Without a doubt, breast pain is one of the most common complaints of women as they transition through their reproductive lives. While most women will feel soreness or tenderness, some will have a burning feeling that's distinct from aching, tight, or sharp pain.
Continue reading to learn about causes and solutions for burning breast pain so that you can know how to tackle the issue for ultimate relief.
Causes of Burning Pain in Breast
In general, breast pain can be cyclical or noncyclical:
Cyclical breast pain. Cyclical breast pain happens around the same time each month because of hormonal fluctuations, appearing from a week or two before up to a few days before your menstrual cycle. It commonly occurs in women who are transitioning into menopause as well as premenopausal women.
Noncyclical breast pain. Noncyclical breast pain, on the other hand, is unrelated to the menstrual cycle and appears to result from changes in the milk ducts or glands, breast size, side effects of medications, or surgery. It is constant and intermittent and mostly affects postmenopausal women.
Keep in mind that it is unclear whether pain and burning in the breast, specifically, is only linked to cyclical or noncyclical breast pain as both share symptoms of burning, stabbing pain in one or both breasts.
Solutions for All Breast Pain
What to wear. Wear a well-fitted bra that provides adequate support throughout the day and especially when exercising. Have it fitted by a professional for appropriate sizing.
What to eat. Consume a low-fat diet with more complex carbohydrates. Also, increase fiber intake, and reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption.
Other alternatives. Practice relaxation therapy or deep breathing exercises known to reduce high levels of anxiety and stress associated with breast pain. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or massage the breasts to promote circulation.
Specific solutions for burning breast pain. Apply cold compresses or store-bought cooling gels to reduce the burning sensation. Using pure aloe vera gel may also provide a cooling sensation to the breasts.
For menopausal women who are suffering from cyclical burning breast pain, ultimate relief lies in remedying the hormonal imbalance taking place in their bodies with natural and effective breast pain treatments.
Not only do they focus on encouraging endocrine system health, but they also work with the body to fight breast pain as well as other menopause symptoms, like hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and many more.
Key Takeaways
Breast pain is a multifaceted symptom that can rear its head in many different forms, from tenderness and soreness to burning pain in the breasts. Women with burning breast pain during the menopausal transition may suffer from it due to hormones, while postmenopausal women generally suffer from other causes. Either way, there are methods to relieve the pain and find long-lasting alleviation. Rest assured that the discomfort can end with a little bit of initiative.
Sources
- Breast Cancer Care. (2018). Breast Pain. Retrieved February 12, 2019, from https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/have-i-got-breast-cancer/benign-breast-conditions/breast-pain
- Mayo Clinic. (2019). Breast pain: Symptoms & causes | Breast pain: Diagnosis & treatment. retrieved February 12, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350423 | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-pain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350426