You’re Upping Your WorkoutsMaybe you did an impressive round of push-ups or dove into a serious new weight-lifting routine. This may seem like breast pain, but the discomfort actually stems from the muscles underneath the breasts. “The pectoral muscles are there,” explains Taraneh Shirazian, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, and this set of muscles lying right under the breast tissue tightening and relaxing is actually the source of this tenderness. Get relief by applying heating pads and taking a pain reliever as directed, suggests Shirazian. You’re PMSingHeal Your Whole Body The most common cause of breast pain is a change in hormones that comes along with your period. This normal body response to shifts in estrogen typically manifests in swelling and tenderness on the day before your period begins and the first day of your flow, says Shirazian. This type of breast soreness is called cyclic pain, since it’s related to your menstrual cycle. The good news: it should go away when your period ends. Birth control pills can help, says Shirazian, since they prevent ovulation and keep estrogen levels stable. And if you’d rather the skip the OTC pain reliever, primrose oil supplements may also ease soreness, she says. (Ease your PMS symptoms—and lose up to 13 pounds in just a few short weeks!—with .) [block:bean=pvn-survey-walking-woman-a-06201] MORE: 31 Ways to Have More Fun with Your Boobs Every Day Your Bra Doesn’t Fit Properly The wrong lingerie can have pretty serious consequences for your chest. If your bra is too tight or the cup is too small, the underwire may be pushing against your breast (All. Day. Long.), leading to sore breasts, says Shirazian. And if you’re not supported enough, all that up-down-and-all-around movement throughout the day can lead to breast tenderness. Use these tips to find a bra that fits. Your Sweat Session Lacks Support Especially if your breasts are larger, it’s crucial to get the proper support when exercising to keep those babies from bouncing all around and pulling on the breast tissue, says Shirazian. In fact, a recent study found that one in three marathon runners report breast pain. To remedy this, get fitted for a proper sports bra and make sure that nothing is digging in, spilling over, or not fitting perfectly when you jump around in the fitting room. MORE: 11 Weird Facts About Your Breasts You Have Lumpy Breasts If you’ve been identified as a women with lumpy breast tissue (technically known as fibrocystic breast tissue), then you are probably well acquainted with breast tenderness linked to your menstrual cycle. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, this bumpy, uneven breast tissue is actually characterized by fluid-filled cysts, and it’s not necessarily linked to breast cancer. However, they may be more sensitive to hormonal changes. MORE: 7 Ways to Keep Your Breasts Healthy You’re Taking In Too Many Lattessome studies While coffee and tea may not directly cause breast pain, have shown that cutting out caffeine can help alleviate discomfort, especially for women with fibrocycstic breast tissue. If your breasts feel particularly lumpy and you’ve got a three-cup-a-day habit, ask your doctor if you should consider cutting down. In general, temporary breast soreness and sensitivity shouldn’t raise any red flags, nor should it send you running to the doctor’s office. It usually just lasts a few days then vanishes from thin air. In the unlikely event that the pain lingers around or gets worse, then it’s time to see your physician. Also, be in the habit of regularly giving your breasts the once-over to make sure there aren’t any changes in appearance, texture, or tenderness. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, bring it up with your doctor. The article 7 Reasons Your Boobs Hurt originally ran on WomensHealthMag.com.
