“Why do I get sore boobs?”
You ask. Tia answers. #TiaTalkTuesday
There are pains that everyone on the planet can empathize with — like that awkward tingling feeling you get when bang your elbow against a wall.
And then there is pain that only menstruating humans can possibly understand.
Sore boobs is one of them.
This #TiaTalkTuesday, I’m answering the top question asked by tortured hormonal souls everywhere:
More often than not, sore boobs are just a normal part of having boobs and a cycle.
Think of this feeling as “forecasting” of hormonal fluctuations in our bodies — with muuuch better predictive powers than Karen’s “ESPN.”
The technical term for this torture is “cyclical breast pain,” which can manifest during puberty, ovulation, PMS, your period, pregnancy, after giving birth and menopause — and within the first few months of starting hormonal birth control.
(A laundry list of possibilities, I know.)
To take one example, sore boobs can be an uncomfortable messenger telling you your period is on its way.
After ovulation, estrogen and progesterone levels rise 📈. Estrogen enlarges the size of our ducts (the tubes that provide 🍼), while progesterone makes the stroma (connective tissue) swell — the culprit responsible for making it feel like your boobs are being stretched past their capacity.
You can also blame water retention for further feels of stretching and swelling. This can cause your boobs to feel larger, heavier and more tender. A not-so-fun triple threat!
In other words… your boobs may look like:
But feel like:
So, how does birth control fit into this?
In addition to natural cycle changes, hormonal birth control can cause sore boobs too — specifically estrogenic methods like the pill, patch, and ring (with the pill being the biggest culprit).
The discomfort is most common during the first three months of starting a new method when your body is adjusting to the elevated levels of hormones.
If you’re using a progestin-based birth control method (think: the implant, hormonal IUD or shot), sore boobs can be a side effect too, but typically to a lesser degree.
Any other worrisome causes?
About one-third of sore boob cases can be categorized as “noncyclical breast pain” — discomfort caused by something other than the ebb and flow of hormones. This soreness can be a sign of a non-cancerous breast lump or an infection called “mastitis” that can be treated with antibiotics.
It’s important to note that breast cancer is NOT usually associated with this pain. That said, you know your boobs best so if you’re concerned about anything that feels or looks different, I recommend visiting a doctor to get them checked out — if for nothing else but peace of mind!
So, how can I manage the pain?
If you want to exercise and NOT run like…
… consider these #TiaTips:
#1: Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory (think: Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin) to reduce your pain 💊
(Just make sure you don’t have any health conditions that prevent you from taking this type of pills and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you aren’t sure!)
If supplements are your jam, try Vitamin E, Thiamin, Magnesium or evening primrose which some women say can be helpful.
#2: Invest in a well-fitting, supportive bra, and consider opting for a sports bra if pain is real bad.
Just trust me… sore boob days are NOT the day to #freethenipple
#3: Try putting a heating pad or an ice pack on your boobs.
It can help with the swelling!
#4: Avoid dairy 🧀🥛🍦and salty foods 🍿 which can increase water retention, making swelling and the pain worse.
#5: Last but not least, consider regular breast massages.
Yup, I said it. It’s a great way to avoid soreness. Just make sure to do this when you’re not feeling any pain.
This last #TiaTip can be used as foreplay (🙋🏽) or just a great way to familiarize yourself with your body — it’s all for a good, healthy cause!
Confidently yours, Tia 💜
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Tia is a personal, private women’s health advisor you message with about birth control, sexual health, periods and more. Made by a team of women’s health experts, Tia knows you, learns you, and is your go-to for all those “ugh!” , “oops…”, and “huh?” moments. On Tuesdays, we surface the top *anonymous* questions from the community and report back with the answer. Have a burning q you want us to tackle? Leave it in the comments below or email info@asktia.com.
