Sore breasts and nipples is usually a common condition faced by many women. This article provides some information about the causes behind it and the treatment for the same.
A woman has to go through lots of phases in her life. From the adolescent age to the old age her body undergoes a lot of changes which may be natural, and sometimes troublesome. Breasts are one of the most sensitive organ of her body. Every woman at least once in her lifetime experiences sore breasts and nipples. This is a very common and natural condition. Though this condition is common, it may sometimes indicate towards serious causes. Hence, it is very important to understand the reason behind it and the natural treatment to get over it.
Causes
This condition is very common in women. Any hormonal or physical change in the body may affect the breasts too. Although sore breasts can be experienced by men also, it is more prevalent in women. Here are some of the causes:
Puberty
This is the most initial stage when the breast starts growing properly. At the time of puberty, the breast and nipples are in the stage of development. Due to this the breasts, as well as the nipples become tender to touch and may pain a lot. As soon as the breast grows completely, the soreness also diminishes.
Menstruation
The menstruation cycle happens every month and in this process, the ovary releases one egg. The uterus is prepared by the body for the baby if the egg gets fertilized. And if the egg does not get fertilized then the uterus sheds itself to come back to its original size which can be observed as periods. The entire process is managed by the hormones. This fluctuation in hormones may result in sore or tender breast and nipples. It can also be considered as the sign from the body before ovulating.
Pregnancy
Once the woman conceives, her body starts making preparation for the fetus. This may include the thickening of uterus and preparation of breast tissue to produce milk for the baby. The hormones such as estrogen and progesterone increase the working of the body and there is a huge increase in the blood flow. All these activities result in the tenderness, soreness, and hardening of the breast which can be painful too. This is one of the signs of pregnancy.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most serious sore breast causes. One of the most significant symptoms of breast cancer is sore and tender breast and nipples. The women may experience severe pain and tenderness in the breast. Women should immediately contact a doctor if any such symptoms are observed.
Menopause
This comes under the common cause of this condition. At this stage, there is a lot of fluctuation in the hormones which results in many conditions. There is a considerable decrease in the estrogen and progesterone levels in the body which are the root cause of sore breast and nipples.
Other Causes
Other causes may include the intake of oral contraceptives or hormone replace therapy, imbalance in fat levels, non-cancerous tumors, being overweight, breast feeding, wearing an ill-fitting bra, etc. These causes may be treated or may diminish with time, if taken care properly.
Some Home Remedies
This condition can be treated with either medical guidance or by some natural treatment methods. Here are some of the home remedies to get relief from it:
- Wear comfortable and supportive bras to make the breast secure and relaxed. Do not wear a bra for a long time. Try to avoid wearing them at night. This will maintain a proper blood flow which will give relief from the soreness.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids. It helps a lot.
- Regular exercise may help to maintain a proper blood flow and will help your breast to manage the stress of hormonal fluctuation.
- While breast feeding keep on switching the side. This will not put excess pressure on one breast.
- Avoid food which has caffeine like coffee, chocolate, etc. Maintain a healthy diet and eat food which has less salt.
- Take rest and get proper sleep.
- Cold or hot compressor may also be helpful.
- Wash the breast properly and pat dry them. Avoid spraying deodorants on them.
Consult a doctor if facing extreme pain and soreness in the breast and nipples. Following the aforementioned home remedies might prove beneficial. However, if one is unable to get relief, then she can also take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Wearing proper bras may resolve the problem up to 50%. So, take care of the breast and be comfortable to talk to the doctor if guidance is needed.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
