Breast pain is a common condition affecting many women. It can occur at any age for various reasons. In some cases, the pain is mild and goes away on its own, while in others, it may be severe and persist for a long time.

It’s important to know the common causes of breast pain to help identify the underlying problem and seek appropriate treatment. Here are ten common causes of breast pain:.

1. Breast cysts

Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the breasts. They are common in women before menopause and can cause breast pain, usually around the time of menstruation.

Breast cysts are generally harmless but may need to be drained if they become large and cause discomfort.

2. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, can cause breast pain. During the menstrual cycle, the levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, which can cause breast swelling and tenderness.

Pregnancy also causes hormonal changes that result in breast enlargement and tenderness. After menopause, the levels of hormones in the body decrease, which can cause breast pain.

3. Infections

Infections, such as mastitis, can cause breast pain. Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that occurs most often in breastfeeding women. It can cause breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness.

Other symptoms of mastitis include fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.

4. Breast trauma

Breast trauma, such as hitting, bruising, or pulling the breast tissue, can cause breast pain. It can also cause swelling and tenderness in the affected area.

Trauma to the breast tissue can also result in inflammation of the breast tissue, which can cause pain and discomfort.

5. Fibrocystic breast changes

Fibrocystic breast changes are a benign condition in which the breast tissue becomes lumpy and fibrous. The lumps may be tender and cause breast pain.

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Fibrocystic breast changes are most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50 and often occur in both breasts.

6. Breast cancer

Although breast cancer is not a common cause of breast pain, it can cause pain in some cases. Breast cancer may cause breast pain if it spreads to the nearby tissue or if it affects the nerves in the breast.

Breast pain is more likely to be a symptom of breast cancer in women over the age of 50.

7. Medications

Some medications, such as hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, can cause breast pain. Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, can cause breast pain in some women, especially during the first few months of use.

Hormone replacement therapy, which is used to relieve menopause symptoms, can also cause breast pain.

8. Costochondritis

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. It can cause chest pain, which may be felt in the breasts.

Costochondritis can cause breast pain that is sharp and stabbing and tends to get worse with movement or deep breathing.

9. Breast abscess

A breast abscess is a collection of pus that forms in the breast tissue. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection and can cause breast pain, swelling, and redness.

Other symptoms of a breast abscess include fever, chills, and a general feeling of illness.

10. Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can cause breast pain, especially during the first few weeks after giving birth. Breastfeeding can cause the breasts to become engorged, which can cause pain and tenderness.

Other causes of breastfeeding-related breast pain include nipple thrush, a blocked milk duct, and a breast infection.