Answered by Dr Anil Magdum, gynecologist, Sunrise Hospital, Mumbai.
According to a study, breast pain or mastalgia is one of the most common troubles faced by 60-70% of women. There are various reasons for it depending upon the nature of pain – is it cyclic or non-cyclic.
Cyclic mastalgia is mainly related with hormonal changes in females during their menstrual cycle especially estrogen and prolactin levels. They have different effects on various parts of the body. Another reason for mastalgia is an imbalance in fatty acids.
How to reduce breast pain?
Reduction in consumption of caffeine, alcohol, saturated fatty acids, quitting smoking, using a better fitting bra are non-medical measures which help reduce cyclic breast pain.
Evening primrose oil, chasteberry (Nirgundi or Sambhalu in Hindi), Ginkgo, soy proteins, vitamin E are few nutritional supplements which help reduce mastalgia. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are over-the-counter drugs which that reduce mastalgia in most women. If these measures fail to provide relief, one needs to consult a physician. Also read - home remedies to beat menstrual cramps.
Vary rarely drugs acting on hormonal changes like danazol, goserelin or tamoxifen are used. These drugs have significant side-effects. These drugs are reserved only for cases where the benefits outweigh the side-effects.
Breast pain associated with a lump (mass) in breast, discharge from nipple, fever, skin changes, changes in the size of breast or recent changes in nipple like retraction need immediate evaluation and you need to consult your physician.
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