Many women experience tender breasts at some point in their life. It can be caused by many reasons, the majority being of a hormonal nature. When this happens, the breasts can feel sore when you touch them or when you move around, and they feel heavier and/or fuller.
Breast tenderness is one of the signs of pregnancy but can also be an indication that you are ovulating. Further complicating the matter, tender breasts can likewise be a symptom of PMS.
Since pregnancy, ovulation and PMS all trigger the release of hormones into the body, all three conditions can affect your breasts. To find out which of these conditions is causing your breast tenderness, you must take into account other symptoms, the type of soreness you are experiencing and your menstrual cycle.
Type and Location of Soreness
Ovulation often causes pain or soreness on the sides of your breasts [1]. If pregnancy is the reason for the tenderness, your breasts will have a strong sensation of fullness or heaviness. This pain would also be felt throughout the entire breast and not just on the sides. In some women, tenderness or soreness in the breasts can be the first symptoms they experience of pregnancy and the breast are sensitive and tender to touch.
However, this is not a reliable way to tell that you’re pregnant, as breast tenderness can be caused by other reasons. If you suspect that you’re pregnant and are feeling breast tenderness, be sure to see a doctor.
Breast Tenderness from PMS
Many women experience breast pain or tenderness from PMS, which typically happens in the days leading up to the start of their period. A good indicator that PMS is the issue causing your breast tenderness is the timing of your period.
This is why it’s always good to keep track of your menstrual cycle. There are actually smartphone applications available that can help you easily keep track of your menstruation and even ovulation. You’ll be able to make a note of any pain you are experiencing, moodiness or any other issues. Knowing all these things can be helpful in determining the reason behind your breast tenderness.
Breast Tenderness and Pregnancy
Aside from tenderness, other changes in the breasts can help you determine whether you’re pregnant, ovulating, or experiencing PMS. For pregnant women, their areola and the surrounding nipple tissue may show a change in color or tone [2]. Again, a color change in this area is typically only found in women who are pregnant.
The size of the areola can also be an indication that you’re carrying a child since pregnancy can sometimes cause the veins in the chest to become larger and more pronounced. All these changes are a sign of pregnancy, not ovulation or PMS.
Pregnancy is a common cause of breast tenderness, but just because you have breast tenderness, doesn’t mean you can automatically assume you are pregnant. There are many more indicators, including some typical early indicators that can give you an idea you’re pregnant.
These signs can include increased frequency of urination, abdominal cramps, back pain, moodiness, aversion to certain types of foods, increased sensitivity to odors and high basal temperature. When pregnancy occurs, the body is flooded with hormones, which can cause all the above symptoms as well as tender breasts.
If a woman is trying to get pregnant, she will want to know when she is ovulating. You can monitor your body temperature and cervix to get a clearer indication of when ovulation occurs for you.
Other indicators can include changes in the texture or color of cervical mucous, abdominal pain and an increased sex drive. Many women start ovulating at about the halfway point through their menstrual cycle. This point typically occurs from a few days to a week or more after the last day of her period. The ovulation cycle can be quite varied from woman to woman, so checking other indicators is important for accuracy in detecting ovulation.
There are also ovulation prediction tests now available that can help you to predict your ovulation. These tests are quite inexpensive and will test you for a particular type of hormone that surges during a day or so before ovulation starts. Using a test like this can vastly improve the accuracy of your ovulation predictions.
Other Causes of Breast Tenderness
Though pregnancy, ovulation and PMS are the most common causes of breast tenderness, they are not the only causes. In fact, in teenage boys and girls, the start of puberty can cause breast tenderness. Breastfeeding can also cause this type of breast pain and discomfort. Women who are nearing menopause can also experience breast tenderness or pain.
Medication use can also contribute to breast pain and tenderness. Those who take antidepressants, for example, can experience these symptoms as a side effect of their medication.
Those who take oral birth control pills or undergo infertility treatments may also experience breast tenderness, as well as older women who are past the menopause stage and are going through estrogen and progesterone hormone therapies.
Fatty acid imbalance in breast cells is another culprit. It makes the breast tissue more sensitive to hormones, which can result to the feeling of pain tenderness. Women who have undergone breast surgery in the past are also prone to breast tenderness, even when their incisions are already healed.
Smoking is known to increase epinephrine levels in the breast tissue. This can make a woman’s breasts hurt.
Sometimes breast pain isn’t because of your breasts, but because of irritation of the chest, arms, or back muscles. This is common if you’ve engaged in activities such as raking, rowing, shoveling, and waterskiing.
Tietze’s syndrome is another condition which can be mistaken for breast pain and is a rare, inflammatory disorder characterized by chest pain and swelling of the cartilage of one or more of the upper ribs (costochondral junction), specifically where the ribs attach to the breastbone (sternum). [3]
Breast cysts can likewise contribute to tenderness as well as pain. Some cysts are palpable and can be easily felt when you perform a breast examination. They can be hard or soft, and they may move about when you push them gently with your fingers. Breast cysts are usually not cancerous, but because of the pain and discomfort they cause, you might want to have them surgically removed.
Another possible cause of breast tenderness is fibroadenoma. This is a tumor of the milk glands and can be noticed when performing a breast exam. It’s usually firm and can be moved around, although it doesn’t usually cause pain.
Many women who experience breast tenderness and pain immediately fear that they have breast cancer. But, according to experts, these symptoms don’t automatically indicate that cancer cells are present. In most cases, the tenderness is caused by other symptoms, like those listed above. Still, if you have any concerns about your health, it’s important to see your doctor ASAP.
Final Note
No matter the reason you think you are experiencing breast tenderness, be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual or new occurring with your body. This way, you can determine what’s causing the symptoms you experience and get the appropriate treatment right away or at least be assured that what you’re experiencing is normal.
References
- https://www.newkidscenter.com/Sore-Breasts-After-Ovulation.html
- 6 signs that you may be pregnant > https://www.livingandloving.co.za/pregancy-blogs/6-signs-that-you-may-be-pregnant
- https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/tietze-syndrome/
Hi.I had my period on d 24th sept, Oct 14th, Nov 7th and D 2nd. Which I believe it’s not regular. Now am ovulating with a very tender breast. Does it mean am pregnant or is it a symptom of pregnancy?
Hello. I had my period from 18/11/15 – 22/11/15, then had sex on 26/11/15, took the morning after pill on 27/11/15. On the 4 th of Dec 2015 I start bleeding again, this time the flow was low but it lasted 4 days, since then my breasts have been sore…am really worried could I be pregnant…….by the way I usually have a 21 day cycle
Hi,You might find yourself feeling queasy and some women throw up after taking emergency contraceptive pills. You might also get a headache, feel tired or dizzy, have some lower abdominal pain, or find your breasts are more tender than usual. If you do feel this way, it should stop within a day or two. Some women also find that the pills cause unexpected bleeding; this is not dangerous and should clear up by the time you have your next period. The pills might also cause your next period to come early or late. So it could just be side effects of the morning after pill.
I had unprotected sex on the 12th day of my cycle and since then I’ve been having pain on both breast. It hurts whenever I lay down, put on a bra or touch them. I don’t feel any pain on my nipples though. Its six days now. What could be wrong
Hi, Breast tenderness is a sign of pregnancy but its also a sign of PMS try taking a pregnancy test in a week or 2 to find out. If you notice any redness,fever or swelling visit a doctor.
Hi. I feel it is impossible for me to be pregnant because the only person I’ve been sexually active with had a vasectomy years ago. There was one time with someone else 2 months ago but we used protection. My period ended about 9 days ago but the moment it ended my breasts started hurting and have been hurting ever since. They feel so heavy and tender to the touch and my areolas are bigger but haven’t changed much as far as color. Could this be my hormones because I’m ovulating? I haven’t taken a test because it would be impossible but this is starting to bug me out. It’s been over a week and the pain hasn’t subsided.
Hello,
My fiance and I have been trying also for the last 7 months and nothing. I’m on day 6 of the cycle and yes, I have had my period but since yesterday my boob have extremely sore. Not like pms sore and usually my boobs get sore before my period but yet, they didn’t get sore before so.
Why I tell you this so bc I thought it sounded similar to your story and wondering if you have found anything more out?
Hello, I had a period on Nov.19,2015 until Nov 25 2015. I have said throughout my fertile session. And my breast have been hurting for about some days now, lately I have been experiencing my stomach being fuller a little and serious breast tenderness… My period does not start until the Dec 17, normally PMS symptoms does not come until a couple of days before my next cycle.. should I be worried about being pregnant.
Hi.. Im so worried about this, last oct.10 i and my bf had sex, but that date above was the end of my period.. Suppose to be i have a period this nov. And dec. But i missed it. . I didnt have my period for 2 months, i suffered a lower back cramps, breast pain and bloating. I take an hpt but a saw a very small 1/4 line on the hpt.. I need help, im so stress about this. Thank you
Kaye, you may want to head straight to the doctor for a blood test. Your symptoms definately sound like pregnancy to me but Im no doctor! Huge indicators would be the 2 missed periods and the faint 2nd line on the hpt.
I had my period last on Oct 30th nd it come for just 2 days and the 3rd day own was so light that I didn’t use a sanitary pad. Normally it should be 4 days. On Nov 9th I had unprotected sex am not sexually active so that was my first time in this year. So till now I didn’t have my period yet, I did home test 3 times now negative nd one again today same thing. I am confused because I feel changes in my breast and I felt like I’m filled in my stomach. No early symptoms yet. Could I be pregnant?
Hello. It seems you’re not pregnant since you have tested negative so many times. A period may be late for many reasons including stress and fatigue. Read more here http://womanjunction.com/missed-menstrual-cycle/
Hey. I had my last period on the 23 September and nothing till this far. I did the tests and they were all negative. On the 25 and 26th of November, I got white moist CM. We made love on the 26. I never got any CM after that again. So I’m not sure if I was ovulating that time or not because today it’s 4 days after we made love and my nipples are sore and vibrating feeling in lower abdomen that comes and go after few seconds. So I’m wondering if could I be preg or its just post ovulation signs or my mind is just playing tricks on me.
Hi,l had unprotected sex3days before my period, since then sometimes l feel back pain, breast tenderness, loose taste in my mouth, I took a pregnancy test it came negative, does this mean I’m about to ovulate or pregnant?
I had something that I’m not sure whether is implantation bleeding or what. After I had sex 2 weeks before. And now I have a lower back pain, slight headache with tender painful nipples – this is the 3rd day. Am I pregnant?
Your chances of being pregnant depend on whether you were fertile on or around the date that you had sex. Can you confirm the number of days in your menstrual cycle? This information is needed to provide you with the most accurate response. Ovulation and implantation have similar symptoms; a pregnancy test is the best way to confirm a pregnancy.
Hello,I start my period on 10/3/15 and it lasted for 3days then travel to see my husband for 2 weeks, we have sex almost every day then returned back to the state on the 10/26/15, then I start my period again on the 10/29/15 lasted for 4 days. After 2 weeks of my period, I started feeling tenderness, sore, heavily and fuller breast, headache, pee a lot, hot at night and very weak in the morning and cramps. I did pregnancy test 4 times – came out negative, I’m so confused. Please I need your help thanks.
If you’ve had a period it is likely that you did not conceive. It is advisable that you monitor your period to identify when you’re fertile and likely to conceive. Your chances of being pregnant depend on whether you were fertile on or around the date that you had sex. Remember also that you can get the most accurate pregnancy test result if you wait at least one week after missing a period. In addition, the result might be even more accurate if the test is done first in the morning as the urine is far more concentrated at this time. Good luck!
Hello. My wife period came 18-10 instead of 13-10 n last for three days. She has breast tenderness during her period and after, her nipples increased, her breast fuller n bigger sometimes she feels cramp and constipation. She’s usually hot in the night and morning in her low abdomen. Her urge for sex increased. This has never happened to her before. We did a home pregnancy test and blood test very early in the morning but they were negative. What is the cause of these symptoms. Please, I need help, your reply is important.
These symptoms before and after her period may be attributed to PMS, ovulation or a pregnancy – read more at this link http://womanjunction.com/tender-breasts-ovulation-pregnancy/ You also need to ensure that the pregnancy test is taken one week after missing a period to get the best results. Once you’ve taken the test at the right time and the pregnancy is confirmed or ruled out, then the cause of the symptoms can be identified.
Hello..My period came 19-10 instead of 17-10 n last for four days. I av breast tender during my period and after, my nipples increased, my breast fuller n bigger sometimes I feel cramp. I usually feel cold in the morning, My urge for sex increased. This has never happened to me before. I did home pregnancy test very early in the morning yesterday but negative.. What the cause of this symptoms. plz I need help, your reply is important.
Last week my boyfriend and I had sex. Right now, I feel that my breast is tender and I am already 2days late with my period.
I didn’t ovulate in aug because I didn’t have a period in sep but had a period in sep. I had sex couple days last week oct 5 , 6, 7 and so on and off. I usually don’t get sore breast until almost my period time but I started to notice that when I take off my bra or such it’s been very tender and sensitive. Does that mean i’m about to ovulate or chances that i might be pregnant?
Hi Malinda, Pregnancy can occur anytime after unprotected sex so its possible you can be pregnant the only way to know for sure is to take A pregnancy test.
I had my period Sept 27 and it last 4 days. I went on vacation from Oct 1 to the 4th. And been having sex every day since. We desperately want to conceive after 3 years and nothing. What chances do we have?
The best way to increase your chances of getting pregnant is to have sex during your fertile days. To do this you must keep a record of your menstrual cycle on a calendar or on a smart-phone; there are many ovulation apps available. Track your start date every month for several months – this will help you to determine the constancy of your periods and the number of days between each period (also known as the number of days in your menstrual cycle). You can use our menstrual cycle calculator link download to help you to chart your fertile days. Plug in the relevant information and the calculator will do the rest. If you’re not successful after trying this then you should both see a fertility doctor to determine if there is a greater issue.
I had my period Nov 9th I had sex the 26th and 27th unprotected my period moves every month so this month it wouldn’t come till the 12th or 14th. I wasn’t sure as to how to track my ovulation at the time I been reading different things as to when you ovulate are my chances high of getting pregnant my breasts hurt and I was getting pains on my left side of my stomach.
Ok so my normal period was August 9th-12th…… I didn’t get a period the month of September…. Then this month I had light pink bleeding for bout a hour on the 3rd…. And the 4th-5th I had a very very light bleeding period!! Know my breast feel fuller, getting bigger, and are sore…. It hurts to have a bra on and it hurts with out a bra on….. Could someone please help me…..