What causes breast distension and pain?
Mar 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Before a woman's menstrual period, hormonal levels fluctuate; rising estrogen levels cause breast tissue to become congested and swollen, leading to breast tenderness. This is a common physiological phenomenon, and symptoms usually subside once menstruation begins. During this time, applying heat with a warm towel to the breasts for 15–20 minutes several times daily may provide relief. After pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur in a woman's body, resulting in proliferation of the breast ducts and alveoli.
Breast pain may be caused by menstrual stimulation, pregnancy changes, mammary hyperplasia, mastitis, ductal dilation of the breast, and other factors. Management should be based on the specific situation. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.
1. Menstrual stimulation: Before menstruation, hormonal fluctuations occur in women's bodies. Elevated estrogen levels cause breast tissue congestion and edema, leading to breast pain. This is a common physiological phenomenon, and symptoms often subside after the menstrual period begins. Heat compresses may be used during this period, applying a warm towel to the breasts for 15-20 minutes several times daily.
2. Pregnancy changes: After pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur in the female body. Proliferation of mammary ducts and alveoli prepares for lactation, causing breast pain. Pregnant women should choose appropriate maternity bras to support the breasts and reduce strain. Gentle breast massage can be performed, moving from the edges of the breasts toward the nipples.
3. Mammary hyperplasia: Due to endocrine disorders, relative excess of estrogen causes excessive proliferation of breast tissue with incomplete regression, manifesting as breast pain often related to the menstrual cycle. Palpable nodules may be present. Patients may take medications such as Rupixiaoxiao tablets, Xiaoyao pills, or Xiaojin capsules under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.
4. Mastitis: Lactating women may experience milk stasis, bacterial growth, and infection of breast tissue, causing inflammation with symptoms of redness, swelling, heat, pain in the breast, and fever. It is recommended to take medications such as amoxicillin capsules, dandelion granules, or Ruyijinhuang powder under medical guidance to relieve discomfort.
5. Ductal dilation of the breast: The cause is impaired breast duct excretion, resulting in accumulation of secretions within the ducts, causing duct dilation and inflammation, with breast distension and pain. Secretions may sometimes be expressed from the nipple. Patients may use medications such as cefaclor capsules, Runing tablets, or Hongjin Xiaojie capsules under medical guidance to improve symptoms.
In daily life, women are advised to wear properly supportive undergarments, reduce intake of caffeine and salt, and apply heat compresses or gently massage the breasts to relieve discomfort.
References:
[1] Xu Jiayuan, Yang Xiaoxiao, Bian Xuemei. Current status and influencing factors of psychological distress in patients with non-lactational mastitis[J]. Chinese Journal of Nursing, 2024, 59(23): 2860-2866.
[2] Cai Yanwei, Zhang Jianying, Wang Haijun. Discussion on the pathogenesis and prevention of mammary hyperplasia based on the three emotional depressions[J]. Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2025, 42(02): 65-68+75.
