BREAST DISCOMFORT

For many women, breasts are a source of sensual pleasure. For breast-feeding mothers, they are a part of the bonding between mother and baby and a way of nurturing a new life. But at certain times in a woman’s life, breasts can be uncomfortable or downright painful. They may even become the focus of worry and anxiety.
Breast discomfort is a normal part of being a woman. It is almost always not a sign of breast cancer. Breasts are mammary glands that are responsive to natural hormonal changes, especially fluctuations in estrogen, that occur at menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy. Hormonal changes can cause breast to become hot, swollen tender, and painful to the touch.
All of the hormonal changes that occurs just before menstruation and during pregnancy prepare the woman’s breast-feeding. With the onset of menstruation, estrogen levels fall and the breast return to normal. With pregnancy, the hormonal changes continue, and the breasts begin producing milk for the baby. Lactating breast present their own special problems and challenges. Sometimes, a mothers milk comes in too early or too heavily and causes a painful condition called engorgement.
Some women also suffer from a noncancerous breast condition such as fibrocystic breast that can cause the breast to feel lumply, painful and tender.

6 SOOTHING STRATEGIES


WEAR A SUPPORTIVE BRA
Breast often swell with fluid during period of hormonal fluctuation. Woman wear a supportive bra, especially if their breast are large. You may have to wear it 24 hours a day when the breast are tender. Try one of those soft athletic bras that provide comfort and good support.

TRY CUTTING BACK ON CAFFEINE
Scientific evidence is mixed about whether or not eliminating caffeine helps lumpy, fibrocystic breasts. One study, reported by the National Institute of Health, which included more than 3000 women, found no relationship between caffeine consumption and fibrocystic disease. On the other hand, some women have reported good results from cutting back or eliminating caffeinated coffee, teas, colas and chocolate. Try reducing your consumption of caffeine to see if your breast discomfort decrease.

CUT SALT
Many women are bothered by fluid retention, particularly near time of their menstrual period. Avoilding salt around this time can help minimize fluid retention.

APPLY HEAT/COLD PACKS
Some women find relief from painful breast by alternating a warm heating pad and ice packs. Try using the heating pad for 30 minutes, then the ice packs for 10 minutes, then the heating pad for 30 minutes and so on.

TRY A NONPRESCRIPTION PAIN RELIEVER
Aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen can ease the pain of premenstrual breast.

CHECK OUT YOUR COSMETICS
Some herbal cosmetics and remedies, such as those made with ginseng, can have steroidal effects similar to estrogen. If you suspect that a product that you use may have such an effect, try avoiding the product temporarily to see if your condition improves.