Sore and swollen breasts account for a majority of breast concerns. As yours breasts swell and grow tender, you may worry about cancer or pregnancy. The truth is, a variety of conditions may result in breast pain. Before giving in to alarm, consider some of the most common causes.
Puberty
If you are between the ages of 10 and 14, you may be going through puberty. As your body crosses into adulthood, you may experience soreness and swelling as your breasts develop. Rest assured, this is completely normal and will fade in time. Consider it growing pains.
This condition may also affect males during puberty. As pubescent male, you may experience tenderness and swelling around or beneath your nipples. This condition, known as gynecomastia, should subside in a matter of weeks.
Menstrual Cycle
Your menstrual cycle prepares your body for possible pregnancy each month. As your cycle progresses, hormones are released which cause your breasts to swell and retain water. This may result in pain that should wane as your period begins.
Birth Control
If you recently started taking a new oral contraceptive, chances are your body is all out of whack. Birth control plays around with your hormone levels. One possible result is sore and swollen breasts. As your body adjusts to the new contraceptive, the condition may diminish. If not, report back to the prescribing physician.
Pregnancy
Sore and swollen breasts are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. As your body prepares for the impending baby, the milk ducts expand and eventually fill with milk. As they swell, your breasts grow especially tender around the nipple. These changes are no cause for alarm and may require a bit of getting used to. They may last through birth and nursing. Sensitive breasts may even provide extra sexual benefits for you. Also, many women find their enlarged breasts as one of the most positive parts of pregnancy---so enjoy them while they last.
Menopause
As your menstrual cycle comes to a halt, you may find your breasts doing unexpected things, such as swelling and growing sore. Talk to your doctor about ways to balance your hormones, which should fix the problem.
Breast Cancer
As you know, you shouldn't take breast cancer lightly. However, breast pain rarely accompanies early cases of breast cancer. Typically, swollen and sore breasts result from different conditions. Even so, you need to regularly check your breasts for changes. If your swollen breasts are the result of lumps, you need to see your doctor immediately. Remember, the only way you can truly rule out the possibility of cancer is by having your doctor check your breasts.
Tags: your body, your breasts, swollen breasts, your doctor, breast cancer
