Breast pain, which in medical lingo is called mastalgia, is one of the most common problems affecting women. In fact, nearly 70% of women suffer from this at some time in their life.
Mastalgia can occur in one or both breasts or in the underarm area. There are two common types of breast pain: cyclical and non-cyclical. Cyclical pain, which accounts for nearly 70% of all breast pain, is associated with estrogen and progesterone levels. It tends to come and go as hormones fluctuate during a woman's cycle. Non-cyclical breast pain, which is less common, is not hormone related. This type of breast pain is more commonly associated with some type of breast trauma.
While breast pain can be distressing and uncomfortable, it is rarely associated with breast cancer. Dietary and lifestyle modifications can usually correct the problem. If however, the pain persists after modifications, it is important to get checked out by your healthcare professional.
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