1. Your period
This is the most common cause of breast pain, and is a result of the change in hormones that is brought by your period. The shift in oestrogen levels results in swelling and tenderness in the days before your period, with evening primrose oil recommended as a natural pain reliever.
2. The wrong bra size
It is recommended that we get ourselves sized regularly, so as to ensure that we are wearing the correct bra. If not, we are leaving ourselves open up pain and discomfort that could otherwise be avoided. Whether your cup is too small, the underwire is digging into your skin, or you don’t have enough support; an ill-fitting bra can seriously annoy and irritate. Make sure to get yourself measured regularly, as your breasts are constantly changing.
3. Too much caffeine
While there is no evidence directly linking breast pain with coffee intake, various studies have shown that cutting down caffeine intake has helped to alleviate breast pain significantly. If you’re a bit of a coffee-addict and are experiencing a lot of pain, it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor on cutting down.
4. Lack of support during exercise
Getting the right support while you exercise is vital, especially if you have larger breasts. The increase in movement puts more strain on your chest, and a lack of support can leave you feeling pain and discomfort. Just because it’s a ‘sports bra’, doesn’t mean that the rules regarding measurement go out of the window – get yourself measured to ensure you have the optimum support.
5. Pregnancy
Breast tenderness or pain is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, and can occur from about three to four weeks into your pregnancy. The symptom is usually isolated to the first trimester, due to surging hormone levels.
