Also know as mastalgia, it is very common. Here is some basic information with hints and tips on how to relieve the pain.

Breast Pain

Breast pain, known medically as mastalgia is common in 70% of women between the ages of 25-45. Over five million women suffer from it every month, yet few seek help from their GP.

Two thirds of cases occur around period time, some suffering for up to 2 weeks, called `cyclical mastalgia.' A further one third suffer `noncyclical' pain which usually arises from the chest wall and is not related to periods. `Non cyclical' pain is intermittent, less severe, and rarely responds to hormone treatment, which is effective in `cyclical mastalgia'.

Breast pain is generally localised to the upper outer quarter of either or both breasts. One in four women rate their pain as "bad" or "very bad", and 5% suffer "pain as bad as it could be". The effect is immense, 4 out 10 women cannot tolerate being hugged or even touched.

Often with mastalgia there is an increased nodularity or `lumpiness' of the breast tissue. Cyclical mastalgia (the commonest form) is related to hormone levels, and stopping the `pill', or changing to one with a higher progesterone content may ease the symptoms. Diuretics (water tablets) or vitamins B1, B6 or vitamin E are no longer recommended for this problem.

Treatment for cyclical mastalgia

There are 3 treatments licensed for the treatment of cyclical mastalgia:

1. `Efamast,' an extract of evening primrose oil, containing gamolenic acid. This has a slow onset of action with 6-8 capsules taken daily. A response may not occur until 3 months have passed. If there is no improvement, the more rapidly acting hormone treatments, described next, should be considered.

2. `Danol,' a daily dose of 2-3 capsules taken immediately after a period should be used for 3-6 month.

3. `Parlodel,' can produce rapid relief of symptoms, and must be taken at night, as it may cause daytime dizziness. Treatment must be continued for 6 months. Treatment for non-cyclical mastalgia

To relieve non cyclical mastalgia, anti- inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Neurofen, Brufen etc) should be used for at least 6 weeks.

Breast pain is rarely a sign of breast cancer especially in the under 35s, but nevertheless, any pain or breast lump must be assessed by your doctor.




IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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