Why does menopause cause breast pain and soreness?

During menopause, many women experience natural changes in their hormones, which can cause breast pain and soreness. It’s very common for women to feel breast discomfort, and thankfully, you can do something about it.

If you experience menopause-related breast discomfort, we want to help you understand what causes it, so you can live more comfortably.

In this article, we’ll look at what causes breast pain, at how the aging process plays a role, at what you can do about breast discomfort, and how diagnostic imaging could help. We’re here to help you find out more.

How do my estrogen and progesterone levels affect breast tissue?

Estrogen and progesterone are key hormones that regulate many functions in your body, including the development and maintenance of breast tissue. Estrogen stimulates the growth of ducts in the breasts, while progesterone supports the formation of milk-producing glands. 

During your premenopausal years, these hormones fluctuate in a regular cycle, preparing the breasts for potential pregnancy and breastfeeding. This cyclical pattern is what often causes premenstrual breast tenderness.
As you approach menopause, the levels of estrogen and progesterone begin to decline and become more erratic. This hormonal shift can lead to changes in breast tissue, including a reduction in glandular tissue and an increase in fatty tissue, which can make your breasts feel sore.

How can these hormonal imbalances contribute to my breast discomfort?

When estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, it can cause the breasts to become more sensitive and prone to pain. This sensitivity is often felt as a soreness or achiness, similar to the discomfort experienced during the menstrual cycle, but it can be a little less predictable.

Decreases in estrogen can lead to an imbalance with other hormones, such as prolactin, which is involved in milk production. Prolactin can cause breast pain if levels are too high. Without the stabilizing effects of estrogen and progesterone, these hormonal shifts can contribute to tenderness and swelling in the breasts.

During menopause, changes in your breast tissue can sometimes lead to lumps or areas of thickening that can be uncomfortable. This structural change, combined with fluctuating hormone levels, are often the source of breast pain and soreness during menopause.

Breast changes due to aging

As you get older, your breasts gradually change over time, and these small changes are particularly noticeable during menopause. 

In this section, we’ll show you how your breasts change with age, what changes happen with menopause, and why these changes cause pain or soreness.

How does my breast density change with age?

Breast density is the proportion of glandular tissue, connective tissue, and fatty tissue in your breasts. When you are younger, your breasts typically have more glandular and connective tissue, making them denser. 

During and after menopause, the amount of glandular and connective tissue decreases, and the amount of fatty tissue increases. These changes in breast density can make your breasts feel softer and less firm.

What are the most common changes in breast tissue during menopause?

As your estrogen levels decline during menopause, the glandular tissue in the breasts shrinks and is replaced by fatty tissue, which can cause your breasts to lose some of their firmness and fullness.

You might notice changes in the texture of your breasts, which may feel lumpier or less even, due to the redistribution of fatty tissue. Some women also experience an increase in fibrous tissue, which is a benign condition called fibrocystic breasts, and tends to feel more rope-like. 

These changes in your breast tissue can be uncomfortable, and can sometimes lead to soreness, or even pain.

How can changes in breast density lead to breast pain and soreness?

In menopause, as your glandular tissue is replaced by fatty tissue, the breasts can become more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. Even though overall hormone levels are lower, the remaining fluctuations can still cause pain and soreness.
The increase in fibrous tissue can also contribute to discomfort, as fibrous tissue can form lumps or thickened areas that might feel tender or painful.

Also, as the skin and connective tissue lose elasticity with age, your breast tissue’s support decreases, leading to sagging, which is a common cause of soreness.

Lifestyle and dietary factors for breast pain and soreness

While hormonal changes play a significant role in breast pain during menopause, your lifestyle and your diet can also contribute to discomfort. 

We’ll take a closer look at how your diet influences breast pain, at how getting exercise can help, and at how your lifestyle can make breast pain either better or worse.

How can my diet influence breast pain during menopause?

Certain foods can either alleviate or worsen your breast discomfort. On the one hand, a diet high in saturated fats and processed foods can lead to inflammation, which has the potential to intensify breast pain. But on the other hand, consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce inflammation, and promote overall breast health.

Some women find that reducing their intake of caffeine and sugar can help decrease breast pain. Caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, and chocolate, can sometimes increase breast tenderness by affecting hormone levels and fluid retention. Similarly, high sugar consumption can lead to spikes in insulin, which might aggravate hormonal imbalances and breast pain. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can help you to mitigate the effects of caffeine and sugar.

What role does exercise play in managing breast pain?

Regular exercise is a very important part of managing your breast pain during menopause. Physical activity helps regulate hormone levels, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation––all of which can contribute to alleviating breast discomfort. Engaging in regular aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can help maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the severity of breast pain.

Strength training and flexibility exercises can also help. Strength training helps improve muscle tone, which helps to support your breasts, and can potentially reduce pain associated with sagging. Aim for a balanced exercise routine that includes both aerobic and strength training activities for the best results.

How do stress and sleep impact breast discomfort?

High stress levels can lead to increased muscle tension, which might exacerbate breast pain, and stress can cause hormonal imbalances that could contribute to your breast soreness. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in relaxing hobbies can help manage your stress.

Sleep is another crucial factor in managing breast discomfort. Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can disrupt hormone regulation, leading to increased sensitivity, and pain in the breasts. Establishing a regular sleep routine and creating a calming bedtime environment can improve your sleep quality. Try to avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime, and make sure your sleeping environment is cool, dark, and quiet.

Diagnostic imaging for breast pain and soreness

For breast pain and soreness during menopause, diagnostic imaging can play a crucial role in identifying the underlying causes of your pain, and managing your breast health. 

We will show you how diagnostic imaging can find the cause of breast pain, we’ll look at why some women choose a breast ultrasound or a breast MRI, and we will see how diagnostic imaging can help manage your breast discomfort.

How is diagnostic imaging used to identify the causes of breast pain?

When you experience persistent or severe breast pain, imaging can help identify any structural changes, abnormalities, or conditions that might be contributing to your discomfort. By providing detailed images of the breast tissue, these techniques can help pinpoint the source of pain, and guide further evaluation or treatment.

Diagnostic breast imaging typically involves capturing detailed images of breast tissue, which allows healthcare providers to detect issues that might not be palpable or visible during a physical examination. Imaging can also help differentiate between benign (or non-cancerous) conditions and more serious concerns, providing a clearer path for managing your breast health.

What imaging scans can help to diagnose my breast discomfort?

Several types of imaging scans are used to diagnose breast discomfort. One common type of scan is a breast ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the breast. Ultrasounds are particularly useful for examining dense breast tissue and can help identify cysts or solid masses that might be causing pain.

Another type of imaging is a breast MRI (or magnetic resonance imaging), which uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the breast. Often, an MRI is used when more detailed information is needed, especially if initial imaging results are inconclusive. MRIs can provide a comprehensive view of the breast tissue, helping to identify any abnormalities or changes that might be contributing to your discomfort.

Each imaging technique has its strengths, and your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate scan for you, based on your specific symptoms and medical history.

How can diagnostic imaging help to manage my ongoing breast health?

Regular diagnostic imaging can be an essential part of managing your ongoing breast health, especially during menopause, when changes in breast tissue are common. By monitoring your breast tissue over time, imaging can help track any changes, and detect potential issues early. Early detection is crucial for addressing any problems before they become more serious, and for ensuring that any pain or discomfort is properly managed.

Imaging also provides a baseline for your breast health, allowing healthcare providers to compare your current images with your previous ones. These comparisons can help identify subtle changes that might indicate the development of a new condition, or the progression of an existing condition.

How to schedule an appointment with us

Our goal is to offer you and your healthcare provider the most informative results possible, and we make it easy for you to get an appointment. 

With numerous locations across South Jersey, you’ll find us conveniently located near major highways and key bridges in the region. 

We’ll ensure the entire scheduling process is as effortless as possible for you. Above all, we are here to help you.

Reach out to us at any of the following locations to book an appointment:

• Cherry Hill Office – Cherry Hill, NJ
• Haddonfield Office – Haddonfield, NJ
• Marlton (Greentree) Office – Marlton, NJ
• Moorestown Office – Moorestown, NJ
• Turnersville Office – Turnersville, NJ
• West Deptford Office – West Deptford, NJ
• Willingboro Office – Willingboro, NJ
• Women’s Center at Cross Keys – Sewell, NJ
• Women’s Center at Medford – Medford, NJ
• Women’s Center at Mount Laurel – Mount Laurel, NJ
• Women’s Center at Voorhees – Voorhees Township, NJ

Learn more about the board-certified, subspecialized radiologists who read, analyze and interpret the findings here at South Jersey Radiology Associates.