The female breasts undergo cycles of hormonally-regulated growth and development at puberty and during each menstrual cycle. Gradual or sudden changes in the size, shape or consistency of the breast can lead to tenderness, soreness and general discomfort as the body adapts to these modifications. Sore and tender breasts can occur naturally or may develop due to disease.
Premenstrual Syndrome
During the menstrual cycle, the levels of female hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, fluctuate to facilitate ovulation and menstruation. These hormones also signal to glandular tissue within the breast to promote growth in development, preparing the body for a possible pregnancy. This breast growth can slightly increase the size of the breasts and lead to breast tenderness as the breast adapts to this new growth. If pregnancy fails to occur, the breast tissue returns to its normal size, easing any tenderness and soreness. The McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois recommends reducing caffeine intake to help relieve breast soreness due to premenstrual syndrome.
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
In some cases, normal hormone fluctuations lead to exaggerated cycles of breast growth, causing fibrocystic breast disease, also called fibrocystic change. Women with fibrocystic breast disease develop enlarged and lumpy breasts that are tender and sore to the touch. In addition, women with this condition may develop fluid-filled cysts within the breast that can cause further discomfort, reports Medline Plus. In most cases, fibrocystic breast disease does not require specialized treatment, and the discomfort from the disorder can be controlled with cold compresses, over-the-counter painkilling medication and wearing a supportive bra.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
In rare cases, tender breasts may indicate a serious underlying disorder, such as breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer, a rare form of breast cancer, leads to breast redness, swelling inflammation and pain. During inflammatory breast cancer development, breast cells begin to divide out of control and begin to block lymph vessels in the breast. Over time, lymphatic fluid begins to accumulate within the affected breast, causing painful enlargement and swelling. The symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer can progress rapidly, with noticeable changes in the look and feel of the breast within days or weeks, reports the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Women with severe or prolonged breast pain should seek medical attention to address the possibility of an underlying disease, such as breast cancer.
