Definition

Mastalgia is breast pain. There are 2 types:

• Cyclical pain is linked to menstrual cycles
• Noncyclical pain is not linked to menstrual cycles

Causes

In some people, the cause is unknown.

The pain can be caused by:

• Hormonal changes from a woman's cycle
• Pregnancy
• Trauma to the breast
• Mastitis
• Thrombophlebitis
• Stretching of breast ligaments
• Certain medicines, such as hormone medicines, antidepressants, or certain heart medicines

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

• Having large breasts
• Not wearing a bra that fits well and has good support
• Using certain medicines

Symptoms

The main symptom is pain in the breast area. Pain may be mild or severe. It may be in both breasts or just one. It may be painful only in one spot or all over.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on your breasts. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

Images may need to be taken to look for any breast changes. This can be done with:

• Ultrasound
• Mammogram

Treatment

Treatment will be based on what is causing the pain. Options are:

• Using hot or cold packs
• Lifestyle changes, such as wearing a supportive bra, avoiding caffeine, or eating a low-fat diet
• Medicines to ease pain
• Changing or stopping medicines that may be causing pain

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent this problem.