Pain duration

Normally, chest pain that occurs during ovulation lasts for a maximum of 14 days. This is exactly the length of the second cycle segment. During this time the hormone progesterone is dominant over the hormone estrogen.

Progesterone can lead to water retention, which can also trigger breast pain. However, as soon as the progesterone level drops again at the end of the second half of the cycle, the pain should also decrease as the water retention is flushed out again. Such cyclical breast pain occurs more frequently in women over the age of 30.

They can occur at periodic intervals from then until menopause is reached. Since the hormone balance of a woman changes with the menopause, the cycle-dependent breast pain normally stops with the onset of the menopause. Breast pains that are cycle-dependent often disappear when the period ends or after only a few days.

Many women experience the discomfort of pain and a feeling of tension in their breasts even just a few days before the start of their period. Sometimes the pain disappears when the period starts or continues for a few days. In some cases, the pain may become permanent while taking the pill and only subside if the pill is not taken during the seven-day break. In such a case, the person concerned should think about stopping the pill and possibly test another pill. You can obtain extensive information about this from your gynaecologist.

Treatment

Chest pain can be treated very well at first with cooling compresses, pads or soothing baths. In particular, the feeling of tension and pulling in the chest is relieved. When treating with warmth, it should be noted that an examination has ruled out the possibility of an inflammation causing the pain.

Heat is contraindicated in the case of an inflammation, as it promotes the infection and often aggravates the symptoms. In this case, a gynaecological examination is necessary in order to then initiate the appropriate therapy. It may be necessary to take anti-inflammatory medication such as antibiotics if, for example, the mammary gland tissue is inflamed. Breast pain associated with the use of the pill can be relieved by changing the pill.

Causes

Cycle-related breast pain occurs in many women and is a normal sign of the hormonal changes the body undergoes during this time. Breast pain, or pulling and tension in the area of the breasts, can become apparent a few days before menstruation begins. They are then called premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

According to experts there is a connection between the breast pain and hormonal fluctuations. In particular, an imbalance or mismatch between progesterone and oestrogen is thought to trigger the symptoms. However, prolactin, which is secreted from the lactotropic (milk-forming) cells of the anterior pituitary gland, may also cause the symptoms. Prolactin ensures the growth of the mammary gland and prepares the mammary gland for lactation. According to this, many women may also experience increased breast pain during pregnancy, especially if there is an overproduction of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia).