Understanding breast pain insights from women and possible causes

About 40 to 50% of women will have breast pain at some point in their lives. Breast pain is one of the most common breast symptoms out there, period. I have the conversation about breast pain a minimum of four times a day.

Read what women say about their breast pain, what could be causing it and what your next steps are.

What does breast pain feel like?

There’s no one answer to describe breast pain. It really depends on the person. Breast pain can be described as:

• Stabbing
• Aching
• Throbbing
• Tenderness
• Itchy nipples
• Itchiness inside breast

The difference in symptoms likely has to do with how your breast is constructed and where your dense tissue is located, as well as your own perception of pain.

Causes of breast pain

Breast pain can be caused by changes to your hormones. Caffeine can impact your hormone levels which can trigger breast pain.

Breast pain can also develop from new activities that stress your muscles surrounding your chest wall.

Menstruation and breast pain

The heaviness of your menstrual cycles and your hormone levels can affect breast pain.

Typically, your breasts get painful and tender leading up to your menstruation and then it eases after. That is normal and not something you need to see your provider about.

When to see a doctor about breast pain

For the most part, breast pain is benign and not a normal association with breast cancer.

Breast pain without a lump or any signs of infection does not need to be seen by a radiologist or similar doctor. You should talk to your primary care provider about it. If you are due for your mammogram, your primary provider may send you in. If you don’t have symptoms of a lump or infection, continue with your annual screening mammogram.

Your first mammogram, explained

Treating breast pain

Treating breast pain is difficult because it’s not cancer related. But there are some things you can do to help.

• Reduce your caffeine.
• Consider vitamin supplements like vitamin E or evening primrose.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

How to do a breast self-exam

With or without breast pain, it is important for you to check your breasts. While you are doing a self-exam, look for what feels like a firm, painless lump.

1. Lay down and put your arm back over your head.


2. Start at the axilla (underarm).


3. Move your fingers in a sweeping motion toward the nipple.


4. You do that in all the way around in a clockface toward the nipple.


5. Check the nipple area as well.

The best time to do an exam is right out of the shower when your skin is a little softer and easier to feel through.