MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia posits that numerous causes may contribute to the experience of breast pain and discomfort. For instance, medication that contains steroids can increase breast size in males or females and lead to tenderness and swelling. Fibrous cysts may become entangled forming nodules like lumps that feel painful, but usually are not cancerous. A thirteen year old girl may experience the same aches and pains in the breast as a 57 year old woman. In any event, pain is a warning signal that something is changing or taking place beneath the skin. Always have a licensed medical professional examine questionable or persistent conditions as it could--in rare circumstances--indicate a more serious health problem.
Gynecomastia in Males
The National Institutes of Health suggest that gynecomastia--abnormally large and painful breasts in adolescent to adult males--can be related to medication, puberty, steroids, obesity, Klinefelter syndrome, Gilbert's syndrome, loss of elastin in aging and castration. Gynecomastia can make the breasts heavy and tremendously tender--not to mention, socially devastating for an adolescent.
Hormones
The Merck Manual Home Edition suggests that pain in the breast can indicate hormonal changes happening within the body. From puberty to menstruation to pregnancy and menopause, the presence of hormones and their fluctuations often leave the breasts tender, painful, engorged or simply swollen. In any event, the hormones--estrogen and progesterone--are the culprits in many cases and can occur in nearly all age groups.
Infection
Managing Menopause insists that clogged ducts from breastfeeding is a relatively common occurrence and that excessive periods without release can lead to a blockage and abscess infection. This condition can accompany other symptoms such as redness, extreme tenderness, swelling, heat, lumps and discharge. The best way to remedy this situation is to have a doctor drain the blockage and to take antibiotics to avoid more serious complications.
