People who have breast tenderness during pregnancy and during PMS experience virtually the same symptoms. Tenderness can range from mild to severe in both circumstances. According to 34-menopause-symptoms.com, around 70 percent of women experience breast tenderness in their lifetime. Out of these, only 10 percent will have severe enough symptoms to affect their daily life. Breast tenderness, medically referred to as mastalgia, simply means discomfort or sensitivity when breasts are touched.
Tenderness During Pregnancy
According to Babycenter.com, hormone changes increase the amount of blood flow in the breasts during pregnancy, causing them to feel sore, swollen and tender to the touch. The breasts are preparing to feed your baby so the milk ducts begin to form. Breast tenderness is one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy and usually remains throughout the first trimester.
Tenderness Related to PMS
The imbalance of hormones, particularly estrogen, that occurs during PMS can also cause sore, uncomfortable, swollen breasts, according to 34-menopause-symptoms.com. Dr. Susan Clark states that most women suffer breast tenderness during PMS. "This is when female hormones are in greatest flux," Clark says. Light tenderness of the breasts is normal during PMS and should go away after your period ends.
Differences
The symptoms of PMS and pregnancy-related breast tenderness are almost identical. However, PMS-related breast tenderness should go away after your period ends. Pregnancy-related breast tenderness will last for a few months and will be accompanied by other breast changes such as darkening of the nipples, more visible veins and an increase in breast size. In addition, Babycenter.com states that breasts are tenderer during pregnancy than PMS.
Relief in Pregnancy
Pregnancy-info.net suggests getting fitted by a department or maternity store and purchasing a supportive bra. Underwire bras can cause discomfort so it is best to avoid them. To reduce chafing, buy cotton bras with no seams close to the nipple. In addition, maternity bras are helpful and will be needed later anyway if breastfeeding. Sleeping in a pregnancy sleep bra can help because it is soft cotton. When exercising, it is important to wear a workout bra. In addition, warm baths can help alleviate symptoms.
Relief During PMS
Exercise and eating healthy are advised by 34-menopause-symptoms.com to alleviate breast tenderness. You can try herbal supplements such as black cohosh and macafem, if diet changes do not work. Other alternative methods include acupuncture, massage or hypnosis. If nothing helps, a doctor can be consulted and may treat with drug therapy.
