Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, can have a variety of causes. Some common causes of breast pain include:
- Hormonal changes: Breast pain is often related to changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Hormonal changes can occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.
- Fibrocystic breast changes: Fibrocystic breast changes refer to the development of non-cancerous lumps or cysts in the breast tissue. These changes can cause breast pain, tenderness, and swelling.
- Infections: Infections such as mastitis or abscesses can cause breast pain, as well as redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area.
- Trauma: Trauma to the breast, such as from a fall or accident, can cause breast pain.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, can cause breast pain as a side effect.
- Breast cancer: While breast cancer is not a common cause of breast pain, it is important to mention that it can cause breast pain as well as other symptoms such as a lump or thickening in the breast tissue, changes in the size or shape of the breast, and nipple discharge.
If you are experiencing breast pain or other symptoms, it is important to see your healthcare provider for an evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
