The breasts are hormonally regulated tissues that undergo cycles of growth and development in utero, during puberty, throughout each menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. Cells within the breast respond to many factors within the blood to grow and divide, leading to cycles of breast enlargement. Changes in the size of the breast, which may be due to natural causes or disease, can lead to breast soreness and pain.
Menstrual Symptoms
During the menstrual cycle, the breasts respond to a number of hormonal changes in preparation for pregnancy. Two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, lead to physical changes within the breast during each menstrual cycle, that can result in breast soreness and pain. Estrogen functions to promote the proliferation of cells within the milk-producing lobules, while progesterone promotes the maturation of the lobules in preparation for lactation. It is common for women to experience breast growth and pain at specific point in their menstrual cycle, especially right before menstruation, when hormone levels change rapidly. Women who experience changes in the level of breast pain associated with their menstrual cycles, or who experience severe pain, should discuss any concerns with a medical professional.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can also lead to breast soreness and pain. The body's response to pregnancy involves changing the levels of several hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, breast pain is most common in the first trimester of pregnancy. In order to prepare for lactation in the future, the body releases estrogen early in pregnancy to promote the growth of the lobule cells to allow for sufficient breast milk production. This leads to a significant increase in the size of the breasts, and this change is often accompanied by soreness and pain as the breast adjusts to its new size.
Mastitis
One possible cause of breast pain is mastitis, or an infection of the breast. Mastitis occurs when bacterial or viral microbes enter the breast through a crack in the skin. They colonize within the fatty tissue of the breast, which leads to an infection. Pain due to mastitis will often occur in one breast. Patients with mastitis will experience swelling and soreness of the infected breast, which may be accompanied by skin rashes, redness or flaking, abnormal nipple discharge, and an abnormally warm feeling to the breast.
According to the University of Rochester, mastitis may require drainage of the infection site to relieve pain. After diagnosis, the infection can usually be treated by antibiotics or antiviral medications.
