Sore breasts are the most common problem with many women, particularly after ovulation. Want to what is causing this? It’s just simple and very well-known to most of us!!! The changes in production of hormones during your menstrual cycle can lead to this problem. So, don’t think that it could be a problem. Usually, the time between ovulation and the next menstrual cycle is uncomfortable for many women. Most women experience breast soreness and tenderness.
What causes the sore breasts?
During the fertile time of your month, there will be a rapid change in your hormone levels. Increased estrogen levels can be a great cause for breast soreness. Estrogen initiates its action before the ovulation whereas the levels of progesterone will increase during your ovulation period.
Progesterone hormone causes water retention as it’s the hormone that supports your body for pregnancy. It prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy. This water retention is the main reason that causes your breasts sore and tender. This additional fluid formation adds more weight to your breasts and stretched the breast tissue thus causing more pain. You may also have nipple soreness.
Furthermore, estrogen is the hormone that can also be responsible for increasing the amount of breast tissue thus leading to larger breasts that are sensitive to touch.
The severity and intensity of breast soreness after ovulation mainly depends on the levels of the estrogen hormone. As the levels of estrogen hormone vary from one woman to another, some may experience breast soreness more than the other.
What are the other causes of breast soreness?
Of course… apart from these hormones, there are many other causes, such as foods, medications, stress, etc.
- Consumption of caffeinated foods like coffee, chocolates, tea, and sodas can dilation of blood vessels. This can cause swelling of breast vessels and become bloated thus causing pain.
- Usage of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can even increase the severity of pain, because of the amount of estrogen and progesterone they contain.
- Medications like antidepressants, heart medications, and cholesterol-lowering medications can also cause breast soreness.
- Having higher stress levels can also cause breast pain.
How long do you experience breast soreness?
Some may experience the pain from before ovulation until their period starts. Once the period starts, the hormone will come to the normal levels and relieves you from breast pain.
Are there any methods to reduce breast pain?
Of course… there are several ways that can help relieve this condition.
- You can take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to relieve the pain.
- Apply ice-pack to reduce the swelling.
- Reduce the consumption of fatty and caffeinated foods.
- Take magnesium supplements during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
- Applying evening primrose oil can also help reduce the pain.
