BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuPremenstrual breast changesPremenstrual tenderness and swelling of the breasts; Breast tenderness - premenstrual; Breast swelling - premenstrualPremenstrual swelling and tenderness of both breasts often occurs during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Considerations Symptoms of premenstrual breast tenderness may range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually:Are most severe just before each menstrual period Improve during or right after the menstrual period Breast tissue may have a dense, bumpy, "cobblestone" feel to the fingers. This feel is usually more in the outer areas, particularly near the armpit. There may also be an off and on or ongoing sense of breast fullness with dull, heavy pain, and tenderness.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes Hormone changes during the menstrual cycle may lead to breast swelling. More estrogen is made early in the cycle and it peaks just before mid-cycle. This causes the breast ducts to grow in size. The progesterone level peaks near the 21st day (in a 28-day cycle). This causes growth of the breast lobules (milk glands).Premenstrual breast swelling is often linked with:Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Premenstrual syndromePremenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a wide range of symptoms. The symptoms start during the second half of the menstrual cycle (14 or more days af...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fibrocystic breast disease (benign breast changes) Fibrocystic breast diseaseFibrocystic breasts are painful, lumpy breasts. Formerly called fibrocystic breast disease, this common condition is, in fact, not a disease. Many ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Premenstrual breast tenderness and swelling probably occur to some degree in nearly all women. More severe symptoms may occur in many women during their childbearing years. Symptoms may be less in women taking birth control pills.Risk factors may include:Family history High-fat diet Too much caffeine Home Care Self-care tips:Eat a lower fat diet. Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, and chocolate). Avoid salt 1 to 2 weeks before your period starts. Get moderate to vigorous exercise every day. Wear a well-fitting bra day and night to provide good breast support.You should practice breast awareness. Do check your breasts for changes at regular intervals.The effectiveness of vitamin E, vitamin B6, and herbal preparations such as evening primrose oil are somewhat controversial. This should be discussed with your health care provider. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you:Have new, unusual, or changing lumps in your breast tissue Have one-sided (unilateral) lumps in your breast tissue Do not know how to properly perform breast self-examination Are a woman, age 40 years or older, and have never had a screening mammogram Have discharge from your nipple, particularly if it is a bloody or brown discharge Have symptoms that interfere with your ability to sleep, and diet changes and exercise have not helped What to Expect at Your Office Visit Your provider will take your medical history and do a physical examination. The provider will check for breast lumps, and will note the qualities of the lump (firm, soft, smooth, bumpy, and so on).Breast lumpsA breast lump is swelling, growth, or mass in the breast. Breast lumps in both men and women raise concern for breast cancer, even though most lumps...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A mammogram or breast ultrasound may be done. These tests will evaluate any abnormal finding on a breast exam. If a lump is found that is not clearly benign, you may need a breast biopsy.MammogramA mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to evaluate some breast symptoms and to find breast cancer in women with no symptoms (cal...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast ultrasoundBreast ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to examine the breasts.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article BenignBenign refers to a condition, tumor, or growth that is not cancerous. This means that it does not spread to other parts of the body. It does not in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast biopsyA breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. There are several types of breast biopsi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article These medicines from your provider may reduce or eliminate symptoms:Injections or shots that contain the hormone progestin (Depoprovera). A single shot works for up to 90 days. These injections are given into the muscles of the upper arm or buttocks. They relieve symptoms by stopping menstrual periods. Birth control pills. Diuretics (water pills) taken before your menstrual period. These pills may reduce breast swelling and tenderness. Danazol may be used in severe cases. Danazol is a synthetic (manmade) androgen (male hormone). If this does not work for you, other medicines may be prescribed.Open ReferencesReferencesAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Dysmenorrhea: painful periods. www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods. Updated January 2022. Accessed April 25, 2024.Cox DM, Lippe C, Geletzke AK, et al. Etiology and management of benign breast disease. In: Klimberg VS, Gradishar WJ, Bland KI, Korourian S, White J, Copeland EM, eds. Bland and Copeland's The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 14.Expert Panel on Breast Imaging; Holbrook AI, Moy L, Akin EA, et al. ACR appropriateness criteria breast pain. J Am Coll Radiol. 2018;15(11S):S276-S282. PMID: 30392596 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30392596/.Mendiratta V, Lentz GM. Primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: etiology, diagnosis, management. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 35.Sandadi S, Rock DT, Orr JW, Valea FA. Breast diseases: detection, management, and surveillance of breast disease. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 15.AllVideoImagesTogFemale Breast - illustration The female breast is either of two mammary glands (organs of milk secretion) on the chest.Female BreastillustrationBreast self-exam - illustration Monthly breast self-exams should always include a visual inspection, with and without a mirror, to note any changes in contour or texture, and manual inspection in standing and reclining positions to note any unusual lumps or thicknesses.Breast self-examillustrationBreast self-exam - illustration Breast self-exams should always include a visual inspection, with and without a mirror, to note any changes in contour, texture, or color of the breast and nipple. Next, a manual inspection while standing or lying down should be done to note any unusual lumps or thicknesses and check for discharge.Breast self-examillustrationFemale Breast - illustration The female breast is either of two mammary glands (organs of milk secretion) on the chest.Female BreastillustrationBreast self-exam - illustration Monthly breast self-exams should always include a visual inspection, with and without a mirror, to note any changes in contour or texture, and manual inspection in standing and reclining positions to note any unusual lumps or thicknesses.Breast self-examillustrationBreast self-exam - illustration Breast self-exams should always include a visual inspection, with and without a mirror, to note any changes in contour, texture, or color of the breast and nipple. Next, a manual inspection while standing or lying down should be done to note any unusual lumps or thicknesses and check for discharge.Breast self-examillustrationA Closer Look Premenstrual syndrome (Alt. Medicine)Premenstrual syndrome - InDepth(In-Depth)Self Care Premenstrual syndrome - self-careRelated Information Premenstrual syndrome(Condition)Fibrocystic breasts(Condition)Menopause(Condition)Premenstrual syndrome - InDepth(In-Depth)Menopause - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/16/2024 Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Premenstrual breast changesPremenstrual tenderness and swelling of the breasts; Breast tenderness - premenstrual; Breast swelling - premenstrualPremenstrual swelling and tenderness of both breasts often occurs during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Considerations Symptoms of premenstrual breast tenderness may range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually:Are most severe just before each menstrual period Improve during or right after the menstrual period Breast tissue may have a dense, bumpy, "cobblestone" feel to the fingers. This feel is usually more in the outer areas, particularly near the armpit. There may also be an off and on or ongoing sense of breast fullness with dull, heavy pain, and tenderness.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes Hormone changes during the menstrual cycle may lead to breast swelling. More estrogen is made early in the cycle and it peaks just before mid-cycle. This causes the breast ducts to grow in size. The progesterone level peaks near the 21st day (in a 28-day cycle). This causes growth of the breast lobules (milk glands).Premenstrual breast swelling is often linked with:Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Premenstrual syndromePremenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a wide range of symptoms. The symptoms start during the second half of the menstrual cycle (14 or more days af...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fibrocystic breast disease (benign breast changes) Fibrocystic breast diseaseFibrocystic breasts are painful, lumpy breasts. Formerly called fibrocystic breast disease, this common condition is, in fact, not a disease. Many ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Premenstrual breast tenderness and swelling probably occur to some degree in nearly all women. More severe symptoms may occur in many women during their childbearing years. Symptoms may be less in women taking birth control pills.Risk factors may include:Family history High-fat diet Too much caffeine Home Care Self-care tips:Eat a lower fat diet. Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, and chocolate). Avoid salt 1 to 2 weeks before your period starts. Get moderate to vigorous exercise every day. Wear a well-fitting bra day and night to provide good breast support.You should practice breast awareness. Do check your breasts for changes at regular intervals.The effectiveness of vitamin E, vitamin B6, and herbal preparations such as evening primrose oil are somewhat controversial. This should be discussed with your health care provider. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you:Have new, unusual, or changing lumps in your breast tissue Have one-sided (unilateral) lumps in your breast tissue Do not know how to properly perform breast self-examination Are a woman, age 40 years or older, and have never had a screening mammogram Have discharge from your nipple, particularly if it is a bloody or brown discharge Have symptoms that interfere with your ability to sleep, and diet changes and exercise have not helped What to Expect at Your Office Visit Your provider will take your medical history and do a physical examination. The provider will check for breast lumps, and will note the qualities of the lump (firm, soft, smooth, bumpy, and so on).Breast lumpsA breast lump is swelling, growth, or mass in the breast. Breast lumps in both men and women raise concern for breast cancer, even though most lumps...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A mammogram or breast ultrasound may be done. These tests will evaluate any abnormal finding on a breast exam. If a lump is found that is not clearly benign, you may need a breast biopsy.MammogramA mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to evaluate some breast symptoms and to find breast cancer in women with no symptoms (cal...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast ultrasoundBreast ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to examine the breasts.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article BenignBenign refers to a condition, tumor, or growth that is not cancerous. This means that it does not spread to other parts of the body. It does not in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast biopsyA breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. There are several types of breast biopsi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article These medicines from your provider may reduce or eliminate symptoms:Injections or shots that contain the hormone progestin (Depoprovera). A single shot works for up to 90 days. These injections are given into the muscles of the upper arm or buttocks. They relieve symptoms by stopping menstrual periods. Birth control pills. Diuretics (water pills) taken before your menstrual period. These pills may reduce breast swelling and tenderness. Danazol may be used in severe cases. Danazol is a synthetic (manmade) androgen (male hormone). If this does not work for you, other medicines may be prescribed.Open ReferencesReferencesAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Dysmenorrhea: painful periods. www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods. Updated January 2022. Accessed April 25, 2024.Cox DM, Lippe C, Geletzke AK, et al. Etiology and management of benign breast disease. In: Klimberg VS, Gradishar WJ, Bland KI, Korourian S, White J, Copeland EM, eds. Bland and Copeland's The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 14.Expert Panel on Breast Imaging; Holbrook AI, Moy L, Akin EA, et al. ACR appropriateness criteria breast pain. J Am Coll Radiol. 2018;15(11S):S276-S282. PMID: 30392596 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30392596/.Mendiratta V, Lentz GM. Primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: etiology, diagnosis, management. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 35.Sandadi S, Rock DT, Orr JW, Valea FA. Breast diseases: detection, management, and surveillance of breast disease. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 15.
