Monthly breast pain on one side - after weaning

[UK Mom]

I did write about this a few months ago, but I seem to be getting more of a handle on how to describe it.

I weaned by ds in Feb, but every month, a few days before my period, I get pain in one breast. It feels very much like the pain I got with mastitis (I had it 8 times, so I remember it well!) without the fever. It feels like a hard lump in the outer side of the breast and hurts when I feel it. I get the feeling it is in the milk duct. It goes away after my period starts, so I figure it must be hormonal. After 3 months, I expected any breastfeeding related pain to have gone.

Any ideas? I plan to see my doctor as soon as I can, but I have to go when the pain is here, and it is hard to get an appointment at the right time.

Thanks!

[KatWrangler]

Probably this.

http://women.webmd.com/tc/breast-pai...topic-overview

Cyclic pain is the most common type of breast pain. It may be caused by the normal monthly changes in hormones. This pain usually occurs in both breasts. It is generally described as a heaviness or soreness that radiates to the armpit and arm. The pain is usually most severe before a menstrual period and is often relieved when a period ends. Cyclic breast pain occurs more often in younger women. Most cyclic pain goes away without treatment and usually disappears at menopause.

[KatWrangler]

I was just diagnosed last week with Fibrocystic breast by a Breast Specialist. But my pain is all the time. Not tied to my cycle.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fib...reasts/ds01070

eta - my daughter weaned from the left breast in December (which is the breast with the pain). She completly weaned in February.

[pianojazzgirl]

Last month I experienced breast pain in my left breast for several weeks and then it went away when I got my period. Now my period has just ended and my boob has been hurting again! I have an appointment with my family dr on Mon and I plan on asking about it. I'll report back to let you know what he says.

Also.. maybe related maybe not - my past 3 cycles have been weird: really short and bleeding longer than usual. Out of curiosity - have you had any menstrual weirdness as well?

ETA my ds also weaned recently - about 2 months ago.

[UK Mom]

KatWrangler - thanks for the info. I used to have painful breasts every month when I was younger, and I don't know if that was cyclical breast pain. The pain I have now does seem to be cyclical, but COMPLETELY different to the PMS type pain I used to have. That's the trouble trying to diagnose yourself with the internet!

Pianojazzgirl - weird, you have exactly the opposite of what I have! But no abnormal menses. They have always been heavy and difficult. I am slave to my hormones. I will be interested to hear what your doc says. I'll try to get an appt tomorrow, but I will have my boys at home, and I don't really want to bring them for this kind of discussion with the doc .

Thanks for your replies.

[hannahmama]

I just went to the doc for this issue - she told me it was cyclic breast pain and recommended lowering/eliminating caffiene.

hth

[KMK_Mama]

I have this in my left breast too, and only in a specific area. I weaned 3 years ago. The doctor told me it was cyclic breast pain caused by fibrocystic breasts. I have completely eliminated caffeine and it hasn't changed at all. I do have screwed up hormones and weird periods though (7 days of spotting + 3 days of normal period + another few days of spotting ) despite being on a regimen to reduce estrogens and a bio-identical progesterone.

[UK Mom]

KMK Mama - that sounds so much like me!! Do you docs have any suggestions? Also, do you mind me asking why you are on your regimen? If you don't want to post, you could pm me. Thanks!

[KatWrangler]

I was told to eliminate caffeine.

My breast specialist told me to take Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin E.