Mastalgia: Description And Causes

Mastalgia is a medical term that refers to pain in the breasts. It is very common in women, especially those of reproductive age who have not yet reached menopause.

There can be many types of this kind of pain due to various causes. About 70% of women say they have experienced it at some point in their lives. Yes, it can be quite annoying, but the truth is that the vast majority of cases have something to do with menstruation. Thus, they rarely indicate a serious illness.

However, there are times when mastalgia is also a symptom of certain diseases. In fact, breast cancer can be a cause, although it is rare. Because of its diversity, in this article we will explain the most common causes of mastalgia. It is important to know what they are so that you can decide if you should see a doctor.

What are the most common causes of mastalgia?

First, it is important to note that mastalgia is usually caused by hormonal activity. During a woman’s menstrual cycle, the hormonal levels of estrogen and progesterone vary in certain phases.

Also read: Signs and symptoms of high estrogen levels

After ovulation, the hormones remain elevated until the days before menstruation. Their function is to stimulate the ducts in the mammary gland to enlarge them. Similarly, the breasts begin to hold on to fluid. The result is thus an increase in size that can lead to pain.

Mastalgia is cyclical in such cases. Thus, chest pain follows a pattern consistent with the menstrual cycle. It increases just before menstruation. Some women may even experience it from the moment they begin ovulation.

This type of pain also has certain properties. It usually affects the entire breast and the sensitivity in this area increases markedly. Some women experience problems when they put on a bra or may feel that the pain extends to their armpits.

Causes of non-cyclic mastalgia

Injuries

When mastalgia neither follows patterns nor can be linked to hormonal changes, it is important to investigate other possible causes. To begin with, rule out that your pain is the result of some kind of stroke.

Medicine

Similarly, talk to your doctor about any medications you may be taking. This is because many medications can lead to pain in this area as a side effect, especially certain antidepressants and hormone treatments.

Surgical procedures

A previous breast surgery, even if it was a long time ago, can also lead to mastalgia. It is relatively common because some nerves are often damaged during surgery, and scarring can also cause this problem.

Cysts in the chest

These are small bags filled with fluid that form inside the breasts. However, it is a benign and relatively common situation that does not require treatment unless it causes discomfort. These can occur at any age, although they are more common during menopause.

Also read: Good advice for menopause

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. However, it is very rare that it is manifested through mastalgia. In any case, it is important to rule out the cause. Thus, physicians should use diagnostic techniques such as mammography.

How do doctors diagnose the cause of mastalgia?

To diagnose the causes correctly, a patient should provide as much information as possible to their doctor about their symptoms. You need to be aware of the affected area. For example, whether your whole chest hurts or only part of it. Similarly, you need to know when the pain is coming and going.

A doctor can also help with certain complementary tests for diagnosis. The most commonly used tests are via mammography and ultrasound. In some cases, they may perform a biopsy to determine the nature of the pathology.

Conclusion

Mastalgia is common discomfort that almost all women experience at some point in their lives. In general, it is due to hormonal changes. However, it is important to consult your doctor so that they can remove any doubts you may have and either rule out a disease or diagnose it correctly.