Many women experience breast pain or tenderness during their menstrual periods, and while it can be uncomfortable, it is usually a normal part of the menstrual cycle. This pain, medically called cyclical mastalgia, is linked to the natural hormonal changes that occur in a woman’s body as part of the monthly cycle.
The main reason for this breast pain is the fluctuation of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. In the days leading up to a period, these hormones rise and prepare the body for a possible pregnancy.
Estrogen causes the breast ducts to enlarge, while progesterone causes the milk glands to swell. These changes can make the breasts feel heavier, swollen, or lumpy, and they may be sensitive to touch or even ache without being touched.
Additionally, fluid retention during this time can add to the feeling of fullness or tightness in the breasts.
This is why the pain often feels worse in the outer parts of the breast or toward the armpits, where more glandular tissue is concentrated.
Although breast pain during periods is common, if the pain is severe, persists throughout the month, or is accompanied by unusual symptoms (like a lump that doesn’t go away, skin changes, or nipple discharge), it’s important to seek medical advice to rule out other causes.
