Various Breast Pain Causes And Their Natural Treatment

According to medical terminology breast pain is described as mastalgia, which is commonly experienced problem in 50-70% of women at some point of their life period. There are two patterns of breast tenderness one is cyclic and the other one is non-cyclic.

The cyclic breast pain is common and usually follows the hormonal change every month, for example before the onset of monthly period (premenstrual syndrome). This affects both the breasts at the same time. Here pain is accompanied with a feeling of heaviness in breasts. This usually goes away after the period is over.

Cyclic breast pain is caused due to the role of two hormones estrogen and progesterone especially during the second half of the cycle. They stimulate the dilation of the breast tissues with relative tenderness and lumpiness. In some women the intensity of breast pain is very severe than others.This pain is more intense in upper parts of the breasts which might travel up to the arm pit. Though it is a non-serious form of breast pain but it affects the quality of life for a few days. Cyclic breast pain usually stops after menopause.

Non cyclic breast pain has nothing to do with premenstrual syndrome. It usually affects older women even the post-menopausal one. This affects one breast at times. One can feel sudden excruciating pain with pricking and burning sensation. These symptoms might stay for a few minutes to couple of days. The exact cause of this problem is not known but factor like hormonal imbalance, low levels of fatty acid (gamolenic acid (GLA), abnormality of milk ducts or any recent surgery could trigger this problem.

Other than these causes breast pain can be associated with some other reasons such as prolonged use of contraceptive medicines, breast cyst and tumour, breast surgery, usage of antidepressant medication, hormone replacement therapy etc. Stress and alcoholism are other major causes that contribute to breast pain.

Natural Treatment Option for Breast Pain

An effective breast massage can be prepared by taking 15drops of Lavender oil and 10 drops of Chamomile oil along with 50ml of carrier oil (almond oil or olive oil). This essential oil mixture relieves the tension of the swollen breast tissues when applied gently.

A lukewarm compress can be prepared by taking 4-6 drops of Lavender oil, Geranium oil and Chamomile oil diluted in 600ml.of water.

And Evening Primrose oil helps significantly in reducing breast pain. It contains gamma-linolic acid (GLC) and Omega 6 fatty acid. They help in the synthesis of Prostaglandin, which regulate pain and inflammation of breasts. The oil can be used for massaging but in severe cases, capsules of evening prime rose extract can be taken for about 3 months.

Chaste berry is very useful in reducing symptoms of premenstrual breast pain (cyclic breast pain). It is a rich source of gamma linoleic acid that alleviates breast pain. Cauliflower, soybean and its by-products are extremely beneficial in curing tender breast syndrome related to monthly cycle. They contain phytoestrogen which regulates hormonal fluctuation to stabilise breast pain.

Cold wraps are extremely helpful in reducing the breast pain. Application of cabbage leaf soaked in cold water is effective against breast pain.