As many as 80% of people currently wear the wrong bra size, contributing to the high number of people that experience breast pain. People with larger breasts are both more likely to wear the wrong bra size and to experience breast pain. If you have larger breasts, you will likely need to be more vigilant about getting a new bra fitted about once per year to avoid breast pain.
When shopping for a firmer bra, look for bras that hold their shape even when hung up on the hanger. Squeezing the cup of the bra between your thumb and pointer finger can help you assess whether the fabric is firm and thick enough to provide substantial support.
When shopping for a sports bra, check the tag. Many sports bra manufacturers will indicate the support level on the tag of the bra. If this is the case, choose the styles that are designated as having the highest level of support.
When choosing a bra to sleep in, you will likely want to avoid any styles with an underwire, as these may poke into your breasts, arms, or sides overnight.
Be aware that studies that looked at the effects of a low-fat diet were small and non-randomized.
Foods that are high in fiber can also help keep you full longer, reducing the urge to snack on processed and high-fat foods that can cause breast pain.
You can also take fish oil omega-3 supplements to help increase your daily intake, but make sure you talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
To help you avoid foods that are high in hydrogenated oils, focus on choosing snacks that are not pre-packaged, such as cucumbers or carrots with hummus.
Coffee, tea, chocolate, and even some breakfast cereals, for example, contain caffeine that can contribute to painful swelling in your breasts.
Healthy amounts of sodium vary from one person to the next, but in general, aim to eat less than 2,300 mg per day. [14] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source To help you cut back on sodium, avoid pre-packed meats, fruits, and vegetables. These foods tend to be packaged with sodium, which can cause your daily intake to spike. [15] X Research source Check food labels before eating to make sure that you are choosing lower sodium options. [16] X Research source
The dosage for dandelion root varies depending on the specific brand and personal needs. In general, it is safe to use dandelion root as directed on the capsule bottle to help relieve your breast pain. While dandelion root is recommended to help cleanse your body of sodium, which can then help relieve breast pain, little scientific research has been done to directly link dandelion root to breast pain relief.
This can be particularly helpful to do during your period, as your breast are more likely to swell.
To ensure that your body doesn’t overheat, use the heating pad on the lowest setting for no more than 20 minutes up to 3 times per day. [20] X Research source If you do not have a heating pad, you can also try a hot tub, or let the warm water run over your breasts in the shower.
Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen should be taken as directed on the medication bottle.
In most cases, non-steroid topical NSAID pain relieving creams have little to no side effects and can be safely used multiple times per day. [23] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source Try using a topical pain reliever that contains salicylate (active ingredient in aspirin), such as Aspercreme and Nuprin. You can also try diclofenac (Voltaren), which is available as a gel, cream, spray, or patch. [24] X Research source
A particular dosage and brand may cause or worsen breast pain for the first several months, for example, then relieve any breast pain after the body adjusts. Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule about how altering your birth control pill regimen may or may not impact your breast pain. If this is the cause, however, it is worth trying out different options in order to find one that works.
Common side effects of Tamoxifen, for example, include hot flashes, nausea, fatigue, mood swings, depression, headaches, hair loss, and increased tumor size in cancer patients.
