Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is a common complaint among females according to the Mayo Clinic. The varying degrees of breast soreness may be dull or sharp, aching or throbbing and may affect one or both breasts. Typically, breast pain may be mild or severe and last for several days. Unexplained breast pain that persists after menopause or doesn't go away after your menstrual cycle.
Hormonal Influences
Breast tenderness is frequently caused by increased levels of estrogen during a woman's period. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, estrogen causes the breast glands and milk ducts to swell during the menstrual cycle. If conception does not occur, the fluids are reabsorbed into the breast. Hormonal breast soreness is normal and usually not severe. Consult a doctor if symptoms last longer than a week.
Fibrocystic Changes
The American Congress of Gynecologists and Obstetricians reports aching or sharp pain may signal fibrocystic changes in females of child bearing age. These changes can cause lumps of thickened tissue or noticeable cysts. The condition is benign and not cancerous. Symptoms of fibrocystic changes include breast tenderness before menstrual cycles and one one breast may exude more pain than the other.
Medication Use
Infertility drugs and birth control pills may lead to sore breasts. The Mayo Clinic reports that antidepressants cause breast pain in some women. In particular, users of Prozac and Zoloft have reported side effects of breast pain during use. Contact a physician if these side effects occur while taking antidepressants or other medications.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can also lead to breast pain and soreness. When a woman becomes pregnant, the body responds by increasing the levels of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. Breast pain is most common during the first three months of pregnancy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The body releases estrogen to allow for breast milk production. This leads to an increase in breast sizes, which is often accompanied by pain and soreness.
