Breast tenderness, which is often associated with non-cancerous conditions, is a common ailment in the Western Hemisphere, affecting over 60% of women primarily between the ages of 35 and 50. The tension varies greatly from woman to woman in terms of severity, but it seems to be stronger in the days of ovulation and to decrease at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. The pain often decreases as the woman approaches menopause and produces less estrogen, which therefore becomes the primary culprits of this malaise. If you have breast pain, you probably want to know how to relieve it. There are some methods, which involve both a change in lifestyle and taking medications, which can help you reduce breast pain.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Wear less constricting bras when you can
Avoid wearing underwire bras and push-ups. Try wearing bodices with internal support or sports bras.
Try wearing a sports bra overnight for gentle support
Step 2. Avoid caffeine
Although studies linking caffeine to breast tension are still ongoing and many have been inconclusive, some women have found that decreasing the amount of caffeine can help reduce breast pain.
Step 3. Reduce fat in your diet and increase your vegetable intake
Set yourself the goal of reducing the total calories consumed by at least 20% (or more).
Step 4. Get vitamins E and B6 and magnesium
Although studies on these elements have not yet reported firm conclusions, many women have found relief with their intake.
Some naturopaths recommend taking 600 IU per day of vitamin E, 50 mg per day of vitamin B6 and 300 mg per day of magnesium
Step 5. Take the evening primrose oil
Again, the studies are not conclusive on the subject; however, some women experience a reduction in breast tenderness when taking this dietary supplement. Experts do not know the exact reason why evening primrose oil seems effective, but they think it replaces linoleic acid, which can make the breasts less sensitive to hormonal changes.
Step 6. Apply ice packs to your breasts for 10-15 minutes when the pain is severe
However, do not apply it in direct contact: put it in a plastic bag and wrap it in a cloth.
You can also try wrapping a bag of frozen vegetables in a cloth. Frozen fruit and vegetables conform to the shape of the breast and are not as large as ice cubes
Method 2 of 2: Taking Medication
Step 1. Take non-prescription pain relievers, such as acetaminophen-based products and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
Step 2. Ask your doctor about the benefits of Tamoxifen and Danazol medications for breast pain relief
These medications are temporary solutions to reduce extreme pain and are considered as a last resort for those women who do not experience results with other therapies. However, both Tamoxifen and Danazol have several unpleasant side effects.
Step 3. Consider reducing estrogen use if you have had a hysterectomy
Some women find relief by giving up hormone therapy for 5 days a month, although this method should be closely monitored by a doctor.
