Make sure you get properly fitted for a bra by a professional. A bra that doesn’t fit your breasts properly can cause pain. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You can find a professional to fit you for a bra at many department stores and most lingerie stores. Avoid wearing under-wire and push-up bras for a few days. Instead, try wearing camisoles with built-in shelf bras or sports bras to give you light support. Don’t wear a bra while you sleep if possible. If you need some support, wear a sports bra made of a breathable fabric.
Sports bras come in different styles, sizes, and types of support. Consider asking a fitting professional to help you find the proper sports bra for your needs and breast size. Women with larger breasts should purchase a sturdier and firmer support sports bra. If you have smaller breasts, you may need less support.
You can use an ice pack as often as necessary for 20 minutes at a time. You can freeze a plastic foam cup full of water to gently massage the affected area. You can also try a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a dishtowel. The frozen vegetables conform to the shape of the breast and may be more comfortable than an ice pack. If it is too cold or your skin gets numb, remove the pack. Use a towel between the ice pack and your skin to help prevent frostbite.
Taking a warm shower or bath will relax you and can help relieve breast pain. Fill a hot water bottle or get a heating pad and place it on the your breasts. Over the counter heat rubs may also help alleviate tenderness, though you should be careful putting these creams on your nipples. You should also avoid these if you are breastfeeding.
Drinks such as soda, coffee, and tea contain caffeine. [6] X Research source Foods including chocolate and some coffee ice creams may contain caffeine. [7] X Research source If you are taking caffeine pills to stay awake, avoid taking them during times your breasts are sore. [8] X Research source
Eat leans meats such as chicken and fish for protein and avoid other high fat foods such as fried and junk food. You can get complex carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Try 600 IU per day of vitamin E, 50 mg per day of vitamin B6, and 300 mg per day of magnesium. [11] X Research source You can get iodine though salt or take an aqueous dose of 3-6mg per day. [12] X Research source Evening primrose oil, which contains linoleic acid, may help make the breasts less sensitive to hormonal changes. Take three grams of evening primrose oil per day. You can get nutritional supplements and vitamins at most pharmacies and health food stores.
Some studies show that massage can release tension and lengthen tense muscles. [13] X Research source Make sure to be gentle when you do any kind of breast massage. You don’t want to injure your delicate breast tissue. Rubbing your face or even just massaging your ears will relieve tension. [14] X Research source
Take over the counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or acetaminophen. Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium may also help alleviate some of the swelling.
You can see your regular doctor or visit an ob/gyn, who specializes in treating disorders such as tendinitis. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check your pain as well as feel for abnormalities in your breasts. She will also likely ask for a health history, including factors such as what type of activities you do and what medications you take. Bromocriptine, an oral medication, may be prescribed.
Apply the cream directly to the area of your breasts on which you feel pain.
Skipping the placebo, or pill-free, week, may also help manage breast tenderness. Switching your form of birth control to a non-drug method may also help. Make sure to consult your doctor before stopping your birth control pills or changing them.
Speak to your doctor about reducing your medications, going off of them, or trying alternative hormonal treatments.
You need a prescription from your doctor for both Danazol and Tamoxifen. Be aware that both of these drugs can come with significant side effects including weight gain, acne, and voice changes.
