The short answer is it might be because of menopause. As you probably know, menopause causes many changes in the body. One change that people don’t talk about much is sore or painful breasts. This is called ‘mastalgia’ in the medical world.
Breast pain during menopause can often be confusing and upsetting because it’s not a well-known symptom. But, based on one survey, at least 10% of females ages 40-65 say they have experienced breast pain during the menopausal transition.*
There are two types of breast pain — cyclical and noncyclical.
- Cyclical breast pain is connected to the monthly menstrual periods. It usually happens in the second half of the cycle and gets worse just before a period.
- Non-cyclical breast pain has nothing to do with monthly periods. The pain might come from the breast itself or from muscles or joints in the chest wall surrounding the breast.
As you get closer to menopause and your periods become more irregular, you might still have cyclical breast pain, like what you had when your periods were more regular. When you reach menopause, and your periods stop, you will no longer have monthly hormone changes. This is when cyclical breast pain usually goes away, and non-cyclical mastalgia may start.
It’s important to remember that these two types of mastalgia are independent of each other. If you had cyclical breast pain, it doesn’t mean that you will have non-cyclical breast pain — and vice-versa.
What causes non-cyclical mastalgia (breast pain)?
- Anatomy. Things like getting hurt, having breast surgeries in the past, gaining weight, or getting infections might cause some breast discomfort and pain.
- Hormone changes. Estrogen plays an important role in breast tissue and maintenance. It helps stimulate the growth of milk ducts for breastfeeding after pregnancy and keeps the right amount of fat and tissue in the breast. When levels of estrogen drop, it can lead to a decrease in the amount of fat, causing some tenderness or discomfort.
- Medications. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is sometimes prescribed to help with menopause symptoms. But some people might have breast tenderness and pain as a side effect of MHT. Make sure you discuss the pros and cons of taking hormone therapy with your doctor to see if it’s right for you.
- Improper clothing. Wearing a bra that doesn’t fit right can lead to breast pain over time. If your bra doesn’t give your breasts enough support, it can cause them to feel tender and uncomfortable.
In addition, several classes of drugs are known to cause breast pain in some people. These include:
- Aldactone (spironolactone)
- Aldomet (methyldopa)
- Antipsychotics
- Digoxin
- Diuretics
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
What can I do to manage my breast pain?
- Wear supportive bras. A good, supportive bra can help you feel better if your breasts are sore. A sports bra or a bra with extra support may provide added relief, especially when you’re working out or doing something active. This might be a good time to be fitted for a bra. Many folks are walking around wearing bras that don’t fit them well.
- Use heat. Put a warm compress on your breasts. This can help the breast tissue relax and provide relief from pain and tenderness.
- Try over-the-counter pain relievers. Pain relievers that don’t need a prescription, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help with breast pain. Follow the directions on the bottle carefully and talk to your doctor if the pain doesn’t go away.
- Think about alternatives to menopause hormone therapy (MHT). If breast tenderness is a side effect of MHT, ask your healthcare provider about other treatments. There are non-hormonal options available that can help with menopause symptoms.
- Reduce stress. By doing things like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, you can reduce stress, which can also help with the emotional pain that comes with breast pain.
- Do regular breast self-exams. Check your breasts every month for any changes. Look for new lumps, skin changes, nipple discharge, or pain that won’t go away. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you find anything new.
- Talk to a professional. If your breast tenderness and pain doesn’t go away, or if you have other symptoms that worry you, go see your doctor. They might suggest more tests, like mammograms or breast ultrasounds, to make sure there are no other problems.
Sore breasts during menopause can be hard to deal with. But when you find the right approach and support (pun intended), you can feel much better and be more comfortable. If you have breast pain, it’s best to talk to your doctor to figure out the cause and ask any questions or share any concerns.
*Data from Attitudes & Usage study conducted with 4,578 female participants ages 40-65. Funded by Kenvue.
