In general, boobs are cool. They're soft, they're a sign that you're ~growing up~, and they're always close to your heart.
But sometimes when you're on your period, boobs can seem ... less than cool. More like sore, swollen, painful rocks. What gives? And what can you do about it? Sara Twogood, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist and assistant professor of clinical OB/GYN at Keck Medicine of USC, has the answers.
Natural hormone swings are the biggest cause.
Your hormones are constantly going up and down depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. The main two responsible for sore boobs? Progesterone and estrogen.
See, during the two weeks leading up to your period, progesterone and estrogen start climbing. That spike stimulates connective tissue in breasts, which can set off tenderness and swelling. In most cases, girls feel the pain on both sides, often in the upper outer area closest to the armpits, and especially in the week prior to getting a period. Once your period comes, progesterone and estrogen levels drop, which usually eases the discomfort over the following day or two.
And just so you know, some girls are more sensitive to hormone fluctuations than others. That likely explains why you might deal with period boobs but your best friend can't relate.
Birth control pills can trigger pain, too.
Even if you've never experienced sore period boobs, that could change if you go on the Pill.
When you first start taking BCPs, your system needs time to adjust. The combo of pill hormones and the body's natural progesterone and estrogen can be enough to set off premenstrual breast pain even if you're not normally sensitive to hormone fluctuations.
The problem typically works itself out in a few cycles, once your body gets used to being on the Pill. If boob pain continues to bother you, however, ask your doctor if it makes sense to switch to a BCP that's made with a different type of progesterone or a lower dose of estrogen.
There's a lot you can do to feel better.
For many girls, period boobs are an annoying part of life. But you don't have to put up with the pain.
Some research-backed ways to prevent soreness include getting regular exercise, avoiding super salty foods in the two weeks before your period, and limiting caffeine in general. (Good thing PSLs come in decaf.)
If your boobs already are sore, consider taking a dose of ibuprofen (like Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), two meds that dial down inflammation.
Applying heating pads or ice packs to the tender areas for a minutes several times a day can help keep swelling and pain in check, too. Experiment with both heat and cold to see which brings greater relief; everyone is different!
Finally, be mindful of bra choice. If you tend to go for stretchy bralettes or no bra at all, try wearing a well-fitting, supportive bra — even a sports bra — on days you're feeling sore. This controls jiggling and movement (more jiggling = more pain).
Finding a bra that fits is easy when you avoid some common pitfalls:
- The straps dig into your shoulders or fall down.
- Your boobs spill over the top, bottom, or sides of the cups.
- The cups are wrinkled or baggy.
- The band rides up in back or digs into your skin.
- The center of your bra doesn't sit flush against your skin.
If you don't get relief, talk to your doc.
Something more serious might be up if your boobs stay sore while your period comes and goes. In some cases, nagging breast pain can be a sign of a fibroadenoma (lump of tissue), cyst, infection or pregnancy. Whatever the cause, your doctor can help you figure out the best plan of action for you.
