Breast swelling after ovulation | Swelling of the breast

Breast swelling after ovulation

Ovulation occurs on the 14th day of the female cycle and is caused by the so-called LH peak. This maximum concentration of the hormone LH (luteinizing hormone) is caused by an increase in the estrogen level. During this time, many women complain of swollen and tense breasts, which are sometimes very sensitive to touch and pain.

During ovulation, the so-called Mittelschmerz can also be felt, which is a pulling abdominal pain. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done about the swelling of the breast. Some women can be helped by hormonal contraceptives such as the pill, as this helps to stabilize their cycle. However, this does not have to be the case. Cooling compresses and some physical protection help best to get around the days of breast swelling in the cycle.

Swelling of the breast in men

Men and boys can also suffer from breast swelling, although this is less common than in women. There are different causes of breast swelling in men and boys. The most important causes are briefly summarized here:Gynecomastia is an enlargement of the mammary glands in men.

It is usually not an independent disease, but the result of a hormonal disorder.Causes are, for example, cirrhosis of the liver, renal failure, malignant testicular tumors, a lack of male hormones (androgens) or a side effect of medication. Often, however, no cause is found either. One speaks of a false gynecomastia when fat deposits in the breast lead to an enlargement.

This is the case with severe overweight. Men can also suffer from breast cancer, although this is rather rare. Breast cancer can make itself noticeable, as with women, through nodular changes in the breast. During puberty, temporary enlargements of the breast occur very often due to hormonal fluctuations, which often (but not always) regress.

Swelling of the breast in the newborn

Many newly born parents notice a swelling of the breast in their newborn baby in the first days of life and are therefore worried. The swelling of the fetal breast is based similarly as the swelling of the maternal breast during pregnancy on hormonal causes. During the first three weeks of life, however, the swelling goes down completely by itself and has no consequences.

It is not painful for the child and does not require any therapy. In some cases, a yellowish secretion emerges from the nipple of the newborn baby, which is similar to breast milk from the first days of breastfeeding. This liquid, also known as witch’s milk, should not be expressed at all.

It is also due to hormonal causes. To protect the swollen breast a little, it is recommended to cover it with some absorbent cotton. The absorbent cotton should be changed several times a day for hygienic reasons.

If symptoms like fever, shrill screaming, restlessness or even nausea and vomiting occur, it could be a real inflammation of the breast (mastitis). However, this is very rare. In this case a pediatrician should be consulted immediately.