Since entering perimenopause my breasts have been aching terribly. At various times tender, swollen, or painful — the pain seems to strike randomly and then fades. I assume it’s related to my changing estrogen levels, but I’m surprised how much they hurt! Anyone else experience this and found ways to cope with or even avoid the pain?
– Patricia, Michigan
Absolutely. And bra size went up from 34B to 36C.
That happened to me as well!! Always had small breasts, size A bra but suddenly they started to grow! The pain was the first indication that something was amiss with the hormone levels. Then, I felt as I was going through puberty all over again. None of my doctors or nurses I asked in my desperation had ever heard of breasts changing in size pre,- in,- or post menopause. The pain lasted about a year but then subsided.
I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in Dec1999 I was a 34A my breast size is now 34E/F
8 years ago my periods stopped completely but prior to that they were heavy and frequent (heavy 3weekly). Over this time I’ve noticed the size increased dramatically sometimes swelling and then reducing. Sometimes bras are really comfy other times they feel as if they are the wrong size. I attributed the changes because of coeliac disease but this makes more sense!
And the coeliac disease can be brought on by perimenopause I have been told recently …. as we think I have developed a gluten intolerance …. do we ever get a break? Lol
Just read this article, and yes for sure I’ve the same experience very sore breast’s and mostly on the left side. I was checking for lumps and was becoming concerned. Reading this has put my mind at rest.
I used star flower oil, that helped a lot 1000mg per day
Same here, and noticed a significant improvement after taking it!
Just started using starflower oil, how long before it starts to work??
Yes! I thought I was the only one. Other than a good bra no solution.
Yes, always on my left breast. Pain so bad went for ecg!! But no it’s just breast pain probably from being perimenapausal! Good soft t shirt bras a must!
Me too… exactly the same it really is a horrid pain unlike breast pain I’ve had before the perimenopsuse.
Yes, the sensation is a lot like puberty. Cutting out caffeine and alcohol from my diet has quite bizarrely helped with many of my symptoms, no idea why or what the science behind that is. Also switching to really soft, free form bras and built in support tops (sports or yoga type vests) for sleeping in. The discomfort definitely comes and goes and now seems to be getting much less 7 years into my menopause journey. Hang on in there!
Pain I could deal with. Mine are deflating like sad balloons with little helium left. It’s somewhat demoralizing to realize your nipples are closer to your bellybutton than where they originally were.
Have you tried cold packs/compresses? That used to help a lot during my periods.
Yes I relate to this too!
I have small breasts and recently my nipples hurt and they look raw and red. I am menopausal (no period in more than one year). My hot flashes are diminishing after about a year…
Recently this has been happening to me possibly monthly near to the time of ovulation but as I take the mini pill I don’t have periods so just guessing?
Breasts and nipples so very painful that I had struggled to sleep and shower without pain ?
Found that wearing a soft bra at night to sleep helped. But also feel that this is worse when I’m stressed which I have been recently and have been practicing mindfulness daily and so far so good ?
This is me right now uggg but it’s only one boob.. nipple pain and feels like behind the nipple, and only painful when touching or pushing and moving around in bed … not fun at all 😖
Dr Lara Briden says painful breasts are an indication of iodine deficiency. I started taking high doses of iodine (look up iodine protocol) and the pain has improved significantly.
Hello I’m experiencing a sore nipple with a dry scaley lump in the areola area, has anyone experienced this, I went to see my gp who has referred me for a mammogram because she found a small nodule which is worrying me so much. Would be grateful for some advice. Thank you
A mammogram for sure should be your first move. Keep going to the dr, and do your self-regular breasts checkups.
Thank you I have my mammogram on Tuesday, fingers crossed everything is ok
How did your mammogram come out? Hoping all is well.
Yes. My size changes all the time. And the pain is just horrible. And then they deflate again and bras are too big!!
i suffer quite bad with breast pain on and off my bra hurts to have on they swell up can anyone recommend anything to help ?
My GP told me to stop eating as much cheese and since becoming vegan the pain has stopped!
I have an achy, itchy left boob on and off.
Taking a vitamin supplement with Oil of evening primrose in it. Hoping this helps!
Would anyone advise giving up anything else to help stop the ache and itch?
Im 42 and experiencing shorter periods now too.