Dr. Kristine Blanche Breast Health - What Causes Breast Pain?

By Author: Dr. Kristine Blanche
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When breasts grow and hurt during menstruation, it’s called “cyclical” breast pain. This recurring discomfort is “not usually caused by breast cancer or other serious breast problems,” but instead by hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle. “This can cause pain in both breasts several days before the menstrual period begins,”.

Hormonal changes in the body due to the menstrual cycle are among the most common reasons why breast tenderness occurs in the first place. According to Dr. Kristine Blanche, who specializes in breast thermography treatments at her practice, Integrative Healing Center, it doesn’t necessarily mean this recurring pain is normal.

Why exactly do hormones get out of whack in the first place?
Well, according to Dr. Constance M. Chen, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and breast reconstruction specialist, your diet could be to blame. For instance, carbs, like sugary white bread, can “lead to fluid retention in the breasts,” while “caffeine can make breasts knotty and painful, too,” she says. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that medications, such ...
... as antidepressants, cardiovascular agents, and antibiotics, can also contribute to breast pain, according to Chen.

How to alleviate breast pain
If you’re experiencing breast pain, don’t worry. There are ways to alleviate this discomfort—and it all has to do with your lifestyle. “Maintaining healthy breasts is similar to maintaining a generally healthy life…Doing daily exercise, and staying away from unhealthy habits, like smoking and excessive drinking can all contribute to healthier breasts.

“Foods rich in magnesium (pumpkin seeds, spinach, sesame seeds) can aid in hormone modulation by speeding up an enzyme called Catechol-O-methyltransferase, which helps to detoxify excess hormones. B vitamins are needed for methylation in liver processing. Eating foods rich in a compound that helps regulate your body’s hormone levels called Phytoestrogens, such as flax seeds, lentils, chickpeas, cabbage, and tempeh. It is experienced that a healthier diet does affect breast pain.

Another thing you should keep an eye out for is chemicals in your food.
chemicals found in plastics have been known to disrupt hormones in the body, which can worsen breast tenderness. Chemicals like pesticides and herbicides can bind to our estrogen receptors and act like estrogens in the body, which can cause an exaggerated estrogen effect on tissues and make the breast feel tender.

So aside from changing your diet and staying away from harmful chemicals, is there anything else you can do to keep your breasts healthy? “Scheduling yearly exams and following up with your doctor for guidelines on mammograms is also advised. If you can, schedule an appointment with DR. Kristine Blanche and inform them of all of your symptoms. If you’re experiencing cyclical breast pain, remember that you don’t have to go through this alone or be in constant pain because you believe it’s “normal.”

For more information about thermography and breast cancer visit us at www.thermographysolutionsny.com