Cyclical breast pain, also known as cyclical mastalgia, is pain in the upper, outer area of the breast, which can extend to the armpits.
Cyclical breast pain is connected to the menstrual cycle and therefore only affects pre-menopausal women (women who are still having periods). The menstrual cycle starts on the first day of a woman’s period and ends on the day before her next period.
Cyclical breast pain usually starts one to three days before your period begins, and improves at the end of your period.
How common is cyclical breast pain?
In the UK, cyclical breast pain affects up to two-thirds of women, with around 1 in 10 women experiencing moderate to severe pain.
Outlook
Almost a third of women who get cyclical breast pain find that their condition gets better without treatment in around three menstrual cycles. However, for many women, cyclical breast pain will return in future menstrual cycles.
Keeping a chart of when you experience pain and how severe it is may help with your diagnosis. You can also use over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, and record the effect that they have on your pain. See Cyclical breast pain – Treatment for more information.
If you have breast pain that is affecting your quality of life and painkillers have not helped, your GP may refer you to a breast specialist for further treatment.
Breast pain is not a symptom of breast cancer and cyclical breast pain does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. However, visit your GP if you are concerned about your breast pain. They will be able to reassure you that it is not caused by a more serious underlying condition. Many women find they can live with their breast pain once they have been assured that it is not caused by breast cancer.
