Breast pain is quite common in premenopausal and perimenopausal women, but less so once a woman reaches menopause, according to MayoClinic.com. Breast pain is likely to be caused by changes in reproductive hormones, cysts, trauma, medications or large breasts, but it may also be due to fatty acid imbalances. If your breast pain occurs daily and persists more than a couple of weeks, seems to be getting worse or is located in only one area of your breast, consult your doctor.
The Menstrual Cycle
Sometimes breast pain is clearly related to the menstrual cycle and tends to get worse during the two weeks preceding your menstrual period with dull, aching pain in both breasts, swelling or a feeling of lumpiness. You may also feel pain in the underarm area. Non-cyclic breast pain is more likely to occur without relation to your menses, be constant, occur in menopausal women and affect only one breast. Rarely would breast pain in a specific area be associated with breast cancer.
Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily cold water fish, such as salmon and tuna, and in walnuts, canola, soy and flax seed oil. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in corn and safflower oils. The proper balance of fatty acids is one part omega-3 to two parts omega-6, according to Dr. Gabe Mirkin, author of “The Healthy Heart Miracle.” Mirkin says a traditional American diet is likely to contain as much as 20 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3s.
Arachnoidic Acid
Your body uses omega-6 fatty acids to make arachnoidic acid, which helps boost the immune system and promote blood clotting. But excess omega-6 fatty acids raise arachnoidic acid levels too high. Excessive arachnoidic acid increases inflammation, which may be a factor in some types of breast pain. Fatty acid imbalances also disrupt the normal mechanisms of hormonal balance and may affect the production of sex hormones. Your breasts may also be more sensitive to circulating hormones if you have a fatty imbalance.
Treatment of Breast Pain
Treatment for breast pain includes identifying factors that may be contributing to the problem, such as a bra that doesn't fit well. Some women benefit from application of an anti-inflammatory medication applied directly to the sore area. Oral contraceptive and menopausal hormone therapy may also be helpful. Other medications for breast pain, such as Danazol and Tamoxifen, are used in some women but have the potential for serious side effects.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is a nutritional supplement that contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is thought to help normalize fatty acid balance and may decrease breast sensitivity to hormones. Some doctors also recommend vitamin E supplements, especially for cyclical breast pain. The recommended dose of evening primrose oil is 1,000 milligrams three times a day; for vitamin E it is 400 international units three times a day, according to MayoClinic.com. Don't take supplements for breast pain without your doctor's approval.
