Mastodynia is breast pain combined with their swelling. Mastodynia most often occurs before your period and is caused by hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle. However, if the pain and swelling of the breasts persist and the symptoms become worse, various diseases may be suspected. What are the causes and symptoms of mastodynia? What is the treatment of this ailment?
Mastodyniatobreast paincombined with their swelling and enlargement. These ailments can be strong enough and last long enough (even a week) to hinder everyday functioning, cause sleep problems and discomfort during intercourse. In most cases, hormones are behind mastodynia, but sometimes serious conditions - including cancer - can cause swollen breast pain.
Mastodynia - reasons
Mastodynia may be dependent on the phase of the menstrual cycle, and thus - caused by hormonal changes that occur during it. In the second phase of the cycle, the concentration of estrogens increases. Their excess makes the whole body swell, also in the breast area. In turn, a deficiency of progesterone at the same time causes swelling and increased tenderness - especially of the breasts.Cyclic breast painmost often occurs in young women and disappears without treatment before the menopause.
In turn, non-cyclic mastodynia (independent of the menstrual cycle) most often affects women between 30 and 50 years of age, as well as those after menopause.
With non-cyclic mastodynia, you can suspect a number of diseases:
- breast cancer (however, breast pain is rarely a symptom of this disease),
- nipple abscess,
- breast fat necrosis,
- expanding the milk ducts,
- breast cysts,
- mastitis,
- Mondor's disease (thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the chest wall),
- premenstrual syndrome.
Also, wearing inappropriate underwear, breastfeeding or pregnancy can cause mastodynia. Certain medications (ethinylestradiol in birth control pills, spironolactone - a diuretic) also cause it.
Mastodynia - symptoms
Cyclic breast pain occurs a few days before menstruation and disappears with timeher appearance. Then both breasts are swollen, very sensitive to touch, they hurt (this pain can even spread to the armpits and arms). In addition, there is the impression that the breasts are heavier than usual and the nipples can be very hard.
In non-cyclical mastodynia, the pain may affect only one breast. In addition, it is often described as sharp, burning, and is found in one area of the breast.
Mastodynia - treatment
In cyclic mastodynia, the patient is administered medications aimed at blocking the action of estrogen hormones on breast receptors. These are hormonal drugs, such as gestagens, bromocriptine, tamoxifen, and non-hormonal drugs, such as NSAIDs, evening primrose oil, dehydrating drugs, vitamin A, vitamin E and B vitamins. It is especially recommended to take magnesium. Magnesium supplements consumed in the second half of the menstrual cycle (usually 2 weeks before the next period) will mixcyclic breast pain , as well as other symptoms of PMS - premenstrual syndrome.
Diet is also important. First of all, dishes and drinks containing caffeine and theophylline (coffee, black and green tea), as well as cocoa, chocolate, cola drinks and the so-called energy drinks. You should also reduce the amount of fat in your diet.
In non-cyclical mastodynia, treatment depends on the cause of the disease.