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/
I’m 48 years old and very sexually active. I believe I’m in the perimenopause change of life. I’ve not had a period for 3 months., last one end of April . We have not used protection for the last month. I believe I ovulated around July 31st while I was in bathroom on the August 3, I whipped and saw a pinkish disharge of clear and pink. No period though. A lot of cramps and breast are full and sensitive., And tired
Wondering if this is all part of menopause.
Hi Lynn, Tender breasts, fatigue and many more are the symptoms that are a part of premenopause for a majority of today’s women. The information your provided shows that you might be in the premenopause stage. The symptoms you are getting are because of hormone imbalances, most of them caused by an excess of the hormone estrogen, and a deficiency of the hormone progesterone.
I just started what I think is my period on the 14th of August. It’s only been two days. Still sore breast and mild cramps, twinges sick, dry heaves. What now?
Hi am charity my period was on the 10th of July and I had sex 2 to 24 and today is 13th day after sex. My period always comes with abdominal pains, breast tenderness. I feel so weak with some discharge milkish without odor.Could I be pregnant?
Hi,
You may want to do a pregnancy test. You can also read more at our frequently asked questions at http://womanjunction.com/
i have my 25 days cycle, my last period was july 8, 2016 me and my husband, we are planing to have a baby. we made sex at 16 to 18th day of july. now i feel little pain in my nipple, i have milky white discharge in my vagina.. is there a possibility that i might be pregnant
Hi Melody Grace Calimlim, milky white vaginal discharge is completely a normal phenomenon. This discharge helps get rid of bacteria and dead cells in the cervix and vagina. This, in turn, keeps infection away from the vagina. This kind of discharge can flow during early pregnancy. You should take a pregnancy test.
Hello..My lmp was 4.7.16. But my nipples are hurting from day 8 in this month. why…
I recently had a miscarriage on June 22, 2016. We have been trying to get pregnant as soon as possible. I have been having breast tenderness, cramps, and always so tired. When should I take a pregnancy test? Also, my periods are not normal at all. I get a period like once every 3-4 months 🙁
Hello Adriana!
If you routinely have irregular periods and are not using method of birth control then you have greater chance of getting pregnant easily, all things been equal. While your irregular periods may be at times anovulatory (no egg release), or ovulatory. However pregnancy test 2+ weeks after coitus will confirm or rule out pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy still, visit your physican.
regards
Hello I am 27 years old..my husband and I are trying to have a baby…my last period was on the 17 of June …but we had sex before that while I was ovulating, my breast is full and heavy ..what could that mean…could I be pregnant or just normal
Please read the article http://womanjunction.com/tender-breasts-ovulation-pregnancy/
My last period was may 15, 2016. My period is irregular. I had unprotected contact last june 10. With my breast kinda painful. Until now i dont have my period yet. Could i be pregnant? On what day the best to have pt? Help pls
Hello Joyce, please refer to the link:http://womanjunction.com/faq-frequently-asked-questions-menstrual-cycle-pregnancy-ovulation-abortion/ you will get all your answers here 🙂
Hi my name is Nehita i am 27years old. Since my last miscarriage 2014 I have been trying to get pregnant but not possible. My menstrual cycle is 30days.I had sex a day before my ovulations and on the of my ovulation and the last day of my ovulation what are the chances of me being pregnant. I have breast tenderness fullness and heaviness, always tired sleep when going to work in the bus. Sleep at work. Have pain in stomach
Hi Nehita, All your questions have answers on this page: http://womanjunction.com/faq-frequently-asked-questions-menstrual-cycle-pregnancy-ovulation-abortion/
Hi
Me and my husband had unprotected sex on 31st of May and 2nd of May but he pulled out. I started ovulating on 3rd of May. I am having symptoms like abdominal cramps,left pelvic pain,bloating,gas and leg pain. My periods are not due until 22nd of May. Is it possible that i am pregnant?
Hi Nina, yes you might be pregnant. You should take a pregnancy test.
Having pains in my chest all over pains I had unprotected sex 2 days before ovulation my menstrual came 2 days early and was more like spotting than a period and it literally only lasts 24 hours. I’ve been TTC almost 3 years not getting my hopes up for failure but also peeing A LOT. Could this be it? When should I test? And what are other possible causes of not pregnancy?
Hi Shelly, you should visit a doctor if the condition persists. Moreover, you should take a pregnancy test.
hi! i believe the day of conception was may 14th and my period was supposed to come on June 1st as it did the month before..at first i thought it was stress but i was skeptical and took two tests on the 5th and 10th of june and they both were negative it’s now been 13 days since my missed period and i’ve been experiencing soreness on the sides of my breasts and they seem a tiny bit fuller i’ve also had lower abdominal pressure and a little bit of cramping now and then i’ve been pretty sensitive lately but i’m so anxious weather to know this is normal or not or if i’m just going to end up getting my period really late! i kind of like the idea i might be pregnant but i don’t want to get my hopes up! any thoughts?
Hi, my boobs are really sore, feel extremely tired & wouldn’t resist a lovely massage at the soles of my feet.. I’m 17 days in my cycle of 25.. Did have unprotected sex through out my fertile days..what could be the cause please? Started my cycle on the 26/05/2016 & expecting it somewhere 20 or 22/06/2016.. Don’t actually believe in pregnancy because I was diagnosed of right functional ovarian cyst..
Hi Lovely, You should take a pregnancy test.
Hi Lovely, You should take a pregnancy test. Breast tenderness and tiredness may be the signs of pregnancy.
Hi Lovely, Breast tenderness and tiredness may be the signs of pregnancy. I reccommend you to take a pregnancy test.
Hi I’m 22 and have pcos. I last saw my period 2 months back but been having unprotected sex right throughout the month. I had a brownish looking colour period that lasted for about 3 days and had cramping along with it . I have been feeling sleepy,always tired lower back pain, belly cramps, nipples sore ,mood swing going to the bathroom more often than ever and everything I do I’m tired like never slept the whole day. Could I be pregnant with 2 months of miss period and these symptoms. I was on metformin but stopped taking it about 2 weeks now to see if it’s the medication but the symptoms are still here and have even got worst. Please reply,I need help.
Hi Sasha,all the symptoms that you are explaining are of pregnancy since you had unprotected sex too.But you were on Metformin which has some effects like these symptoms there is a possibility of you not being pregnant also. So you should better take a pregnancy test and also if you continue to face such symptoms you should consult a doctor.
Comment Text*hi my name is wendy am 2o years old.I’m 2 months pregnant and my breast are paining but they haven’t increased in size.have become sensitive to smells and my sex drive has increased.
Hi Wendy, what you are feeling are normal hormonal changes during pregnancy.
I had sex 4 days before I ovulated and then on ovulation day what are the chances I maybe pregnant?? My period came on on May 17 and I ovulated yesterday. (I used a ovulation kit which confirmed) I’m so anxious..
Hi Kennedy, Chances of being pregnant during your ovulation days is the highest but it does not completely confirm that one may get pregnant. So be prepared for both sides and keep on trying. All the best!
Hi
I had my period on the 12 may , I had sex from the last day of my period through out my most fertility day, day 3 of my most fertility day I spotted little cramping bleed and it’s just 3 days after my ovulation day, I have been having pains in my breast nipples the rash around it get bigger also pain under my stomach I can even feel it when I led down with my stomach down.
Can you help me because myself and husband has been trying for baby for the past 2 year.
Hi Jummy, having sex during your ovulation days give you the best chances of pregnancy. Take a pregnancy test to be sure if you are pregnant or not. Have a relax mind and take proper diets to be mentally and physically healthy so that you have better chances of being pregnant.