General Symptoms of Breast Pain

Breast pain after menopause may present itself in a couple of different ways. For some women, the experience can mean soreness, burning, or discomfort in one or both breasts. Others may experience breasts that are so tender to the touch that they cannot comfortably wear a bra or certain clothing.

The majority of breast pain is due to the hormonal changes that naturally occur as part of the menstrual cycle. As the levels of estrogen increase, the ducts of the breasts are stimulated. As the levels of prolactin increase, women may experience soreness due to the increase in ductal secretions.  Women who have entered menopause and gone more than 12 months without a period should be free of the hormonal fluctuations that cause breast tenderness. However, those who experience breast pain after menopause should discuss their options with a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner to learn how to find relief.

Sore Breasts, Menopause, and Traditional Chinese Medicine

According to TCM, breast tenderness during menopause may be caused by certain external factors. Women may become susceptible to toxic heat (the heat here means in tcm term related to liver heat toxin) or external cold (cold here mean working under cold environment or poor blood circulation ). An invasion by heat or cold can then lead to Qi stagnation. It is this stagnation that can lead to blockages in the breasts that result in breast soreness.

There is also an emotional component to breast pain after menopause. A high-stress environment coupled with anger or sadness will have a negative effect on the liver. When the liver is not functioning properly, it will not be able to properly circulate liver Qi. Just like with the above external factors, this Qi stagnation can lead to the improper circulation and blockages that cause breast pain. 

Breast Pain Menopause Treatment

Practitioners of TCM aim not only to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of breast pain after menopause but also to help soothe the liver and restore the proper flow of Qi in an effort to remove any stagnation. There are many widely-used pain medications that will offer temporary relief from pain, but those products will do nothing to understand and treat the root cause. There are a number of options for sore breast perimenopause treatment. A few examples include:

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been used in TCM for centuries, and it has been proven to help alleviate physiological stress. Those who are dealing with breast tenderness caused by stress will benefit from acupuncture treatment as it helps to bring balance to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. It even has even been successful in reducing the instances of hot flashes.
• Massage: Massages have been shown to have a positive effect on heart rate which may aid in stress reduction with the added benefit of relaxation.
• Natural Supplements: Chinese medicinal herbs can also help to reduce breast soreness.

Lifestyle Tips For Breast Pain Menopause 

• Wear the Right Bra: An improperly fitted bra may be the reason for sore breasts. Be sure to choose a bra that offers the right amount of support as well as a comfortable fit.
• Staying Hydrated: Not drinking enough water may lead to fluid retention which causes breast soreness. It is important to drink plenty of water or include hydrating fruits to alleviate breast pain that is the result of mild dehydration.
• Stop Smoking: This is sound advice regardless of the symptoms experienced. When it comes to all of the poor health issues that are caused by smoking, there are far too many to name. Those experiencing breast pain after menopause are highly encouraged to quit smoking for good.
• Cut Back on Caffeine: A study out of the Department of Surgery at the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina observed 138 women experiencing breast pain. After one year without caffeine, 61% of the women reported either reduction or elimination of their breast pain.
• Warm Compress: Consider taking a warm shower or applying a warm compress to bring relief from breast soreness.

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.