast tenderness around 40 days after conception. This is caused by the placenta and trophoblasts secreting large amounts of estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin, which leads to breast hyperplasia and enlargement, resulting in tenderness. In severe cases, this discomfort may persist throughout the entire pregnancy and does not require treatment.