One fact about breast health is that your breasts will change throughout your menstrual cycle. Hormone levels increase and decrease to cause changes such as breast swelling and pain. Here's what else you need to know about how your breasts change during your menstrual cycle.
What Happens During the Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a sequence of events that can last between 21-35 days that prepare the body for pregnancy. The cycle begins with menstruation—known as a period—and leads to ovulation, or the release of an egg. Ovulation presents an opportunity for an egg to become fertilized. If fertilization does not occur, the cycle starts over with menstruation.
Your cycle depends on interactions between the brain and reproductive system involving the following hormones:
Estrogen
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Progesterone
The changing hormones during the menstrual cycle cause all sorts of symptoms, including breast changes.
Menstrual Cycle-Related Breast Changes
Based on where you are in the menstrual cycle, you can experience changes in the size of your breasts and how they feel.
They Can Suddenly Get Bigger
Your luteal phase—which occurs after ovulation—generally begins around day 15 and goes through the end of your cycle. This is when you can expect to be at your largest cup size.
Estrogen begins to rise, peaking just before mid-cycle. If your menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, progesterone level will typically peak around day 21. That rise in hormones causes the growth of the breast lobules, also known as milk glands, which makes the breasts swell.
They Get Smaller After a Period
Glands will enlarge to prepare for pregnancy. However, the glands—and your breasts—will return to their usual size if you don't become pregnant.
They May Feel Lumpy or Hurt Two Weeks Before a Period
Breasts can become lumpy and dense toward the outer areas leading up to a period. Your breasts may also feel swollen, painful, or tender due to the milk gland growth. However, those feelings aren't permanent.
Other Breast Change Causes
Aside from the monthly rhythm of your menstrual cycle, there are other times when your hormones fluctuate, which can cause changes to your chest.
Cancer
Not all breast changes are causes for concern, but you may want to see a healthcare professional if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Lump in your breast/under your arm
Nipple changes or discharge
Itchy, red, dimpled, or puckered skin
If you notice these changes, a healthcare provider will examine the breast and take imaging such as a mammogram, ultrasound, or sometimes an MRI to determine if you are at risk for breast cancer.
Perimenopause
As you approach menopause, your hormones will fluctuate. Because of this, your breasts may still be tender and lumpy, You may notice these issues will resolve after menopause.
Pregnancy
When you're pregnant, the glands in your breasts that produce milk will swell, enlarging your breasts and making them feel lumpy.
You may have developed mastitis if you are breastfeeding and notice other changes in your breasts, like redness or tenderness. Mastitis is an infection that healthcare providers often treat with antibiotics.4 If you are concerned about a possible mastitis infection, reach out to a healthcare provider.
Self-Care Remedies
If breast changes become bothersome during your period, you may get some relief by:
Avoiding or limiting caffeine
Avoiding or limiting salt one to two weeks before the projected start of your period
Eating foods lower in fat
Exercise regularly
Wearing a well-fitting, supportive bra
When To See a Healthcare Provider
It's normal to experience breast changes throughout the menstrual cycle. However, talk to a healthcare provider about the following:
Changing, new, or unusual breast tissue lumps
Fever with breast tenderness or pain
One-sided breast tissue lumps
Nipple discharge, including bloody or brown discharge
No history of mammogram screening and aged 40 or older
Symptoms that hinder sleep and have not been resolved with exercise and diet changes
A Quick Review
Your breasts go through a series of changes throughout your life. The hormonal changes your body experiences can cause your breasts to feel lumpy, small, or swollen, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle.
Besides the menstrual cycle, your breasts may experience changes during pregnancy or menopause. However, if you feel any abnormal lumps or other signs of breast cancer, you should consult a healthcare provider.
Credit: Health
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