Mastalgia is a medical term referring to the sensation of pain, tenderness, or discomfort in the breasts. It is a common condition experienced by many individuals, predominantly women. The pain can vary in intensity, duration, and location, but is typically localized to one or both breasts. Mastalgia can occur in different forms, with cyclic mastalgia and non-cyclic mastalgia being the two main classifications.
Cyclic mastalgia, also known as cyclical breast pain, is linked to hormonal fluctuations occurring during the menstrual cycle. This type of mastalgia tends to occur in the days leading up to menstruation and subsides after the period starts. On the other hand, non-cyclic mastalgia does not follow a cyclical pattern and can be caused by various factors such as injury, trauma, muscular strain, infection, breastfeeding, or certain medications.
The exact cause of mastalgia is not always clear and may vary among individuals. However, it is believed to be associated with hormonal changes, particularly fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone. Additionally, mastalgia can be influenced by other factors such as stress, caffeine intake, smoking, or the presence of any underlying breast conditions.
Management of mastalgia typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, who may perform a physical examination, review medical history, and assess potential risk factors. Treatment options include lifestyle modifications, such as reducing caffeine or stress, wearing supportive bras, applying warm or cold compresses, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers. In cases where the pain is severe or significantly impacting daily life, a healthcare provider may consider prescribing medications or other interventions tailored to the specific cause and symptoms of mastalgia.
