Breast tension
Breast Tension is a common symptom experienced by women, often associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. It is characterized by a feeling of tightness, heaviness, or discomfort in the breasts.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Breast tension is primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations in the body. The two main hormones responsible for this are estrogen and progesterone, which increase in production during certain times in a woman's menstrual cycle. This hormonal increase can cause the breast tissue to swell and retain fluid, leading to feelings of tension or discomfort.
Other potential causes of breast tension include:
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the breasts to grow and feel more sensitive or tense.
- Menopause: The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can also lead to breast tension.
- Breastfeeding: The process of breastfeeding can cause the breasts to feel tense or full.
- Mastitis: This is an infection of the breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth and redness. It can also cause flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The primary symptom of breast tension is a feeling of tightness or heaviness in the breasts. Other symptoms may include:
- Tenderness or sensitivity in the breasts
- A feeling of fullness in the breasts
- Swelling of the breasts
- Pain or discomfort in the breasts
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for breast tension typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the symptom. This may include:
- Hormone therapy: If hormonal fluctuations are causing breast tension, hormone therapy may be used to help regulate these hormones.
- Pain relief medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help to alleviate the discomfort associated with breast tension.
- Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and reducing caffeine and salt intake can all help to reduce symptoms of breast tension.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD