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Tender breasts before period is faced by almost every woman. The prognosis is emphasized in this article. Read ahead.

'Why do my breasts become tender before period? Why have they become flabby and sodden suddenly? Why do I feel some strange soreness on my breasts before my menstrual cycle?' I have been observant of these niggling thoughts, orbiting a woman's mind when she is unable to express herself, being trapped in a state of ambiguity. These questions are personal to her and lack of necessary explanation can lead to apprehension and much anxiety. Female folks be at PEACE! The next segment of this article shall resolve all your doubts regarding tender breasts before period.

Causes behind Tenderness in Breasts

Tender breasts before period is almost felt by every women at some point of time. The symptoms are much evident before onset of menstruation. They breasts become comparatively softer than they actually are. Slight enlargement and swelling is also observed before period.

The most accepted reason behind tender breasts before menstruation, is hormonal imbalance. The predominant hormones, estrogen and progesterone, governing menstrual cycle fluctuate and play a significant role in engorgement and tenderness of breasts. Tenderness is also a symptom of enlargement of milk ducts before period, due to elevated levels of hormone, prolactin. Tender breasts before period is also an indication of ovulation. The reason for tenderness is again the same, i.e., rise in level of hormone estrogen. These symptoms are known as pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).

Intake of excess caffeine rich beverages, like tea and coffee, high carbohydrate and fat foods, etc., also attribute to tender breasts before period. Birth control pills, oral contraceptives, steroids, painkillers, etc., taken before period can also lead to softness and swelling in breasts.

Causes behind Soreness in Breasts

Breast tenderness is sometimes accompanied by soreness and pain. Breast pain and soreness is also caused due to changes in hormones before period. Rise in estrogen level, sometimes leads to breast soreness. Heaviness, bloating, pain cause considerable discomfort. The pain sometimes spreads to upper arm or armpit. Even though there might not be any lump, you feel your breasts lumpy. There's fluctuation in the size of milk ducts due to change in hormones. This is known as cyclical breast pain, that should not be mistaken with breast cancer.

However, non cyclical breast pain occurring over and again, has no connection with menstrual cycle. Breast soreness and pain with lumpy feel can be alarming, if experienced frequently. Painful lumps in armpit accompanied by thudding pain in breasts can be symptoms of breast cancer.

Treatments

To relieve yourself of pain and soreness, you can modify your lifestyle during that period. Avoid jogging, skipping or high impact physical exercises that indirectly cause movement of your breasts. Avoid drinking coffee and aerated drinks before your period. You should eat low fat and low carb diet, that has no effect on hormonal secretion. If you are under any medication or hormonal drugs, consider stopping them for sometime under doctor's advice. Wear soft bra and loose garments before going to bed, to get maximum comfort.

Doctors often prescribe few doses of different drugs for few months to reduce cyclical breast pain. These medications include Gamolenic acid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Bromocriptine, Danazol, etc. These drugs are either sold as capsules, pills or topical creams and lotions. They have different effects on hormonal system and balances the levels of estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, etc. They are effective in reducing tenderness and soreness in breasts before period.

N.B: These drugs should be consumed only under medical supervision or doctor's advice and not spontaneously.

Tender breasts before period should not be your cause of worry, unless the pain and soreness becomes a regular phenomenon. You should never delay to visit doctor and clarify your confusions and incertitudes without hesitation.