Therapy
Since chest pain after ovulation is typically a complaint of a healthy hormonal circulation, a conservative therapy with lifestyle changes should be considered as a first therapeutic approach. Since the hormonal situation of the woman often does not show any abnormalities in this type of complaint, this cycle should not be treated immediately, if not absolutely necessary. It is initially recommended to integrate regular sporting activities, such as walking, jogging or cycling, into everyday life.
Regular physical activity can relieve chest pain as well as the accompanying symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. At the same time, a change in diet towards reduced amounts of sugar and fats can also improve the symptoms. In addition, so-called trigger substances such as caffeine, chocolate or alcohol should be avoided, as they contain certain substances that can have a negative effect on breast swelling.
If the chest pain after ovulation is correspondingly severe, a light painkiller can be used to provide short-term relief. The short-term aspect of this therapeutic approach is important here, as long-term use of painkillers can lead to dependence or other physical complaints. If the complaints are localised particularly in the breast and there is also a desire for contraception, a hormonal contraceptive such as the contraceptive pill can be used after consultation with the gynaecologist. When prescribing such a product, however, it must be considered in advance whether possible side effects and risks outweigh the benefits.
Diagnosis
The first step in making a diagnosis is a detailed discussion with a gynaecologist, i.e. a gynaecologist. During this interview, the symptoms and also the cycle are examined. In addition, previous pregnancies and possible hormone therapies, such as the contraceptive pill, as well as other hormonal contraceptive methods should be discussed.
This is usually followed by a palpation of the breast. The palpation examination should serve to exclude other and possibly malignant remodelling processes in the breast. This works best in the first days of the cycle, i.e. shortly after the period. If no abnormalities are found, further diagnostics should only be carried out if there is a medical reason for this. As a possible further diagnosis, hormones can be determined in the laboratory and various imaging procedures can be performed.
Duration
Normally, chest pain lasts a maximum of 14 days after ovulation. This is the period of the second half of the cycle in which the hormone progesterone is dominant. As the progesterone level drops at the end of the cycle, fluid retention also decreases and so does breast pain as a rule.
Cyclical breast pain occurs more frequently in women over 30 years of age and can continue until menopause is reached. With menopause, the hormonal balance of the woman’s body changes again, so that women after menopause have a good chance that the complaints will finally subside.
