Sore breasts and sore nipples - post-ovulation, pregnant, perimenopause or menopause?
This article is part of a series - Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Sore breasts and sore nipples - post-ovulation, pregnant, perimenopause or menopause?
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - Sore breasts, sore nipples and more
- Remedies for PMS
- Alternative remedies for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
What causes sore nipples and breasts?
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 accummulated.
- 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.
Causes of sore nipples and painful breasts - menopause and sore breasts
Sore breasts and nipples can occur as part of what is known as the climacteric syndrome. Symptoms of the climacteric syndrome include:
- hot flashes,
- sleeplessness,
- weight gain and bloating,
- mood changes,
- irregular menstruation,
- painful breasts
- headaches.
The climacteric syndrome is caused by wildly fluctuating hormone levels and irregular functioning of the ovaries. It is not caused by an absence of estrogen. That is why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and oral contraceptives are sometimes prescribed to try and even out the hormone levels.
Sore nipples and breast cancer
Sore nipples can be a warning sign for breast cancer. In a condition known as Paget’s disease of the nipple, the nipple becomes irritated with redenning, pain and sometimes itching. It progresses gradually until the nipple is completely worn down. Paget’s disease of the nipple shows that there is an underlying cancer in the breast tissue. Any persistent irritation should be investigated by your doctor.
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
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.
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?
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.
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?