What?! This is why your breasts might hurt right now

Header via Instagram Ladyist

During, or a few days before, your monthly menstruation there’s a possibility your breasts feel different or might even hurt. We can tell you: this is really normal. But during some of these days we would love to throw away our bras. On the other hand we never wanna take them off. So, read on for a ‘breasty-blog’ and find out why your breasts aren’t always happy during your period…

Breasts, you gotta love them 

Your period can be bloody annoying, and so are some of the additional symptoms (like cramps and headaches). This time we’re focusing on painful breasts since many women feel some sort of tenderness or heaviness during this time of the month. This symptom is officially called ‘fibrocystic breast condition (FBC)’ (as coined by Lee Shulman, M.D., chief of the division of clinical genetics in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University).

Strangely enough there hasn’t been a lot of research done on this topic. Here we’ve made an attempt to summarise the main findings as well as give you some practical tips how to reduce the pain and sensitivity of your breasts.

Why do you get this symptom? 

Breasts become more sensitive and sometimes even painful due to your changing hormone levels right before your menstruation, which increases the water content of your breasts. This means that your breasts get slightly bigger (for some women they even go up a bra size) and they become more sensitive and sometimes painful in comparison to normal. How and what you exactly feel varies per person.

What can you do? 

• In my experience it helps to start tracking your cycle. This way you get to know your body better and are more prepared for any sensitivity. Tip: use the app Clue. This app allows you to not only track your period but also track all your symptoms including this one.
• An important bra tip: choose a more comfy bra for this time of the month, leaving your underwired ones alone. Check out a recent blog I wrote with 7 must have organic undie options. A lot of these options include beautiful but soft options.
• Get yourself a heating pad or bag, take it easy and take some time for yourself. Avoid strenuous exercises, which can increase the pain in your breasts. If you do like to workout during your period, check out our Yoga with Yoni blog for some tips, what type of yoga and poses will benefit you most.

There are of course many other options and tips. We’d love to hear your thoughts on e.g. medicine, or drinking less caffeine. And does the pill help you or does it make it worse? We’d love to hear from you, so share your top tips. Send an e-mail to me, Christel: christel@yoni.care.