Do you have tender, swollen breasts? Find out what’s causing your breast pain & what you can do to treat it.
What Are The Common Causes Of Breast Pain?
The most common cause of breast pain is hormonal changes. This can be due to puberty, premenstrual syndrome & menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Another common cause of breast pain is fibrocystic breasts. Those who have fibrocystic breasts tend to have chronic tenderness that worsens during the menstrual cycle. Alcoholism with liver damage, shingles & breast infection (mastitis) are a few other causes of breast pain. Certain medications such as diuretics, digitalis preparations, methyldopa (Aldomet), spironolactone (Aldactone) may also be a contributing factor.
Is My Breast Pain A Symptom Of Something Serious?
It is important to rule out infection or any other serious condition before treating breast pain on your own. If you experience any discharge from the nipples, the sudden appearance of a lump or if your discomfort is accompanied by fever, contact you healthcare provider immediately.
What Can I Do To Relieve My Breast Pain?
There are several natural methods you can try:
Limit Caffeine – Caffeine is a diuretic, which can contribute to breast pain. Limit your caffeine intake to one cup per day.
Limit Fat Intake – Consumption of a diet high in fats has been noted to contribute to breast pain so limiting your intake of fat may help reduce it.
Wear A Good Support Bra – It is important to wear the right sized bra that fully supports your breasts. Good support is especially important for larger breasted women.
Dry Skin Brushing – Dry skin brushing is a natural method used to detoxify the body through gentle massage with a dry, long-handled, soft-bristled brush. Gently massaging your breasts using this method can help release the fluid build-up in breasts and reduce tenderness.
Warm Compress – Using a warm compress on your breasts may help ease pain & tenderness.
Evening Primrose Oil – Evening primrose oil contains gamma linolenic acid, which has been proven to reduce inflammation in tender breasts.
Chaste Berry – Chaste berry is a flowering bush found in Asia and around the Mediterranean Sea. It has been known to help reduce breast pain by reducing prolactin produced by the pituitary gland. Prolactin rises during pregnancy to stimulate milk production.
If you’re suffering from breast pain, these natural remedies should bring you some relief.
Sources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003152.htm
http://www.hhesonline.com/natural-remedies/herbal-breast-pain-remedies/
http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21649
