I have been feeling armpit pain, always in my left side and never the right! I’ve been to a breast clinic few years ago, and to and fro to my GP, and it’s always related to hormones? I’m wondering when I should go back and how often I should be checking. As my symptoms are all over the place, I’m finding it difficult to check for a pattern and I get so paranoid about symptoms. I’m constantly worried if my armpit pain is normal and always checking my breast every time I shower. It’s not right in the pit of the arm, it’s along the top of the crease. I’m not sure if it’s the gland or the muscle that affects the pain.Has anyone dealt with with this and have any advice?
– Sharon, UK
I had a rib out of place on the left side where you would put your hand over your heart. It caused soreness and tension on the front side of my armpit and starting to go down my arm. The muscles in our chests can get very tight for many reasons and can cause soreness near the armpit. Heat and stretching helps loosen them.
Yes it’s like a burning annoying pain I get and always in my left, I have had heart checks and breast …. it comes and goes but can be so worrisome
Always get it checked, it doesn’t matter if you feel like you are being paranoid, ant breast clinic will tell you it is better to be safe. My grandmother and mother both had breast cancer so I have constant concerns and fears, also I’m quite lumpy which doesn’t help but as soon as I get breast pain or find lumps I’m straight to doc for referral ? I have long given up my fear of ‘going too often’
I am really careful what deodorant I use and only ever wear soft (non wired bras) and obviously cannot take HRT due to links with hormone based BC. They discovered that I have a few calcifications in my breasts and biopsied them to check and so far all benign ??? but I will continue to check and so should you all- it is easier to do either laying on bed (breast tissue flatter), in the shower with gentle soap (easier to find lumps/bumps) or looking in mirror for changes like dimples/inverted nipples or discharge. Try not to worry too much (hard I know!) but breast tissue can become denser during menopause. Always always get checked if you are unsure and if you are still worried and doc not taking you serious or a little rushed- urge for a referral ?
I too have this.
It’s always on the left side not quite in the armpit but just across chest and slightly into the top of the pit.
It comes and goes and scared me the first time it happened.
It’s 9mths since my last period and it seems to happen around the time my period would have happened so I put it down to hormone behaviour.
I’ve have two mammogram both ok.
I’m 54 so pretty late going into the menopause.
In the past I have had this, mammogram was clear and fir me it was hormonal. I take evening primrose an a daily basis now and it keeps it at bay. Always sone new symptom appearing
Yes, I’ve also had weird pain under one armpit. It’s always in the same area at the side of my breast, and the pain comes and goes. I had a mammogram and ultrasound, and the radiologist told me that since 2018 (I have yearly mammograms due to family history of breast cancer), breast tissue has been migrating under my arm. When I have hormonal changes (period is imminent) that area starts aching. The dr said the pain is due to hormonal changes in my case. As long as you’re getting regular mammograms, you are probably experiencing the same issue.
It could be congestion in your lymphatic system! You have lymph nodes in that area. I have had the same thing There are lots of things you can do to help flush your lymphatic system. It’s worth a Google!
Having pain too in Left armpit, plus in Left groin area as well.
Seen gp & now await urgent breast clinic appointment – 2 wk wait!!!
Hopefully it’s muscular
And me I’ve been worried sick but it’s lasted longer than usual this time but like I said don’t know if it’s to do with the massive period I don’t usually have last month?? But my anxiety is through the roof I had a paining attack whilst I was sleeping which woke me up sweating like a pig x I’m so glad thought I was going mad thanks ladies xx
How was your appointment? I’ve developed a pain close to left armpit and wondering why. Not a terrible pain but hurts when I press on it. I’m reading everyone’s posts to see what others have experienced. I hope yours is resolved.
Yes! Always right side , not sure what pattern is either. I have had a 3D mammogram and chest X-ray to ease everyone’s mind- mostly mine. If it is causing you to lose sleep and exacerbating your anxiety, push for the testing:)
I’ve had a period and pains now have disappeared but now have a stinking cold great x I’m gonna keep logging and keep a check out in the next couple of weeks to recheck if I’m still worried I’m gonna bite the bulletin and speak to gp x I have no lumps or bumps for a big busted bird x and debs would love to hear your update x
I’ve heard we should have mamograms annually, starting at age 45 ! My mamograms are always beningn, yet I continue to still have pain in my breast
Hello I have this issue too along with left breast pain. I have recently been for a scan and thankfully all clear. The consultant told me to start taking 1000mg per day of Evening Primrose, it will take time but apparently this is essential. Along with vitamin D each day.
Same, same. Your not alone.
I’ve had this too and my doctor seems to think it’s related to a pinched nerve when I sleep on my arm on that side. Because I will wake up with my fingertips tingling and the pain in my armpit. But it doesn’t always happen when I’m sleeping. I also seem to get a lot of cramps in my rib cage
I also experience this. It’s usually the left armpit. I went to the doctor who checked my record and she reminded me I’d complained of the same issue 3 yrs previously and 3 yrs before that so it was sort of cyclical. She too suggested it was linked to hormones and gave me a breast exam just to be sure. I have been experiencing peri-menopause symptoms for the last 4 yrs (irregular periods, very heavy periods, no period, sore nipples etc) I keep a record of it all which helps.
My armpits itch now. Add it to my growing list of maladies. ?
Same here, was wondering about it. Always left, comes and goes. No lumps palpable.
Me too! Always left side. Sometimes spikes into my breast. Has happened the last several years. I’m 52
Yes!!! Wow been going through this for like 2 weeks! It’s being worrying me so much! Something told me to read on here and I went straight to this!!! It’s also happening with neck pain which I’ve read on here. Thanks so much for sharing:)
I am experiencing a new (started about a week ago) pain/soreness on my left (way) outer breast almost under arm. It’s not very painful but hurts when I press on it. I’m expecting my next period to start in about a week so I’m wondering if this is related to upcoming period in the form of s “new symptom”. I’m definitely experiencing other symptoms like heavy flow, early waking with anxiety, dry skin, brain fog, forgetfulness are some. I have a doctor appointment in 2 days but this new symptom is giving me tons of anxiety even though I don’t think I feel a lump, it’s hard for me to say what my breast tissue should feel like…?
Exactly the same thing with me!
We have our lymphatic system that runs through our arm pits. The nodes will change in size and tenderness depending on what we’ve been exposed to, fighting off or if we’ve had a recent vaccine. They are close the the breast tissue and many times are seen in breast imaging. This should not be confused with menopause, because as we get older our dense breast tissue decreases.
I get weird pain in my armpits too sometimes. I don’t think it’s necessarily connected to peri/menopause. I’m almost 48 and in perimenopause, but I’ve gotten this before then too. Mammograms and all that good stuff reads normal. I take vitamin D3 and B12. I’m overweight, but active and exercise regularly, and pretty healthy in general. So with all that when I get that annoying pain in my armpit I massage it. As someone else mentioned, sometimes areas of our body just get sore, overworked, tense, etc. and a good stretch and massage are needed. Thankfully my husband is an LMT and so his services get called on a lot as I’m going through the thrills of perimenopause. I can massage and stretch my armpits myself too though, and usually do. I also take an anti inflammatory like ibuprofen and it helps it subside. As I get older, I’m really learning the importance of a good stretch.
Oh my gosh, I’ve actually been looking for info about this recently! I get pain just under my left armpit – almost feels like it could be where a lymph node is maybe. Not sure. No lump or hardness there though. And doesn’t have A sharp pain if I touch the area. But just achey there. But I’ve noticed for about 3 months now that it’s happening right around the week before my period would be due to start! No idea why but I can’t help Thinking this is another weird symptom?
I have had this since at least October of last year 2024 . 53 and year 8 of menopause. April 15 will be one full year…I too am making a doc appt, because this achy is new and not fun.