7 possible reasons why your breasts hurt

Pain in the breasts is unpleasant. If your breasts are so sensitive that they become sore at the slightest touch, this is annoying. However, it is usually not a cause for concern.

1- Your period

Most often, your breasts hurt when your hormones go crazy during your period. According to Taraneh Shirazian (professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences in New York), this is a natural reaction of your body that usually manifests itself in swelling and tenderness the day before your period and in the first 24 hours after it starts. This is recurring pain during your menstrual cycles. They go away after your period. That's the good news. The birth control pill can help with the discomfort because it prevents ovulation and keeps estrogen levels stable. If you want to avoid painkillers, self-treatment with candle oil would be a good choice for pain relief, according to Shirazian.

2 - The increase of your workout

Maybe you've completed an impressive number of push-ups or a new strength exercise. It will feel like chest pain. In fact, the cause is in the underlying muscles, which, according to Shirazian, are directly under the sensitive breast tissue that is supposed to be relaxing. You can relieve the pain by using heating pads and, if necessary, by taking appropriate and prescribed pain medication.

3 - You carried or pulled something heavy

Maybe you didn't do any increases at the gym at all. Instead, carrying or pulling heavy furniture and bags can make the muscles under your breast tissue ache. For relief, you can do the same as you would after a hard workout (see above).

4 - Your bra does not fit properly

Wrongly fitting, too wide or too tight lingerie can have serious consequences for your breasts. If the straps are too tight or the cups of the bra are too small, unnecessary and unhealthy pressure is put on your breasts all day. This can lead to breast pain, as Ms. Shirazian points out. On the other hand, the constant up-and-down movement of your breasts, if not adequately supported, can increase sensitivity and also pain.

5 - Not enough support during sports

Especially if your breasts are a bit larger, optimal support is crucial to give your "babies" enough support during a wide variety of athletic movements. Otherwise, Shirazian says, the weight tugs at the tissue as the breasts sway back and forth. In fact, one study found that one in three female marathon runners complain of chest pain. To make sure this doesn't happen to you, you should use a well-equipped sports bra that can provide optimal support for your breasts. Nothing should press, slip, or stick out when you're testing it out in the locker room. Everything has to fit perfectly, otherwise it's not the right bra.

6 - You have uneven breast tissue

Every second woman has problems with the texture of her breasts. If you have lumps in your breasts, this is most likely related to your menstruation. According to the US National Breast Cancer Foundation, these uneven areas in the breast tissue are actually caused by cysts that the body fills with fluid. A connection with breast cancer cannot necessarily be inferred. Either way, uneven breast tissue is much more sensitive to hormonal changes during the period phase.

7 - You drink too much caffeinated beverages

Coffee, tea, energy drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages do not directly cause chest pain. It is the caffeine that is to blame. It can help ease your discomfort if you avoid caffeine altogether. This is especially true if you have uneven breast tissue. If your breasts feel lumpy and you usually drink coffee three times a day, the fluid retention in the cysts may have been caused by caffeine. In this case, you should consult your doctor and discuss the appropriate measures with him/her.
As a rule, temporary tension and hypersensitivity in the breast should not be a cause for concern. You don't have to run to the doctor right away. Usually it only takes a few days, then the discomfort disappears by itself. After all, you also get sore muscles in other areas when you have exerted yourself. In the area of your breast tissue, there is also the local sensitivity, which can increase the discomfort after physical exercise. In the unlikely event that the pain remains and even gets worse, you should seek medical advice. You should also make a habit of checking your breasts regularly. This way you will always know if there are any changes in their appearance, texture or sensitivity.