Like most parts of the body, breasts can be sore from time to
time. Not only for girls, but for guys, too. You may be worried
about your body's development, about what causes breast
soreness, and even about cancer.
If you're a girl, you may have noticed a slightly sore
feeling when you wash your breasts in the shower. Or maybe you felt
an ache when you've rolled onto your stomach in bed. Sometimes
it may have felt like your breasts gained 10 pounds overnight.
If you're a guy, you may have noticed some tenderness and
even a lump beneath your nipple area.
Whether it's a dull ache or a sharp pain, soreness in your
breasts can be scary. TV shows, magazines, and newspapers are
filled with information about breast cancer, so it's easy to
think your pain could make you a statistic, but don't freak
out.
The truth is that breast pain in a teen is rarely cancer. So
what is pain from and how can you be sure?
What Are Breasts and Why Do I Have Them?
All mammals have breasts and humans are no exception. Breasts,
which are milk-producing glands, begin to enlarge in females around
the onset of puberty. Breasts are made of fat and other tissue that
surround and protect nerves, blood vessels, and milk ducts (small
tube-like paths).
The main biological reason young women have breasts is to allow
them to feed babies. Since long before the invention of the bottle,
babies have been nursed (fed milk) straight from their mothers'
nipples. Although some women give their babies formula from
bottles, many women still breastfeed their newborns. In fact,
doctors recommend breastfeeding as the best way to meet a
baby's nutritional needs.
The timing of breast development varies from girl to girl. Most
girls begin getting breasts around 10 or 11, but it's normal
for breast development to start anytime between the ages of 8 and
13. In general, it takes 4 to 5 years for a girl's breasts to
reach their adult size.
When guys start puberty it is common to develop a small amount
of breast enlargement too. During puberty, hormones in the body
cause the breasts to grow larger. The difference is for guys, this
condition is called
gynecomastia
and is usually temporary.
What Causes Soreness?
One of the most common times that breasts might feel sore is
when they are beginning to develop. First you might notice a small
button-like lump beneath the nipple area. The medical name for this
is the
breast bud
, and it is often present in guys and girls. The breast bud may be
a little tender and may cause you to worry but it's a normal
part of puberty.
It is also common to have sore breasts around the beginning of a
girl's period, or menstruation. Before her period starts, a
girl's body produces lots of the female hormones estrogen and
progesterone.
Changes in these hormones can cause feelings that together are
called premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Some girls have painful
cramps in their stomachs, headaches, mood swings, or cravings for
certain foods right before their periods begin. During this time
the body may retain water, which can make a girl feel puffy and
bloated. Rings and shoes may feel tight at this time.
Just as fingers and feet swell, so can breasts. All that fluid
forces the breast tissues to expand, which stretches the nerves and
makes breasts feel achy or tender.
Breast swelling and tenderness can also be one of the earliest
signs of pregnancy. Be sure to talk to a parent or doctor right
away if you might be pregnant.
Also, if you ever notice discharge from one or both breasts,
call your doctor right away.
What Can I Do to Relieve the Ache?
Most PMS symptoms, including breast soreness, should disappear
as your period begins. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as
acetaminophen or ibuprofen, might be helpful. Wearing a supportive
bra might also help.
Healthy eating, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep are
really your best bets for lessening the ache. You might try cutting
down on salty foods and foods that contain caffeine, like coffee,
tea, and even chocolate. Try caffeine-free soda or herbal tea
instead. Some girls find that eating a diet rich in calcium helps
with PMS symptoms.
If you're tired, take a rest! Snuggle on the couch with your
pillow and watch a good movie. Sometimes getting your mind off your
aches is the best thing you can do.
What if I'm Still Worried?
Sometimes these tips won't help you feel better. Maybe the
pain is a little sharper this time, or maybe it lasted longer than
usual, or maybe you just want to get it checked out. You don't
need to sit at home and worry - visit your doctor.
Let your doctor know about your concerns. The doctor sees
patients all the time for things that may seem silly, but if
you're worried, then it's not dumb. Although you may feel a
little embarrassed to ask about breast pain or about a lump,
there's no need to. A breast exam is a quick and painless
procedure. Besides, it's a small price to pay for a
doctor's assurance that your aches are completely normal.
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: March 2007
Originally reviewed by:
Barbara P. Homeier, MD
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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