Why is there chest pain before menstruation?
Breast pain is one of the common symptoms that many women experience before their period. A study conducted on 400 women showed that 60% of the participants experienced breast pain right before their period. The study, published in the Asian-Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, also showed that 22.5% of the women experienced mild pain, and 37.5% experienced moderate to severe breast pain right before their period.
Obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Sangeeta Gomes says that premenstrual breast pain occurs due to changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This imbalance causes fluid buildup and inflammation in the breast tissue, leading to breast pain.
What are some ways to relieve breast pain before menstruation?
Wear a supportive bra:
Instead of wearing an underwire bra, choose a comfortable and supportive bra to reduce breast pain before your period. This is especially helpful for women with large bust sizes.
Change your diet:
Eating too much salt, caffeine and alcohol can lead to water retention which can cause inflammation in the breast. Therefore, you should avoid the above foods during your period.
Cold compress:
Applying cold compresses or using ice packs can be quite effective in controlling menstrual breast pain. Applying ice packs to your breasts will soothe the pain and reduce inflammation.
Warm bath:
In winter, soaking in a warm bath can help relax muscles and relieve discomfort, and warm baths can also help relieve menstrual breast pain. Note, do not bathe in water that is too hot because it can dry out your skin.
Gentle massage:
If you have severe breast pain before your period, gently massaging your breasts can help relieve the pain significantly. Gentle stroking can improve blood flow and reduce breast tenderness before your period.
Do exercise:
Most women will have the mentality to limit exercise during their period, however, if you maintain light exercises such as walking, it can significantly reduce breast pain and improve your mood during your period.
Stress Management:
Stress can cause more inflammation, which can increase the feeling of breast pain during menstruation. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing to help relieve pain.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is a common kitchen spice known for its antioxidant properties that can reduce inflammation. Mixing a little turmeric powder in warm milk and drinking it can help relieve breast pain during your period.
