Six Causes of Heavy and Sore Boobs

When the breasts feel heavy and sore, an individual might worry about a significant underlying cause. However, breast tenderness has a reason, most of which isn’t a cause for concern.

Various conditions can cause breast pain. Breast infections, hormonal shifts, and pregnancy may play a task.

Potential Causes of Heavy and Sore Breasts and Pain Relief Methods

1. Mastalgia

There are two sorts of mastalgia. The primary is cyclical breast pain, which menstrual periods typically cause. The second is noncyclical breast pain, which may come from the breast or the surrounding joint and muscles.

Cyclical breast pain typically happens during ovulation and continues until the beginning of the cycle.

The pain may come up in one or both breasts, ranging from mild to severe. The pain also can occur within the underarms.

Noncyclical breast pain doesn’t vary with a person’s cycle. The pain typically occurs during a single location and doesn’t disappear. Trauma, arthritic pain, and a blow to the chest can all cause noncyclical pain.

Treatment

• Warm compresses and pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help with cyclical breast pain.

• Other ways to alleviate cyclical breast pain may include:

  • reducing caffeine intake

  • increasing intake of vitamin E

  • eating a fatty coffee diet

Medication may include:

• birth control

• thyroid hormones

• estrogen blockers

• danazol, which may be a male hormone

The severity of the pain will determine the treatment type and, therefore, the person’s age experiencing mastalgia.

2. Pregnancy

The breasts may feel heavy or tender during pregnancy, including during the trimester.

Progesterone can cause breast tenderness. This hormone helps maintain pregnancy and surges within the last half of a person’s cycle.

As pregnancy progresses, the breasts grow. This device can cause pain if a person’s bra is too tight. It also can make the breasts feel heavier, potentially causing shoulder and back pain.

When the breasts begin to supply milk, this will cause unusual sensations within the breast or a sense of fullness or heaviness. It can sometimes also cause pain.

Treatment

• A maternity bra that matches correctly may help alleviate any pain.

• Apply hot or cold packs periodically to the sore areas for 20 minutes twice daily to scale back pain.

• The pain isn’t usually bad enough to need medication.

3. Breastfeeding

After delivery, breastfeeding is often painful, and a person’s breasts can feel heavy.

The person is breastfeeding, and the infant needs to get won’t to the flow of milk production and a replacement routine. After the primary 48 hours, engorgement can occur when the breasts become heavy and milk-filled.

The breasts may look large while feeling rich and complete and sensitive.

Treatment

• Breastfeeding or expressing milk at least every two hours.

• Massaging the breasts gently.

• Using warm compresses, like warm towels, before breastfeeding.

• Expressing some milk to melt the world around the nipples and encourage the baby to latch on.

• Using a cold compress, like a towel-wrapped bag of frozen vegetables, after feedings.

The cabbage method involves applying a cabbage leaf to the breasts. Doing this might help cool the breast and supply relief. Engorgement fades within about 48 hours, although the person may experience mild engorgement if the baby is late to feed.

4. Infections

An infection within the breast can cause breast pain.

Two of the foremost common infections include:

Mastitis: Mastitis can happen after an extended engorgement period or when the milk ducts become plugged.

Symptoms may include:

• nausea

• fatigue

• vomiting

• fever

• chills

• yellow discharge from the nipple

• a swollen or warm area on the breast

Yeast infection or thrush: A yeast infection might be a sort of mycosis.

Symptoms may include:

• aching breasts

• sore nipples

• nipples that are pink, flaky, cracked, shiny, and itchy

• white spots on the infant’s gums, tongue, or cheeks

During breastfeeding, one may feel a burning stabbing pain within the breast after the feeding.

Treatment

• For mastitis: A doctor would make a prescription for antibiotics to treat the infection. Warm compresses can also help. It’s safe to continue breastfeeding while on antibiotics.

• For thrush: Medications may include:

  • nystatin suspension for the infant’s mouth

  • antifungal ointment

  • gentian violet, used daily for up to seven days

Prevent thrush by:

• Washing bras and garments in hot water with bleach.

• Using disposable diapers until the infection clears.

• Rinsing nipples with a water and vinegar solution after feeding.

If the yeast infection persists, consult a doctor for oral medications.

5. Fibrocystic Breasts

Fibrocystic breast disease causes harmless lumps within the breasts. The breasts may feel heavy or full.

Fibrosis occurs when there’s a thickening of the breast tissue. It can cause breast pain and nipple discharge.

Treatment

• Using a warm or cold compress.

• Wearing a supportive bra.

• Avoiding salt, caffeine, and fat.

• Taking oral contraceptives.

• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

If there’s a bothersome cyst, a doctor may drain the fluid from it.

6. Cancer

Most breast cancer doesn’t cause pain. However, if an individual experiences breast pain that doesn’t get away, they ought to see a doctor to rule out the prospect of cancer.

Other symptoms include:

• Lumps or swelling appearing around the collarbone and underarms.

• Nipple discharge that’s bloody.

• Changes within the skin around the nipple or the nipple turning inward.

• Breast warmth or itching.

• Skin thickening or skin resembling an orange rind.

• A node within the breast that’s usually hard and painless.

Treatment

Treatment typically involves:

• Removing all of the tumour, which may end in a mastectomy.

• Chemotherapy, which may shrink the tumour.

• Radiotherapy, which may destroy the cancerous cells.

When to See a Doctor

Most cases of breast pain heal on their own. An individual doesn’t need to see a doctor if the pain disappears and doesn’t return or if they have cyclical breast pain that’s not unbearable.

However, an individual should see a doctor for the following reasons:

• Intense breast pain during or after breastfeeding.

• Signs of an infection while breastfeeding, especially if they feel unwell or feverish.

• A lump within the breast, especially a tough lump that doesn’t go away after a person’s period.

• Discharge from the nipple.

• Any breast pain that’s severe or unbearable.

Monitoring breast pain over time can help a doctor provide a proper diagnosis. Inform the doctor if the pain has worsened progressively or if it first appeared after an injury.

Summary

Sore and heavy breasts have a spread of possible causes. Hormones, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can cause a person’s breasts to feel heavy and sore.

In many cases, lifestyle changes can ease breast pain. If the pain returns or causes anxiety, an individual should see a doctor. A fast physical exam can help diagnose the cause and determine the proper treatment.