August 21, 2023, 5:43 pm | Read time: 5 minutes

Sensitive, aching breasts are one of the most common side effects of menstruation—affecting about seven out of ten women. This so-called mastodynia occurs about five to ten days before the period and is initially no cause for concern as a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Nevertheless, breast pain during the period is a symptom we could do without.

The Causes of Breast Pain Before and During the Period

Breast pain before and during the period is initially due to the swelling of the breasts during this cycle phase. During the luteal phase—the cycle phase between ovulation and menstruation—water retention (known as edema) occurs in the breast. This creates a feeling of tension and causes the unpleasant pain.

However, there is still some disagreement about the causes of breast pain. It is likely due to an excess or imbalance of hormones: Breast tissue is mainly influenced by the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. “In the first half of the cycle, mainly estrogen is produced, and in the second half, progesterone,” says gynecologist Dr. Heidi Gößlinghoff. “An imbalance of these two hormones is blamed for the breast pain,” she continues. “Progesterone prepares the breast for breastfeeding. This can also lead to pain shortly before the period.”

But an excess of the milk-producing hormone prolactin can also make the breast larger and heavier before the period—even without pregnancy.

Factors That Can Worsen Breast Pain During the Period

While breast pain is fundamentally cycle-related, there are other external factors that can intensify the feeling of tension. “Breast pain is, for example, exacerbated by a poorly fitting bra,” says Dr. Gößlinghoff. Additionally, diet can be related to the pain: Some foods have a direct impact on hormone balance and can further disrupt it. For instance, caffeine can raise estrogen levels, while salt, due to its water-retaining effect, can increase fluid retention. Hormonal contraceptives like the pill can also affect breast sensitivity before and during the period.

Also interesting: How diet can affect menstruation—positively or negatively

What Can Be Done About Breast Pain

Expert Tip: Tea and Exercise

According to Dr. Gößlinghoff, there are several ways to reduce breast pain before and during the period. Her personal favorite: nettle tea. “In practice, I have had great success with diuretic teas, such as nettle tea. Two to three cups spread throughout the day help flush out water retention.” Additional exercise also helps: “Yoga is said to have a positive effect. B vitamins are also believed to have a beneficial influence on breast pain.”

The Right Bra

About 70 to 80 percent of all women wear the wrong bra size—with the tendency increasing just before the period. The water retention in the breast makes it firmer and larger. So if it seems like your bra doesn’t fit properly during this time, it’s not just your imagination. To avoid further breast pain from pressure and friction, you should pay attention to the correct bra size when buying underwear. If you’re unsure, you can get measured and advised on cross sizes in any specialty store.

For extra comfort during this cycle phase, comfortable sports bras can help. These usually have wide straps and a wide underband and adapt optimally to the changes in the breast.

Quark Compresses

Quark compresses can provide relief from breast pain during the period. Quark has a decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and cooling effect (which is why it also helps with a sunburn). Simply spread a compress or cotton cloth with a half-centimeter layer of quark and fold the cloth over. Place the quark compress on the breast for about 20 minutes as needed.

Chaste Tree

Another remedy for breast pain due to the period is chaste tree. This is a medicinal plant often used for PMS or menopause complaints. The reason is its hormone-regulating effect. Chaste tree lowers prolactin levels, which are responsible for milk production. At the same time, the medicinal plant releases dopamine, thus reducing the unpleasant tension in the breast.

Soothing Massages

A simple massage can work wonders for breast pain before and during the period. Gentle, regular massages of the breasts improve blood circulation and reduce tension. The use of massage oil is also soothing. These additionally support the cell membrane.

More on the topic

Expert Explains How Diet Can Affect Menstruation–Positively or Negatively

Gynecologist Explains Does Chaste Tree Help With Menstrual Issues and Fertility?

What Other Reasons Can Cause Breast Pain?

Breast pain can stem from more than just the period. In addition to PMS, there are other reasons for breast sensitivity. Dr. Gößlinghoff has summarized a few of the reasons:

• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Cysts and lumps
• Sensitive nipples
• Breast cancer
• Less common reasons: heart attack, lung inflammation, or a rib fracture

Breast Pain Due to Period—When to See a Doctor?

Breast pain before and during the period is initially no cause for concern. However, if the pain becomes so severe that it restricts your daily life, a visit to the gynecologist can be beneficial. They can help with anti-inflammatory medications or an adjusted hormone therapy. You should also pay attention to heat development. “Redness and overheating of the skin indicate a breast infection. This also needs to be clarified,” says the expert.

Important: If you notice unusual things during regular self-exams, such as small lumps, discharge, or superficial injuries, like from a bump, you should not hesitate to see a doctor to rule out other causes of breast pain.