Gerd, Heartburn & Reflux Disease Information

The first thing you should know about breast pain is that fewer than 5 percent of the women who see a doctor for this condition have breast cancer. The second thing you need to know is that you should see a doctor to rule out breast cancer anyway. About half of all women experience breast pain at some time in their lives. But even when your breasts have gotten the all clear from your doctor, you may still have to contend with garden-variety breast pain, caused by everything from your normal menstrual cycle – a phenomenon known as cyclical breast pain. Two-thirds of women experience cyclical pain. To keep your pain from coming back, here are some tips that you can consider to adopt.

1. Massage Your Breasts

Daily massage can help ease the breast pain by increasing the circulation to your breasts. Here is how you do it. Place your hands on your breasts with your fingers spread and your nipples in your palms. Squeeze and release your fingers as you massage the circumstances of your breasts.

2. Reduce Fat Intake

A diet of chips and cheeseburgers may satisfy your taste buds, but your breasts may bear the brunt of a fat-laden diet. Conversely, reducing your fat intake can help ease achy breasts. When women had severe breast pain related to their menstrual cycles, and they reduced their intake of dietary fat to 15 percent of their caloric intake, their breasts were less tender, swollen, and lumpy. It is recommended not to eliminate fat from your diet entirely as your body still requires it to absorb vitamin E.

3. Manage Stress

Stress can intensify breast pain by making you more sensitive to normal hormonal changes. So do try to reduce stress in your life, whether it is by listening to music or by learning a relaxation technique such as biofeedback.

4. Avoid Caffeine

It is recommended to avoid caffeine products such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. And do not think that you can cheat by just drinking decaf. Even decaffeinated coffee contains some caffeine.

5. Wear A Bra To Bed

A well-fitting bra can help lessen the non-cyclical breast pain. It is recommended to wear a support bra at night. Running bras work well. But use common sense when choosing a bedtime bra. You are looking for support, not sex appeal.

6. Cut Back On Salt Intake

Cut back on your salt intake. Cyclical breast pain is associated with fluid retention. Reducing your sodium intake is particularly important a week or so before your period.

7. Try Pain Relief Drugs

An over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen can help ease the breast pain. But bear in mind that some over-the-counter medications, including some products for menstrual pain, contain caffeine or caffeine-like substances.

By Raymond Geok Seng Lee