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Mastalgia

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Mastalgia

(Breast Pain)

Definition

Mastalgia is breast pain. There are two types:

  • Cyclical pain—linked to menstrual cycles
  • Noncyclical pain—not linked to menstrual cycles

Causes

The pain can be caused by:

  • Hormonal changes from a woman's cycle
  • Pregnancy
  • Trauma to the breast
  • Mastitis
  • Thrombophlebitis
  • Stretching of breast ligaments
  • Certain medicines, such as hormone medicines, antidepressants, or some heart medicines

In some people, the cause is not known.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of mastalgia are:

  • Having large breasts
  • Not wearing a bra that fits well and has good support
  • Using certain medicines

Symptoms

The main symptom is mild to severe pain in the breast area. It may be in both breasts or just one. It may be painful only in one spot or all over.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the breasts. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

Pictures may need to be taken to look for any breast changes. This can be done with:

Treatment

Treatment will be based on what is causing the pain. Options are:

  • Using hot or cold packs
  • Lifestyle changes, such as wearing a supportive bra, avoiding caffeine, or eating a low-fat diet
  • Medicines to ease pain
  • Changing or stopping medicines that may be causing pain

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent mastalgia.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Breast pain (mastalgia). Johns Hopkins website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/mastalgia-breast-pain.
  • Mastalgia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/mastalgia.

Contributors

  • Elizabeth Margaret Prusak, MD
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.