How To Help With Sore Breasts from Menopause

Having sore breasts from menopause is something that I find I don’t read about as often as you would think.

I had breast tenderness so bad that it would make me teary to touch my left boob.

My breast would feel like it was burning and just aching so much that I couldn’t sleep on my left side, I was convinced I had a serious medical condition.

There was also a large swollen mass in my armpit which you could see when I lifted my arm.

At this point I didn’t know I was perimenopausal so when I went to my GP at aged 40. They didn’t consider that the breast pain might be hormonal, even though I had a bunch of other symptoms.

I was referred to the breast cancer clinic because all the symptoms were a sign of breast cancer.

After many tests and scans and blood work I was given the all-clear but could not understand why I still had this throbbing pain.

The doctor told me it was hormonal and recommended I took evening primrose oil to help with the pain, I was in shock. What do you mean I am hormonal!! still not considering that it could be perimenopause.

I went on my merry way looking for herbal remedies to make the pain go away.

When I eventually found out I was perimenopausal and I chose to take hormone replacement therapy, the breast pain stopped and the lump under my arm slowly went away.

I want to have a look at breast discomfort, why our breasts hurt and what can be done to help ourselves.

What is Menopausal Breast Pain?

Sore breasts from menopause refers to the discomfort that women feel in one or both breasts when they are anywhere in the timeline of early perimenopause to when menopause ends.

However it is worth noting that most research shows breast pain is most prominent during perimenopause.

Symptoms of Breast Pain During Menopause

Breast pain can show itself in several different ways. You must consult a doctor if you have any of the below symptoms, get yourself checked ladies, I am glad I did!

• Soreness

• Burning sensation

• Sharp or throbbing pain

• Increase in size of the breast or both breasts

• Breast too tender to touch (wearing a bra is hell)

These are very generic terms and I know from personal experience breast pain can be super painful.

You know your body and if you feel any of these symptoms then you know you need to go and get checked out. So go.

How To Treat Sore Breasts From Menopause:

The options to relieve breast pain can come in the form of herbal options, small lifestyle changes, prescription medications and over-the-counter medications.

Anti-inflammatory Painkillers

Ibuprofen is a great one for helping with breast pain but be mindful that not everyone can take anti-inflammatory pain medications. Make sure you check it out or take a look at the NHS website.

Evening Primrose Oil

The recommended dose is 320mg per day and it can take a few months to do the trick. Do your research on Evening primrose oil, I started here when I was reading up.

A Good Bra

Do not underestimate the power of a good bra in combating boob pain. Keep the girls in a well-fitted, comfortable bra. Sexy lace bras have their place but when the breasts feel tender, it’s time to go for comfort.

Stop Smoking

There have been studies which link smoking to breast pain. Aside from the fact that we don’t want breast pain, we also don’t want any other type of nasties that can come from smoking. If you are thinking of quitting, then check out what support is out there.

Drink More Water

Fluid retention is the last thing you need when you have breast soreness. Keep hydrated and give yourself a helping hand. Might want to reduce your caffeine consumption whilst you are at it.

Can HRT Help With Breast Pain?

It worked for me, but for some women, it can worsen breast pain.

This is a game of trial and error but speaking as someone whose breast tissue was swollen in her armpit, HRT was a godsend reducing the pain.

I had many menopause symptoms, some worse than others. The hormonal changes I was going through caused me a lot of pain and discomfort so I was willing to try anything.

When it was established that I was perimenopausal with hormone levels flying all over the place I was offered HRT and my combination worked for me.

Other menopause symptoms went away, the anxiety, the bloating, the fatigue, the mood swings, the brain fog, it all went away.

HRT is a personal thing and you need to have a GP who knows what they are talking about so please go see an HRT specialist if you are thinking about it. Only they can give you the best advice.

Are Sore Breasts a Sign of Cancer?

As I mentioned above painful breasts are not a common symptom of breast cancer. But you should always get breast pain checked out. Understanding breast pain and what it might be is something you can achieve with your medical professional.

I have put below a breast cancer infographic created by the ITV Lorraine show to show you what to look out for when you are checking your boobs.

Most women know to look out for things like nipple discharge, changes in skin texture, and finding a lump as a good reason to go to the GP sharpish, but there are a few more.

Whilst I have you here on my boob page, I want to share this with you. If you have any of the following symptoms, go to a GP immediately.

Closing Thoughts

Sore breasts from menopause or of any kind should be investigated and I hope I have been able to help if you are worried.

Before I found out I was perimenopausal I was convinced I would be getting a cancer diagnosis and I even joined breast cancer forums online to get advice! 

Yes, I am a worrier.

Once I knew it was menopause, I could arm myself with all the information I could to help myself out.

I hope I have helped you do that a little bit here on this post.

If you are worried, scared, unsure and need someone to talk to, contact me. I am no medical professional but I am a perimenopausal woman who went through hell with breast pain and is out the other side.

Kathryn x