Mastalgia (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
*Home Care | |||
If you have painful breasts, the following may help: | |||
:* Take medication such as [[acetaminophen]] or [[ibuprofen]] | |||
:* Use heat or ice on the breast | |||
:* Wear a well-fitting bra that supports your breasts | |||
There is no good evidence to show that reducing the amount of fat, [[caffeine]], or chocolate in your diet helps reduce breast pain. Vitamin E, thiamine, magnesium, and evening primrose oil are not harmful, but most studies have not shown any benefit. Talk to your doctor or nurse before starting any medicine or supplement. | |||
Certain [[birth control pills]] may help ease breast pain. Ask your health care provider if this therapy is right for you. | |||
==Where to find medical care for Mastalgia?== | ==Where to find medical care for Mastalgia?== | ||
Revision as of 15:33, 31 March 2013
Template:Mastalgia (patient informaion) Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Breast pain is any discomfort or pain in the breast. There are many possible causes for breast pain. For example, hormone level changes from menstruation or pregnancy often cause breast tenderness. Some amount of swelling and tenderness just before your period is normal. Some women who have pain in one or both breasts may fear breast cancer. However, breast pain is not a common symptom of cancer.
What are the symptoms of Mastalgia?
What causes Mastalgia?
Some amount of breast tenderness is normal. The discomfort may be caused by hormone changes from:
- Menopause (unless a woman is taking hormone replacement therapy)
- Menstruation and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Pregnancy -- breast tenderness tends to be more common during the first trimester and in women who become pregnant at a young age
- Puberty in both girls and boys
Soon after having a baby, a woman's breasts may become swollen with milk. This can be very painful. If you also have an area of redness, call your health care provider.
Breastfeeding itself may also cause breast pain.
Fibrocystic breast changes are a common cause of breast pain. Fibrocystic breast tissue contains lumps that tend to be more tender just before your menstrual period.
Certain medications may also cause breast pain, including:
- Anadrol
- Chlorpromazine
- Diuretics
- Digitalis preparations
- Methyldopa (Aldomet)
- Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Shingles can lead to pain in the breast if the painful blistering rash appears on the skin over one of your breasts.
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
- Home Care
If you have painful breasts, the following may help:
- Take medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Use heat or ice on the breast
- Wear a well-fitting bra that supports your breasts
There is no good evidence to show that reducing the amount of fat, caffeine, or chocolate in your diet helps reduce breast pain. Vitamin E, thiamine, magnesium, and evening primrose oil are not harmful, but most studies have not shown any benefit. Talk to your doctor or nurse before starting any medicine or supplement.
Certain birth control pills may help ease breast pain. Ask your health care provider if this therapy is right for you.
Where to find medical care for Mastalgia?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Mastalgia