Breast Pain

If your breast pain is related to extra mammary or chest wall pain, the doctor will advise you on the treatment accordingly depending on its cause.

If there is an identifiable cause for the breast pain such as infection, appropriate treatment for the underlying cause will be given. If not, true non-cyclical breast pain with no attributable cause can be treated as for cyclical breast pain.

Treatment for cyclical breast pain
If you have cyclical breast pain, the pain that you are experiencing is part of your monthly cycle and is normal. The pain is usually self-limiting without need of further treatment. However, if the pain becomes unmanageable, some of the treatment options below may help:

• Changes in diet and lifestyle choices For a start, your doctor may suggest simple things that you can do to help reduce the pain. These include reducing your intake of caffeine, while increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables you eat and engaging in regular exercise to help maintain a healthy weight. You may also be advised to wear a supportive and correctly fitted bra.
• Some women have found relaxation therapy, such as listening to soothing music, useful in reducing the symptoms of cyclical breast pain. Other complementary therapies that promote wellbeing, such as acupuncture and aromatherapy, may also be helpful.
• If your pain started when you began taking a contraceptive pill, changing to a lower dosage pill or a different brand may help. If the pain continues, you may want to try non-hormonal methods of contraception such as condoms etc.
• A simple painkiller such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (either as a cream, gel or tablet) can help with pain relief.