Breast pain - advice

Hi,

I am 20 years old and occasionally feel breast pain it comes and goes in waves but as I am on the pill - Desogestrel I am unsure if this is what is causing it. I can’t tell if it is hormones related as I don’t have a regular period due to the pill. The pain I experience is around the edge of my breast and feels almost like a tight pain. It isn’t extremely uncomfortable but I can notice it. It also hurts when I press on it. Is this normal to come and go in waves?

I also run so unsure if perhaps that could make them hurt but then it’s not all the time. Could wearing a wrong size bra cause pain?

Should I go to my GP to get them checked or is there anything I can do beforehand?

Thanks!

Hi hello123

Thanks for posting.

Breast pain is very common in women of all ages. It can have several causes, which our information explains. The pain may be persistent or intermittent.

Having painful, sore, or tender breasts can cause anxiety. Breast pain can be hormone related as you’ll read and can also be affected by the use of hormones such as the pill.

The pain can often come from the chest wall and feel as though it’s coming from the breast, but actually is from somewhere else, such as pulling a muscle.

It can be helpful to keep a pain chart to see if there is any pattern to your pain. You will find a pain chart in our breast pain booklet.

Women who are regularly physically active often have breast pain. Wearing a supportive and well-fitting bra which is the right size during any physical activity can be helpful in managing breast pain.

It’s important to find out what the possible cause of any ongoing breast pain may be so this can be managed. You can make an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms and what treatment might be helpful for you. It’s not usually necessary for your GP to refer you a breast clinic when you have breast pain unless it affects your quality of life, has persisted for a couple of months or if the pain hasn’t responded to any recommended treatment, diet or lifestyle changes.

Having breast pain doesn’t increase your risk of breast cancer. However, it’s still important to be breast aware and contact your GP if the pain increases or changes, or you notice any other changes in your breasts.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.

If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back .

Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am - 1pm on Saturday.

Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.

Best wishes

Catherine

Breast Care Nurse

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