Breast pain

Breast pain (mastalgia) is something most women experience over the course of their lives, and often, for different reasons and at different times. Many women during their reproductive years experience breast pain or tenderness right before their menstrual period. Known as “cyclic” breast pain, this type of pain or increased sensitivity is caused by hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle.

Other, noncyclic, breast pain can be caused by a number of factors, including injury, infection, pregnancy, medications and even large breast size. When this type of breast pain occurs in both breasts and in equal amounts, it is often caused by pregnancy or an outside factor that would affect both breasts equally, like medications. When it occurs in one breast or in one specific area, it is most commonly due to breast size, benign cysts or fibroadenomas (non-cancerous breast tumors) and, on more rare occasions, breast cancer.

Evaluation of breast pain will most likely begin with a physical breast exam by your provider. In some cases, you may need to have an imaging test of your breast. Breast imaging can be done with mammography, ultrasound and/or MRI. Most major medical organizations recommend mammograms every 1-2 years for all women, starting at age 40. Depending on breast density, family history and more, additional screenings may also be necessary.