Sore breasts and sore nipples – post-ovulation, pregnant, perimenopause or menopause?

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What causes sore nipples and breasts?

Sore tender breasts, nipples, menopause, PMS, pregnant, perimenopause

Sore nipples and/or sore breasts are something you may experience at various times in your reproductive cycle (don’t be frightened off by the big words!). They can mean various things depending on what’s going on in your body at that time. So let’s talk about what sore nipples and sore breasts may mean for you.

Causes of sore nipples and breasts before menopause

There are 2 main reasons for sore nipples/breasts before menopause:

  • Post-ovulation - During your menstrual cycle the 2 main hormones at work are:
    • estrogen before ovulation and
    • progesterone which starts to act around the time of ovulation

    Progesterone causes water to be retained in the body. The main reason for this is to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy by making the uterus rich in water and food for the anticipated pregnancy. Unfortunately, this same effect is felt throughout the body. Storing of water in the breast tissue causes it to become stretched leading to painful breasts and sore nipples.


    It is much worse for some women than others. If you’ve had any trouble getting into your skinny jeans in the second half of your cycle, that’s what we’re talking about. If a pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels start to fall about a week before your next period. Gradually, you pee out the water that your body has stored.

  • Pregnancy – If the egg that is released from the ovary during ovulation is fertilized and starts to grow in the womb, then progesterone and estrogen levels will continue to increase to sustain the pregnancy. Of course this means that the breast tenderness will get worse. I had a comment in a previous article about menopause symptoms:

    I actually have a question. I’m 44 and ttc. My nipples are sore and I ovulated 2 days ago. Is this a post-ovulation symptom? I really need to know so I don’t get my hopes up. Thank you for your reply.

    If you start having sore breasts and nipples a few days after ovulation, you can’t assume that you’re pregnant. A good sign (if you’re trying to conceive that is!) is if the breast discomfort does not subside and the breasts continue to increase in size and your period is 7-10 days late. You still need to be a bit careful because, although pregnancy is the commonest cause of a missed period, there are other causes including extreme stress and perimenopausal changes.

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    Tags: reasons for sore nipples, sore boobs, sore breasts, sore breasts after ovulation, sore breasts not pregnant, sore nipples pms, what causes sore nipples

    July 9, 2007 by Ada
    Filed under: Menopause symptoms, PMS 

    Comments

    15 Comments on Sore breasts and sore nipples – post-ovulation, pregnant, perimenopause or menopause?

    1. michelle on Tue, 8th Jan 2008 11:44 am

      2. hi
      i have had a breast scan and i donot have cancer,but i have sists many of them.i had claped my tubes 6yrs ago.Now my nipples are vey sore,i feel off colour and my back is so sore.my last period was 20/12/07,they have been sore for about 2wks and my breast every morning feel like someone had punched them,i craved icecream 2day.i was consturpated for 3days,could i be pregnant or what is wrong pls help.

      thankyou

    2. Ada on Sat, 12th Jan 2008 12:02 am

      3. Hi Michelle. Wow, you seem to be having a tough time. It’s a little too early to know if you’re pregnant, but it is unlikely, though not impossible. Tying of the tubes has been known to fail. That said, you really need to see your doctor for a check up. Difficult to be sure what’s going on without an examination.

    3. Misty on Thu, 24th Jan 2008 7:30 pm

      4. Hello, I am 29 years old and have not had a period in about 12 years. I have had many tests done at various Drs but with every one my diagnosis has been anything from lack of hormones to menopause. I’ve been told I can get pregnant by some and that i can’t by another. My husband and I have been having unprotected sex for quite some time. About 4 days ago I started having some slight discomfort in my lower abs and just yesterday my nipples started feeling extreamly sore. I’ve also been gettin lightheaded from time to time. I’m afraid to take pregnancy test due to being let down so many times in the past. What do you think my chances are that I could be pregnant?

    4. Ada on Sat, 26th Jan 2008 11:55 pm

      5. As we say in medicine “Never say never.” Nothing is impossible. I hate trying to play God so I can’t really speculate as to whether you’re pregnant or not. There’s no point punishing yourself. The sooner you find out if you’re pregnant or not, the better.

    5. Helen on Tue, 29th Jan 2008 2:50 am

      6. I’m 42 and I finished my period 10 days ago and my breasts and nipples are extremely sore. It hurts to put on a bra and is worse if I wear a t-shirt without a bra. I am only an A cup so I know the problem isn’t that I’m too big. I started having cramps about four days ago and am on the pill so I’m sure I’m not pregnant. I get sore from time to time but never like this. Any ideas?

    6. CRJHRW on Mon, 21st Apr 2008 4:27 pm

      7. I lost my baby in Aug 07 I was 41 weeks. I now have irregular (60 days) cycles but my nipples are sore all the time before during and after each period. I have had blood test but I have been told that they are all fine. I just don’t know what to do as they hurt all the time!!

    7. melory on Fri, 9th May 2008 1:58 pm

      8. i’m 22 and i feel my breasts are a bit sensitive and sore since 2 days.i had some sexual intercourse acitivties 2 weeks ago(though only anal) then i had my normal period 1 day later.is there any chance i might be pregnant?or is this breast soreness is a sign of another period coming earlier than its supposed to be due to a disease or something else?should i take a pregnancy test?thank you

    8. Jaime on Fri, 16th May 2008 3:39 pm

      9. Hello, I just turned 30 and have noticed that the past 2 months that my breast have been very sore and tender. I have never had the problem of them getting sore before my cycle, of which I am still having like normal. They are also getting bigger. Is it possible that they could just be growing at my age? I have also taken 2 preg test, from the advice of some family members. Both have came out negative. What is going on?

    9. dottie on Wed, 18th Jun 2008 9:10 pm

      10. HI i,am 38 years old my nipples be hurting me alot i know iam not pregnant.this been going on for a long time,ever time i ready to come on,they get sore.then i be in a bad mood.i rub then. i try a diffrent bra.thank you.

    10. tezz on Mon, 23rd Jun 2008 8:06 am

      11. hiya my breast have been really sore since a week before a was due on the there still hurting me now and am due on any day could this be a sign of preganacy my bf had cum inside of me few weeks back i am on the birth control buh i missed a couple and tuk the later than usaul could anybody help me would like to no ??

    11. Sandi on Thu, 3rd Jul 2008 12:05 am

      12. I am 54 and thought I was in menopause. I didn’t have a period for almost 9 months, had a light one and haven’t had another one now for almost 6 months. All of a sudden my breasts got really tender and have been that way for almost over a month. It feels just like I used to when I was having regular periods.
      Just wondering if anyone has had that before. It seems a little late to be going thru that again, but even my OBGYN said I might have another period. Any thougths? Thanks for any help.

    12. cheryl on Mon, 21st Jul 2008 9:53 pm

      13. my breasts and nipples have been sore for 3 weeks now. i had my period the first week of july. normal. they are so tender, i have to wear two bras without underwire for comfort. there is no nipple discharge or color change. it seems this year, my pre menstrual symptoms have worsen, and now it seems to even linger after my periods. i have no health insurance at this time. please help, thank you

    13. brandie on Wed, 13th Aug 2008 6:44 am

      14. hi i have a question. I have been on the depo shot for 5 years on and off. I was due for my updated shot on july11 i have been too busy to make time for it but it’sbeen a month now. I haven’t had my period. My boyfriend and i have alot of unprotected sex,and we wouldn’t mind a baby at the moment but would prefer to find out. My nipples are really sore, i’ve has changes in my appetite, and i can’t fit in my clothes like i did, i’ve been getting these huge migranes on top of it, and i get upset over alot of things to the point where i cry. But the thing i can’t figure out is thati’ve taken three pregancy tests at home and they all say negative. What does anyone say tothat? Please help me out. thanks.

    14. lisa on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 11:18 pm

      15. hi just weeks ago my breast start to be sore and about 2 days ago my nipple start being very tender i get shortness of breath my chest be hurting and when i wake up in the morning my stomach feel sore. what do u think whats going on

    15. babybee on Tue, 16th Sep 2008 9:17 pm

      16. hello ladys what i am about to tell you may sound very strange but in my family we suffer from “BIG” boobs,my mother has given me some helpful information on how to help ease the pain of sore breasts and nipples please dont think im going crazy because i am not and this really does work…go to your local supermarket and buy a savoy cabbage break 2 leaves off and rinse them under clean cold water pat them dry then place them inside your bra and i can honestly say this will help ease your pain within 5 mins…once your finished with them wash them again and place them in a sandwich bag and pop them back in the fridge…. oh and you can also use them in bed and out and about i know its very strange but nothing else can ease the feeling that your boobs have gone 100 rounds with mike tyson…good luck i look forward to hearing how this went.

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