The majority of women suffer from lumps in the breasts, though the symptoms may vary depending on the cause. A tender breast lump is usually just an indication of fibrocystic breasts, brought about by hormonal fluctuations in the body. It is not unusual for women, particularly during the child-bearing years, to find a dense, thick, swollen, heavy, tender lump in their breasts.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone can have marked effects on the breast tissue, causing fibrocystic breasts. A tender breast lump is a usual manifestation but this usually disappears after menopause, except if hormone-containing medications are taken.
Breast tenderness usually occurs in at least 60 percent of women of child-bearing years and is usually just an indication of fibrocystic changes. What can possibly cause a fibrocystic breast? Four of the most common causes include menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.
It is very common to find a tender breast lump around the beginning of menstruation. Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone are secreted during menstruation. These hormones cause a variety of discomforts such as mood swings, stomach cramps, headaches, food cravings, and yes, tender breast lumps.
A tender breast lump can likewise be an early indication of pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones are what prepare the breasts for lactation. During the early stages of pregnancy, the mammary glands begin to engorge. This explains why most pregnant women have tender breast lumps during the first trimester.
It is not uncommon for many women to feel a tender breast lump during breastfeeding. These uncomfortable lumps are usually caused by sudden refilling of the milk ducts, plugged ducts, or forceful letdown (or forceful milk ejection reflex) brought about by hormonal changes in a pregnant woman’s body.
Breast tenderness just before the onset of menopause is mainly caused by unbalanced levels of estrogen. Usually, when the level of estrogen rises, the level of progesterone decreases. But just before the onset of menopause, hormonal fluctuations occur and result to engorged, tender breasts.
Because a tender breast lump are simply a result of hormonal changes, keeping a balanced hormone level is simply what’s needed in order to prevent this manifestation from developing. Well-balanced diet, increased physical activity and healthy overall lifestyle are strongly advised to fight the effects of fibrocystic breasts.