One of the most common complaints among women is breast pain. Your doctor will call it mastalgia. The California Pacific Medical Center states that breast pain affects anywhere between 50 and 70 percent of all women at one time or another.

Breast pain is most common during the menstrual cycle or during menopause. Some of the most common symptoms are a feeling of heaviness, stabbing pains, swelling, soreness, or tenderness. The pain can vary between mild to severe. It can happen monthly or only occasionally.

Mastalgia can be classified into two main types:

• Cyclical – Meaning that the intensity of the pain changes during the menstrual cycle. This is the most common type of breast pain.
• Non-Cyclical – The pain intensity does not change during the menstrual cycle.

Cyclical pain is quite normal and occurs either just before or during the menstrual cycle. This is due to the hormonal changes that happen at this time. Non-cyclical is due to other issues that affect the breasts including prior surgeries, trauma, or cysts in the breast.

Other causes of mastalgia are the use of certain medications, having very large breasts, breastfeeding, and an imbalance of fatty acids within the cells of the breast and bras that do not fit properly.

If you have unexplained breast pain that goes on for days and occurs in one part of the breast only, see your doctor.

For those of you who suffer from breast pain that occurs before or during your menstrual cycle, we have 12 of the best natural remedies that can help to relieve your discomfort.

Keep reading so you can feel comfortable every day of the month!

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1. Get Liver Support

Your liver is the main detox system. It not only removes environmental toxins, but it removes old estrogen from the body. When the liver is not working at its best, it can leave our bodies with too much estrogen, which can lead to breast pain.  Get your liver back into good working order by eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of greens such as broccoli, kale, collards, and Brussels sprouts. You can also take herbs that support healthy liver function such as milk thistle, dandelion, and Greater celandine.

 

2. Ice

For immediate relief from breast pain, you can always rely on ice packs. Ice will reduce the swelling, ease the pain, and numb the area. Use one of the readymade ice packs for sale at most grocery stores and pharmacies or simply place a few ice cubes in a plastic bag, then wrap them in a wash cloth. Apply the ice pack to each breast for 10 minutes at a time. Repeat several times each day until your breasts feel better.

 

3. Reduce Excess Estrogen Exposure

Unfortunately, our modern day environment is so filled with estrogens that it has affected almost every living thing on the planet. Many fish are changing from male to female due to the run off from pharmaceutical companies. The best ways to avoid exposure to estrogens in the environment is to avoid plastic packaging and dishes. Always eat organic foods, including meat and dairy products. Avoid pesticides and herbicides as well as estrogen based birth control methods if possible.

 

SEE ALSO: 12 Proven Natural Remedies to Lighten Dark Underarms (#4 is Super Easy!)

 

4. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are a great source of phytoestrogens. This means that they replace stronger, natural hormones with weaker, plant based ones that do not stimulate the breasts as much. Flax seeds need to be ground to release their powerful compounds. If you buy fresh flax seeds, be sure to grind them before consumption. Consume two tablespoons of ground flax seeds in your daily diet. Add flax seeds to vegetable dishes, yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies. They have a nutty taste most people enjoy.

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5. Evening Primrose Oil

This supplement is one of the best treatments when it comes to breast pain. Evening primrose oil contains GLA, a type of fatty acid that helps the body adjust to hormonal changes in the body. This will go a long way towards easing breast tenderness and pain. You can consume evening primrose oil in a supplement form, but speak with your doctor first about the right dosage for your situation. Alternately, you can apply evening primrose oil directly to the breasts and massage in well for three to five minutes every other night before bed.

 

6. Get Your Magnesium On

Magnesium is a vital mineral that can also help with breast pain issues. Magnesium will prevent fluid retention, which can help to reduce swelling and pain. You can eat more magnesium rich foods such as a dark chocolate, dark leafy greens, seeds, avocados, bananas, and nuts. Taking an Epsom salt bath four times a week about two weeks before your menstrual cycle is another great way to get your magnesium on. You can also take a magnesium supplement to avoid breast pain and other PMS symptoms. For the proper dosage for your unique condition, speak to your doctor.

 

7.  Chasteberry

Chasteberry is often recommended for those suffering from breast pain. It also works well for other types of PMS pain. Chasteberry works on the pituitary gland to inhibit the release of the hormone responsible for PMS symptoms such as painful breasts. Most women consume a dry chasteberry extract of 20 mg, two or three times each day. Chasteberry is also available as a liquid. The normal dose is 40 drops in a glass of water once each day. Of course, you should always consult with your doctor before consuming any herbal supplement.

 

8. Vitamin E

Besides being terrific for the skin, vitamin E is very helpful when it comes to treating breast pain. Vitamin E is vital for the regulation of hormones, which can help control breast pain. Vitamin E supplements are readily available and a daily dose of 400 IUs can go a long way towards preventing breast pain and tenderness. You can also eat foods rich in vitamin E including almonds, spinach, turnips, mustard greens, beet greens, sunflower seeds, olive oil, and avocados. You can also massage vitamin E oil into your breasts each night before bedtime.

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9. Castor Oil

Rich in ricinoleic acid, castor oil has powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds that can help to reduce breast pain.  Castor oil will also increase circulation so that waste products and inflammatory agents are removed from the body. Mix one tablespoon of castor oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil. Massage this mixture into the breasts each night for seven to 10 days before your period.

 

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar removes toxins from the body, reduce water retention, and regulate hormones in the body. This will help to reduce breast pain.  Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in one glass of warm water and drink twice each day. You can add a tablespoon of honey if the taste is too strong for you.

 

11. Dandelion

Dandelion is often recommended by naturopaths to help deal with painful or tender breasts. Dandelion is loaded with potassium, which works as a natural diuretic. This will prevent water retention, which can reduce breast pain. Drink three cups of dandelion tea each day for best results. If you wish to take a dandelion supplement, speak with your doctor first.

 

12. Fennel

Fennel seeds can help to rebalance the hormones in the body and prevent the retention of water. It also prevents toxic buildup. All of these things can help to relieve breast pain. Add a teaspoon of fennel seeds to one cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain, and drink two cups of this tea each day. You can also chew on some roasted fennel seeds once or twice a day to help prevent breast tenderness and PMS symptoms.

Extra Tips:

• Always wear bras that fit well
• Limit your consumption of caffeine as it makes your breasts more sensitive
• Be sure to drink plenty of water to flush toxins and excess estrogen from the body
• Practice yoga and meditation to manage stress levels and, in turn, breast pain
• Reduce your consumption of hydrogenated oils, such as the kinds found in packaged baked goods, snacks, and margarine
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fiber

References:

Umm.edu

Med.nyu.edu

Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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