Breast pain: period or pregnancy? What you need to know

Breast pain — what a topic! This part of our body that receives so much of our attention is also the one that can cause us the most discomfort at certain stages of our lives as women. We manage as best we can. But it has to be said that we could well do without it. Often bothersome, it is a genuine barrier to our well-being.

What's more, it can make social and even romantic relationships difficult. The question that arises is: where does this discomfort come from? Is it a sign of early pregnancy, or on the contrary a sign that our period is about to arrive? We explain all.

Breast pain: period or pregnancy? Understanding why it hurts

Bear in mind that when a part of your body hurts, it means that a pathogenic element has crept in where it was not welcome (and that is putting it mildly!). Or that your body is undergoing major hormonal or endocrine changes that are having an impact on your organs.

In the case of tender breasts, this involves a hormone level that increases considerably. We are of course talking about oestrogen and progesterone.

What causes this pain is an imbalance between these two hormones. And it is true that whether it is premenstrual syndrome or early pregnancy, the pain can seem the same. There are, however, a few differences.

Tender breasts: a sign of premenstrual syndrome

According to studies, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects more than 7 women out of 10. For the debilitating forms, only 25% of women are affected. These symptoms appear a few days before the period arrives.

They are the result of the body preparing for this monthly event. The hormonal disruption will first cause hypersensitivity in your breasts, but also mood swings for some, stress, fatigue, cramps in the uterus area, significant water retention which causes weight gain, and an insatiable appetite.

These symptoms vary from one woman to another. In the vast majority of cases, breast pain will ease with the arrival of the period. But in the case of early pregnancy, it usually subsides at the end of the first trimester.

Breast pain: period or pregnancy? How to tell the difference

If you are in the early stages of pregnancy, you may experience symptoms similar to those of PMS. Because in both cases your hormones will play tricks on you (not always amusing ones, we grant you that). This hypersensitivity will arrive around week 3 of pregnancy.

And it will persist for weeks, unlike premenstrual syndrome, which disappears after a few days. Indeed, this hormonal imbalance corrects itself once the period arrives.

This signals to your uterus that there is no implanted embryo. As a result, hormones gradually return to normal.

In the case of a pregnancy, hormone levels continue to rise, which is why breast pain lasts longer. Another point that can help you attribute the pain to a pregnancy is the darker colouring your areolae will take on.

This is due to the fact that your breasts are preparing for lactation, which will take place in several months' time. The circle around your nipples will therefore darken and also widen.

Knowing your body: a prerequisite for identifying the cause of breast pain

You will easily have understood that in order to determine the cause of breast pain, you need to know your body well. A woman who is not in the habit of observing her body — and her bust in particular — will not notice these small changes.

How to ease breast discomfort during premenstrual syndrome?

This excess of hormones can be managed with good dietary habits, listening to your needs, and the use of natural remedies. Your body, because of this hormonal storm, will tend to retain water. Avoid salt and fatty foods and favour fruit and green vegetables.

It is true that this is not the easiest time to restrict yourself, as some of us experience intense cravings. But the effort is worth it, as you will notice an improvement in terms of your breasts as well as the cramps and other PMS-related complaints.

To complement this balanced diet, drinking water regularly will help with the elimination of toxins. On the contrary, stimulants such as tea and coffee will intensify inflammation.

Relieving your breasts directly

Do not hesitate to wear larger, cotton underwear during this time of the month. This way, your breasts will be supported without being compressed. Some women will prefer to wear soft bralettes, whilst others will find relief in wearing no bra at all.

One last thing to help ease the discomfort: natural remedies such as drinking sage as an herbal tea or massaging your breasts with its essential oil or that of coconut or sweet almond.

Listen to your body and proceed gently. Applying small amounts of pressure will stimulate blood circulation and thus reduce breast tension.

Breast pain: period or pregnancy? Soothing your breasts during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the sensitivity of this part of your body varies from one woman to another. Whilst some will experience hypersensitivity, others will feel a debilitating pain where even the touch of fabric becomes unbearable. For this reason, opt for a maternity bra.

Choose one without underwiring, which can be uncomfortable. Comfortable support will ease the tension. Moreover, this type of bra is practical for sleeping comfortably.

Adopt a daily massage routine to promote better blood circulation, combat water retention, and prevent the appearance of stretch marks caused by this rapid weight gain. The Neo Bulle stretch mark treatment will be just the thing for deep-acting results.

Finally, drink plenty of water and soothing herbal teas made with calendula flowers or chamomile. If you are not a fan of herbal infusions, soak compresses and apply them to the tender area to bring relief.