Have you ever felt pain in your breasts before menstruation? This pain is known as mastalgia and is generally not a serious problem. The cause is fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle.
Even though it is not a dangerous disease, breast pain can be annoying and uncomfortable. The good news is, there are several ways to relieve this pain. Here are some tips that you can try.
Causes of Breast Pain Before Menstruation
The cause of breast discomfort before menstruation can be the symptoms of swelling and pain that appear as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This uncomfortable sensation generally occurs due to fluctuations in reproductive hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone. During the menstrual cycle, the body experiences hormonal changes as certain hormones increase and decrease before and after the menstrual period.
Hormonal fluctuations, such as estrogen and progesterone, can affect breast tissue, causing swelling and increased sensitivity. In addition, increased blood flow to the breasts and the body's stress response to hormonal changes during menstruation can also trigger painful sensations. It is important to remember that not only hormonal fluctuations can trigger breast pain before menstruation, but also the possibility that swelling and discomfort is a sign of fibrocystic breast conditions, where noncancerous lumps can appear during menstruation.
Tips to Reduce Breast Pain Before Menstruation
The unpleasant sensation of breast pain before menstruation can often be overcome with the following steps.
1. Wear the Right Bra
Choosing a bra that is not only comfortable but also provides adequate support can help reduce breast discomfort. This is especially beneficial for women with larger breast sizes, according to the advice of experts.
2. Avoid Consuming Foods that Trigger Pain
Salt, caffeine and alcohol can cause fluid retention which in turn can trigger inflammation in the breasts. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid consuming these substances around the menstrual period.
3. Gentle Massage for Relaxation
There is no need to go to a professional massage place, because doing a light massage yourself can help improve blood circulation and reduce tension in the breasts.
4. Control Stress
Stress can trigger increased inflammation and ultimately increase breast pain. Therefore, practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing to reduce stress levels.
5. Do Light Exercise
Even though exercise is very important, sometimes it cannot always be carried out with the desired intensity when menstruation is approaching or during menstruation. Therefore, choose low-impact physical activities such as walking to reduce pain and improve mood.
6. Consume Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Some studies show that supplements such as vitamin B6, vitamin E, and calcium can help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including breast tenderness. However, it is best to consult a doctor first before taking supplements to get the correct dosage and instructions for use.
Usually, discomfort due to pain in the breasts before menstruation is not persistent. You don't need to worry, because there are methods you can try to overcome this discomfort before the menstrual cycle arrives, and these methods have proven to be quite effective.
However, it is important to stay connected with medical personnel. Especially if the pain recurs and hinders daily activities. It is recommended to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms in the form of a lump, discharge from the nipple, or signs of infection in the breast.
References:
https://hellosehat.com/wanita/menstruasi/payudara-nyeri-membesar-sebelum-haid/
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