According to American Family Physician, breast pain commonly affects young menstruating women. It tends to affect older women at a lower rate. American Family Physician also notes that treatments for breast pain typically involve support bras, over-the-counter medication, evening primrose oil, dietary changes restricting caffeine and sale, taking vitamin E or B6 and taking water pills.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes related to a woman's menstrual cycle or pregnancy can lead to breast pain. Medline Plus, a website created by the National Institutes of Health, states that breast pain occurs more frequently in pregnant women during the first trimester, especially if they are young. Hormonal changes due to menopause can also cause breast pain. MayoClinic.com remarks that thus far, researchers have been unable to identify the specific hormonal patterns linked to breast pain.
Breast Infections
Breast infections can be a source of breast pain. According to Medline Plus, breast infections stem from bacteria that creep through skin cracks, particularly on the nipple. Breast infections cause swelling which leads to pain. Medline Plus points out that typically these infections affect breast-feeding women. Further, breast infections unrelated to breast-feeding may be a rare form of breast cancer.
Water Retention
Water retention that occurs during a woman's period may cause breast pain, according to American Family Physicians.
Breast Size
According to MayoClinic.com, women with large breasts may experience breast pain due to the size of their breasts.
