What causes breast tenderness before menstruation?

Breast tenderness before menstruation may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as mastitis or breast tumors. The details are as follows:

I. Physiological Causes

Menstruation is a normal physiological process in women. Around the menstrual period, estrogen levels in the body rise. Under the stimulation of estrogen, the breasts may experience temporary tenderness, which is a normal physiological phenomenon and generally not a cause for concern.

II. Pathological Causes

1. Mastitis

Mastitis is often associated with prolonged pressure on the breast leading to aseptic inflammation, or local bacterial infection. Under these pathogenic factors, breast tissue and blood vessels may fail to withstand the irritation, triggering an immune response that results in the aforementioned symptoms. If discomfort is severe, treatment under medical guidance with oral medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets may be necessary.

2. Breast Tumors

Breast tumors are common conditions treated in breast surgery. Because the breast contains abundant nerve tissue, growing tumors may stretch nearby nerves, causing breast pain and swelling. In severe cases, symptoms such as nipple discharge or skin ulceration may occur. If this is the underlying cause, patients should seek prompt medical evaluation to determine the nature of the tumor. Surgical removal may be required when necessary, which can aid recovery.

In addition to the above common causes, breast tenderness may also result from conditions such as mammary gland hyperplasia, breast nodules, or breast abscesses. Patients experiencing worsening symptoms should immediately seek medical attention to identify the exact cause and receive targeted treatment accordingly.