Why Do I have Sore Breasts?

According to Jerilynn Prior, M.D., a Canadian clinician, researcher, and professor of endocrinology at the University of British Columbia, premenstrual breast tenderness that occurs at the sides of the breast under the armpits suggests that ovulation has occurred during that cycle.

If the breasts are sore up front and over the nipples, it tends to suggest high estrogen, or estrogen dominance, which can indicate a lack of ovulation.

Soreness on the sides and the front may indicate that ovulation occurred but that not much progesterone was produced three or four days after ovulation, and thus estrogen dominance is occurring.

Charting the occurrence of pain (and your stress levels) during your menstrual cycle can help you get a clearer picture of what's going on.

Source: http://www.oasisserene.com/hormones/progesterone-sore-breasts.html

Two accurate high estrogen signs: swollen and tender (as well as sometimes lumpy) breasts, and increased stretchy vaginal mucus. Progesterone’s normal job is to decrease estrogen’s effects in breast cells and inhibit estrogen’s mucus production.

Source: http://www.cemcor.ubc.ca/media/articles/perimenopause_whatsnew.shtml

Herbs: Susun Weed suggests that sore breasts are often associated with water retention and may be helped by tincture of black cohosh (10-20 drops), vitex (20-40 drops) and liferoot (5-10 drops) twice a day for 2 weeks preceding menstruation. Also, chewing on a dong quai root for two weeks preceding menstruation may help.

Calcium and magnesium levels may be low when women experience sore breasts. Women who consume at least 1,300 mg of calcium daily from dietary sources (or who consume calcium supplements balanced with magnesium) often have less breast tenderness. It is generally recommended that a postmenopausal woman consume at least 1,500 mg of calcium. While both magnesium and phosphorus work together with calcium in the body, too much of either interferes with calcium, and a 2:1 ratio of calcium:magnesium is considered desirable. Also, the addition of a vitamin B complex is believed to help sore breasts.

Elimination of caffeine-rich foods such as coffee, colas, and black tea may reduce breast tenderness.

Source: http://www.project-aware.org/Managing/Alt/sorebreasts.shtml

Category: Hormones