Why does my chest hurt when pressed at age 18?
Apr 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Xiaopeng
Introduction
Breast pain upon pressing at age 18 is usually caused by physiological or pathological factors. It may be due to adolescence, during which estrogen and progesterone levels in the body are relatively high, leading to ductal dilation of the breast tissue. It could also result from trauma such as impact or compression to the breast, causing injury to the skin or mammary ducts. Additionally, hormonal imbalances may lead to mastopathy (breast hyperplasia), resulting in breast pain.
Pain upon pressing the chest at age 18 is usually caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as trauma or mammary gland hyperplasia.
I. Physiological Factors
This may occur during puberty when estrogen and progesterone levels are relatively high, causing the mammary ducts to expand. This is a normal phenomenon, and one should generally avoid excessive pressure or squeezing.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Trauma
The breast may have experienced impact or compression, resulting in injury to the skin or mammary ducts and causing tenderness upon palpation. Symptoms can typically be improved with initial cold compresses followed by warm compresses.
2. Mammary Gland Hyperplasia
Excessive stress from study or work, along with emotional instability, may lead to endocrine disorders, resulting in elevated estrogen levels. This overstimulates breast tissue, causing excessive proliferation that fails to regress normally, leading to mammary gland hyperplasia and symptoms such as breast swelling and pain. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as Xiaoyao San, Danpi Xiaoyao San, or Rublock Elimination Tablets (Rukuaixiao Pian).
In addition, other conditions such as cystic mammary hyperplasia or breast cancer may also cause breast tenderness. Following a doctor's advice to undergo appropriate examinations to identify the underlying cause is essential for effective, targeted treatment.
