Patient's question:
I have never experienced breast tenderness before my period before, but recently in the past few months, I have. Even a light touch causes pain, and it lasts for about a week before it goes away. Is this a normal phenomenon? Why didn't I have this symptom before, but now I do?Doctor's answer:
Many women often experience breast tenderness. Medical workers, after long-term observation and research, have found that women mainly have six types of breast tenderness.1. Breast tenderness during puberty: This generally occurs between the ages of 9 and 13, and the tenderness will naturally disappear after the first menstrual period.
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2. Breast tenderness before menstruation: Many women experience breast fullness, hardness, and tenderness before their period; in severe cases, even slight vibrations or collisions can cause discomfort. This is due to the increase in estrogen levels before menstruation, leading to breast hyperplasia and edema in the interstitial tissue. These changes usually disappear after the period.
In fact, the common emotional fluctuations before menstruation are a physiological change for most women, and they do not feel any pain. However, for some women and their husbands who have severe mental and physical symptoms, the recurrence of these symptoms often becomes a source of distress. These special symptoms are called "Premenstrual Tension Syndrome" in medicine.
3. Breast tenderness during pregnancy: Some women experience breast tenderness around the 40th day of pregnancy due to the large secretion of estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin by the placenta and chorion, leading to breast enlargement. Severe cases may persist throughout the entire pregnancy and require no treatment.
In the early stages of pregnancy, the breasts may become slightly larger and firmer, and there may be a feeling of fullness and stinging.