Wearing a bra that’s too tight or has a small cup size can result in the underwire constantly pushing against your breast, causing discomfort throughout the day. While it can be annoying and cause tenderness, it’s generally not a serious issue. Here are some common, normal reasons why your breasts may be sore, and tips on how to provide them with some much-needed TLC.
- Changes in hormones
The most common cause of breast pain is a change in hormones that comes along with your period. This normal body response to shifts in estrogen typically manifests in swelling and tenderness on the day before your period begins and the first day of your flow, says Taraneh Shirazian, M.D, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. This type of boob soreness is called cyclic pain since it’s related to your menstrual cycle. The good news is that it should go away when your period ends. Birth control pills can help, says Shirazian, since they prevent ovulation and keep estrogen levels stable. And if you’d rather skip the OTC pain reliever, primrose oil supplements may also ease soreness, she says.
- You engaged in intensive workouts
Maybe you did an impressive round of pushups or dove into a serious new weight-lifting routine. This may seem like breast pain, but the discomfort actually stems from the muscles underneath the breasts. “There are the pectoral muscles there,” explains Shirazian, and this set of muscles lying right under the breast tissue tightening and relaxing is actually the source of this tenderness. Get relief by applying heating pads and taking a pain reliever as directed, suggests Shirazian.
- You pulled or carried something heavy
So maybe you haven’t been hitting the gym harder, but were you lifting furniture or heavy bags that may have strained those pectoral muscles? If so, that soreness might actually be coming from the muscles underneath your breast tissue again, says Shirazian. You can treat it the same way you would above, with heat or OTC pain relievers.
- Your bra doesn’t fit properly
The wrong lingerie can have pretty serious consequences for your chest. If your bra is too tight or the cup is too small, the underwire may be pushing against your breast (All. Day. Long.), leading to sore boobs, says Shirazian.
And if you’re not supported enough, all that up-down-and-all-around movement throughout the day can lead to breast tenderness. Use these tips to find a bra that fits.
- Your sweat session lacks support
It’s essential to get the right support when exercising, especially if you have larger breasts. This helps to keep them from bouncing around and putting unnecessary strain on your breast tissue. According to Shirazian, a recent study found that one in three marathon runners experience breast pain while running. To avoid this, ensure that you get fitted for a suitable sports bra that fits perfectly and doesn’t dig in or spill over when you jump around in the fitting room.
- You have lumpy breasts
If you’ve been identified as a woman with lumpy breast tissue (technically known as fibrocystic breast tissue), then you are probably well acquainted with breast tenderness linked to your menstrual cycle.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, this bumpy, uneven breast tissue is actually characterised by fluid-filled cysts, and it’s not necessarily linked to breast cancer. However, they may be more sensitive to hormonal changes.
- You’re taking in too many lattes
While coffee and tea may not directly cause breast pain, some studies have shown that cutting out caffeine can help alleviate discomfort, especially for women with fibrocystic breast tissue. If your breasts feel particularly lumpy and you’ve got a three-cup-a-day habit, ask your doctor if you should consider cutting down.
Breast soreness and sensitivity are quite common and usually not a cause for concern. It typically lasts only a few days and goes away on its own. However, if the pain persists or worsens, it is important to see a doctor. It is also important to regularly examine your breasts to check for any changes in appearance, texture, or tenderness. If you notice anything unusual, be sure to bring it up with your physician.
