Page 126 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

124 COMMON CONDITIONS

WOMEN’S PROBLEMS

Breast pain and lumpy breasts

Many healthy women experience breast pain (mastalgia) or lumpiness. The symptoms normally affect
both breasts and are usually related to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. A few days before your
menstrual period your breasts may feel swollen, painful, tender, and/or lumpy. These symptoms usually
go when the period is over. A more general tendency to breast lumpiness sometimes occurs during
adolescence, during pregnancy, or when taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy. Women who are
breast-feeding sometimes develop a red, hot, painful area on one breast due to a buildup of milk or infection
(mastitis). Although the majority of breast lumps are not cancer, persistent lumps should always be investigated.
See also Premenstrual syndrome, p.127.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Arrange to see your doctor promptly if:
Analgesics, such as acetaminophen (see
● You find a lump in your breast
p.177) or ibuprofen (see p.185), will help relieve
● You have lumpiness that persists throughout
discomfort for the few days each month when your
your menstrual cycle
breasts are painful. If you are breast-feeding, consult
● You have persistent breast pain that is
your doctor before you take any medication.
unrelated to periods, or pain in your armpit
● You think your symptoms may be due to
taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy
● You have symptoms of mastitis
NATURAL REMEDIES
Vitamin B 6 supplements (see p.189) can help
What you can do yourself reduce or prevent cyclical breast pain or swelling.
Usually, you will need to take the supplement for
Use the following measures to identify and to help 2–3 months to feel any benefit. Don’t exceed the
alleviate cyclical breast pain or breast lumpiness. recommended dose, because high doses can be
(For an attack of mastitis, follow the specific harmful. To boost your intake of B from your
6
advice on the opposite page.) diet, eat foods such as poultry, eggs, soy, oats,
whole-grain bread and cereal, bananas, and nuts.
● Keep a journal for 2 or 3 menstrual cycles, noting
Foods containing B
6
when your breasts become lumpy or sore and when If you prefer not to take
the symptoms pass. This will help you decide if the vitamin supplements, eat
problem is related to your menstrual cycle. foods that are rich
6
● Make sure that all your bras fit properly. Try in B , such as nuts,
bananas, and
wearing a larger size the week before your period, whole-grain bread.
and/or wear a support bra, such as a sports bra,
to reduce breast movement. You may find that
wearing a soft bra at night also helps to make you
feel more comfortable.