Breast tenderness is a common symptom during menopause and other times of hormonal fluctuation.

During menopause, when hormonal levels are in flux, a woman is more likely to develop breast tenderness. Though postmenopausal women may also experience breast tenderness, it is most common in premenopausal and peri menopausal women. It is important to know that breast tenderness rarely signals breast cancer. Most cases of breast tenderness around menopause are caused by normal hormonal changes in the body.

It is important to know that breast tenderness rarely signals breast cancer. Most cases of breast tenderness around menopause are caused by normal hormonal changes in the body.

Symptoms of Brest Tenderness

Common Symptoms of Breast tenderness

• Breast swelling.
• Breast soreness
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• Increased sensitivity to pressure
• Dull, heavy or aching feelings
• Discomfort with movement
• Pain while sleeping.
• Aches.
  

Causes of Breast Tenderness

• Hormonal change is the most cause of cyclical breast tenderness during menopause. During the menopausal transition, levels of estrogen and  progesterone become irregular. Spikes and dips in these hormone levels can lead some women to experience breast tenderness.
• Mastitis.
• Breast abscess.
• Breast cysts.
• Fibroadenosis.
• Trauma to the breast.
• Stress.
• Breast surgery.
• Oral contraceptives.
• Hormone replacement therapy.

 Diagnosis

• Medical history.
• Physical examination.
• Blood tests for hormones.
• Mammogram

Treatment of breast tenderness

• Self care can include avoiding dietary and lifestyle triggers, getting regular exercise, massage, and relaxation techniques.
• Pain killer like ibuprofen, acetaminophen can be given.
• Treatment of the cause.
• Antibiotics in case of any infection