Causes of Breast Tenderness

Breast tenderness is pain in the breast tissue. It can occur in both men and women, but some of the conditions that cause breast tenderness occur only in women. This condition may result in a dull ache or a heavy, full feeling in the breasts. While breast tenderness is usually not a cause for concern, persistent pain should be reported to a physician.

Caffeine Intake

Caffeine contains a chemical known as methylxanthine. This chemical causes the blood vessels to dilate, which can cause breast distension. Breast distension may cause pain and tenderness. People can reduce the breast tenderness associated with caffeine intake by drinking decaffeinated beverages and reducing their consumption of soft drinks and chocolate. Headache medicines that contain caffeine should be avoided if breast tenderness persists.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Fibrocystic breast disease is also known as benign breast disease or mammary dysplasia. This condition involves noncancerous changes in breast tissue. While the specific cause for this condition is unknown, the National Institutes of Health indicates that it is thought to be linked to hormones produced by the ovaries. Women with this condition may experience a dull pain or tenderness in both breasts and will experience tenderness and swelling just before a menstrual period.

Pregnancy

In the early months of pregnancy, hormone levels rise very quickly. This surge in hormones can lead to breast swelling and tenderness. The breasts may also feel fuller or seem heavier during pregnancy. This swelling and tenderness may occur as soon as two weeks after conception.

Premenstrual Syndrome

Hormonal changes that occur just before the menstrual period can lead to breast tenderness. Breast swelling and tenderness are known symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Women can avoid or relieve this tenderness by avoiding caffeinated beverages and foods and decreasing sodium intake to prevent fluid retention.

Menopause

The same hormones that can cause breast tenderness during premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy can also cause breast tenderness during menopause. If a woman does not take hormone replacement therapy during this period in her life, changing hormone levels can lead to breast pain and tenderness.

Puberty

During puberty, the breast tissue begins to develop in both boys and girls. This development can lead to pain and tenderness of the tissue. This is to be expected and is not a cause for concern unless the tenderness causes severe pain or hinders physical activity.

Injury

Traumatic injury to the breast can lead to chronic pain and tenderness. Injuries can be sustained in motor vehicle accidents, sporting events and slip-and-fall accidents. If breast pain persists following an injury, seek medical attention to ensure that there is not an injury to the underlying chest wall.

Mastitis

Infection of the breast tissue is known as mastitis. This infection causes redness, swelling and pain in the breast tissue. Mastitis often occurs in women who are breastfeeding, but it can also occur whenever bacteria are able to enter the breast tissue through cracks in the skin of the nipple.