What causes sore nipples and sore breasts?
Sore nipples and/or sore breasts are something you may experience at various times in your monthly cycle. They can mean various things depending on what’s going on in your body at that time. So let’s talk about what sore nipples and sore breasts may mean for you.
Causes of sore nipples and sore breasts before menopause
There are 2 main reasons for sore nipples/breasts before menopause:
Don't miss:
- Post-ovulation - During your menstrual cycle the 2 main hormones at work are:
- estrogen before ovulation and
- progesterone which starts to act around the time of ovulation
Progesterone causes water to be retained in the body. The main reason for this is to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy by making the uterus rich in water and food for the anticipated pregnancy. Unfortunately, this same effect is felt throughout the body. Storing of water in the breast tissue causes it to become stretched leading to painful breasts and sore nipples.
Sore breasts are much worse for some women than others. If you’ve had any trouble getting into your skinny jeans in the second half of your cycle, that’s what we’re talking about. If a pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels start to fall about a week before your next period. Gradually, you pee out the water that your body has stored.
- Pregnancy – If the egg that is released from the ovary during ovulation is fertilized and starts to grow in the womb, then progesterone and estrogen levels will continue to increase to sustain the pregnancy. Of course this means that the breast tenderness will get worse. I had a comment in a previous article about menopause symptoms:
I actually have a question. I’m 44 and ttc. My nipples are sore and I ovulated 2 days ago. Is this a post-ovulation symptom? I really need to know so I don’t get my hopes up. Thank you for your reply.
If you start having sore breasts and nipples a few days after ovulation, you can’t assume that you’re pregnant. A good sign (if you’re trying to conceive that is!) is if the breast discomfort does not subside and the breasts continue to increase in size and your period is 7-10 days late. You still need to be a bit careful because, although pregnancy is the commonest cause of a missed period, there are other causes including extreme stress and perimenopausal changes.
Causes of sore nipples and painful breasts – menopause and sore breasts
Sore breasts and nipples can occur as part of what is known as the climacteric syndrome. Symptoms of the climacteric syndrome include:
- hot flashes,
- sleeplessness,
- weight gain and bloating,
- mood changes,
- irregular menstruation,
- painful breasts
- headaches
The climacteric syndrome is caused by wildly fluctuating hormone levels and irregular functioning of the ovaries. It is not caused by an absence of estrogen. That is why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and oral contraceptives are sometimes prescribed to try and even out the hormone levels.
Sore nipples and breast cancer
Sore nipples can be a warning sign for breast cancer. In a condition known as Paget’s disease of the nipple, the nipple becomes irritated with redenning, pain and sometimes itching. It progresses gradually until the nipple is completely worn down. Paget’s disease of the nipple shows that there is an underlying cancer in the breast tissue. Any persistent irritation should be investigated by your doctor.
hi
i have had a breast scan and i donot have cancer,but i have sists many of them.i had claped my tubes 6yrs ago.Now my nipples are vey sore,i feel off colour and my back is so sore.my last period was 20/12/07,they have been sore for about 2wks and my breast every morning feel like someone had punched them,i craved icecream 2day.i was consturpated for 3days,could i be pregnant or what is wrong pls help.
thankyou
Hi, I’m havin the same problem . I had my tubes claped 9 yrs.ago . I hav clear and a yellowish discharge come from my breast . Did u ever find out what ur problem was ? If so reply as soon possible . Thanks alot !!
Hi Michelle. Wow, you seem to be having a tough time. It’s a little too early to know if you’re pregnant, but it is unlikely, though not impossible. Tying of the tubes has been known to fail. That said, you really need to see your doctor for a check up. Difficult to be sure what’s going on without an examination.
Hello, I am 29 years old and have not had a period in about 12 years. I have had many tests done at various Drs but with every one my diagnosis has been anything from lack of hormones to menopause. I’ve been told I can get pregnant by some and that i can’t by another. My husband and I have been having unprotected sex for quite some time. About 4 days ago I started having some slight discomfort in my lower abs and just yesterday my nipples started feeling extreamly sore. I’ve also been gettin lightheaded from time to time. I’m afraid to take pregnancy test due to being let down so many times in the past. What do you think my chances are that I could be pregnant?
As we say in medicine “Never say never.” Nothing is impossible. I hate trying to play God so I can’t really speculate as to whether you’re pregnant or not. There’s no point punishing yourself. The sooner you find out if you’re pregnant or not, the better.
I’m 42 and I finished my period 10 days ago and my breasts and nipples are extremely sore. It hurts to put on a bra and is worse if I wear a t-shirt without a bra. I am only an A cup so I know the problem isn’t that I’m too big. I started having cramps about four days ago and am on the pill so I’m sure I’m not pregnant. I get sore from time to time but never like this. Any ideas?
I lost my baby in Aug 07 I was 41 weeks. I now have irregular (60 days) cycles but my nipples are sore all the time before during and after each period. I have had blood test but I have been told that they are all fine. I just don’t know what to do as they hurt all the time!!
i’m 22 and i feel my breasts are a bit sensitive and sore since 2 days.i had some sexual intercourse acitivties 2 weeks ago(though only anal) then i had my normal period 1 day later.is there any chance i might be pregnant?or is this breast soreness is a sign of another period coming earlier than its supposed to be due to a disease or something else?should i take a pregnancy test?thank you
Gross.
EWWW!! No you can’t get pregnant with anal sex!! and again EWWW!!!
LMFAO…!…no honey. Oh God no, there’s no way you could get pregnant having anal sex. There would be nowhere for the semen to travel to fertilize the egg. Perhaps you should do more research on your body before you choose to engage in sexual activity of any kind.
Actually you can get pregnant from anal sex. Sperm specifically female sperm can live for several days after ejaculation and actually can travel up the vaginal walls even if not inserted into the vagina. Laugh all you want but your the one that was not paying attention in 6th grade sex ed moron
No Amy you’re the moron! What you said doesn’t even make sense. Please tell me where you saw that information. That’s not what I learned through out school and college. And I majored in health science.
If semen was smeared on, or in any other way introduced to the vaginal area during or after the anal sex, she COULD become pregnant. I’m sure she doesn’t think she got pregnant in her butt – but yes she actually could have gotten pregnant by mere presence of sperm close enough to have reached her vagina.
Why all the hate, jeeeza.
Hello, I just turned 30 and have noticed that the past 2 months that my breast have been very sore and tender. I have never had the problem of them getting sore before my cycle, of which I am still having like normal. They are also getting bigger. Is it possible that they could just be growing at my age? I have also taken 2 preg test, from the advice of some family members. Both have came out negative. What is going on?
HI i,am 38 years old my nipples be hurting me alot i know iam not pregnant.this been going on for a long time,ever time i ready to come on,they get sore.then i be in a bad mood.i rub then. i try a diffrent bra.thank you.
hiya my breast have been really sore since a week before a was due on the there still hurting me now and am due on any day could this be a sign of preganacy my bf had cum inside of me few weeks back i am on the birth control buh i missed a couple and tuk the later than usaul could anybody help me would like to no ??
I am 54 and thought I was in menopause. I didn’t have a period for almost 9 months, had a light one and haven’t had another one now for almost 6 months. All of a sudden my breasts got really tender and have been that way for almost over a month. It feels just like I used to when I was having regular periods.
Just wondering if anyone has had that before. It seems a little late to be going thru that again, but even my OBGYN said I might have another period. Any thougths? Thanks for any help.
my breasts and nipples have been sore for 3 weeks now. i had my period the first week of july. normal. they are so tender, i have to wear two bras without underwire for comfort. there is no nipple discharge or color change. it seems this year, my pre menstrual symptoms have worsen, and now it seems to even linger after my periods. i have no health insurance at this time. please help, thank you
hi i have a question. I have been on the depo shot for 5 years on and off. I was due for my updated shot on july11 i have been too busy to make time for it but it’sbeen a month now. I haven’t had my period. My boyfriend and i have alot of unprotected sex,and we wouldn’t mind a baby at the moment but would prefer to find out. My nipples are really sore, i’ve has changes in my appetite, and i can’t fit in my clothes like i did, i’ve been getting these huge migranes on top of it, and i get upset over alot of things to the point where i cry. But the thing i can’t figure out is thati’ve taken three pregancy tests at home and they all say negative. What does anyone say tothat? Please help me out. thanks.
hi just weeks ago my breast start to be sore and about 2 days ago my nipple start being very tender i get shortness of breath my chest be hurting and when i wake up in the morning my stomach feel sore. what do u think whats going on
hello ladys what i am about to tell you may sound very strange but in my family we suffer from “BIG” boobs,my mother has given me some helpful information on how to help ease the pain of sore breasts and nipples please dont think im going crazy because i am not and this really does work…go to your local supermarket and buy a savoy cabbage break 2 leaves off and rinse them under clean cold water pat them dry then place them inside your bra and i can honestly say this will help ease your pain within 5 mins…once your finished with them wash them again and place them in a sandwich bag and pop them back in the fridge…. oh and you can also use them in bed and out and about i know its very strange but nothing else can ease the feeling that your boobs have gone 100 rounds with mike tyson…good luck i look forward to hearing how this went.
hey 29 here, i am having some really sore nipples for the past 3days, i have had no period for about 2months now, and the strange part is i have had my tubes tied 8yrs ago.. so any ideas what this is or has anyone had any of these symptoms..
Hi everyone, i’m 22 years old, my breasts have been really sore and tender floor about 4 Weeks now, my period is 2 days late as of now….ooh and i’m also an A cup so I know its not from my breasts being to big….. If anyone has any information or tips please lest me know, painis being unbearable at this point…. Oh, and I haven’t taken a pregnancy test. Thanks!
part of my nipples are swollen not the entire nipple, but the lower part. what does this mean? Should I worry?
See your doctor!!!
hi i am 40 years old and due my period in just over a weeks time but for the last week or so my nipples are really sore any ideas what it could be ?
I am turning 55 in August, I had a hysterectomy about 20years ago, my right breast nipple is very sensitive the left one is not so sore – should I be worried?
two weeks ago my menstral ended sunday/monday, had unprotected sex on that friday but he didnt ejaculate inside. But the possiblity of some floaters……Now my breasts are very tender. Should i be concerned, of pregnancy, or just soreness for upcoming, in two weeks another menstral? UGH!
i am 23 i havent had a period sence jan 2012 but there not regular but for about 2 weeks my nipples have been sore and about 3 days ago my lower stomach has been kinda cramping im not sure if its my period or what but i dont have any kind of cramps b4 i get my cycle or used 2 not anyways i noticed that i go to the bathroom alot more lately but when i take a test it always N so if anyone could kinda give me an idea of what may be going on it would be great……
Cramping can happen in early pregnancy when the fertilised egg gets implanted into the inner lining of the uterus OR frequent toilet trips and and a sore stomach can indicate a urinary tract infection.
Im 19 and my breasts have been sore for a few weeks they have stretch marks around them , I cant lie on my front or touch them there so tender and my bra irritates them too. Also there is abit of skin pealin off? Is it normal when there growing? I have put on a bit of weight? And my periods are every 2 weeks it has been for the past 6 months.
Ok im 18 years old my period came on jan.27th feb 3rd but march it didnt clne on at all i took a pregnancy test and it came out negative every time but my breast is very sore and ive have been very tried lately headaches as well i went to the doctor gave them a urine sample it was negative as and to this day my period isnt on and i have been getting bad cramps can somebody please help me out.
My nipples have been sore for the last week and my last period was in January. I had my tubes tied clipped and burned in 95. I’m sure I’m not pregnant but what could be the reason for my nipples being sore and the missed period.
Hi my nipples have been hurting and I’ve been. Having hot flashes n I had sex a week ago n it started this week am I pregnant
Hi, I’m 20 Years old and my breast are usually pretty sore..But for about the last month in half my breast have been more sore than usual, and my nipples are so sore i cry…They itch sometimes but not alot..I know cancer/breast cancer runs in my family but when I was in 8th grade I had tests done to see if I had any breast cancer and the test came back negative..But my breast have been really sore and I’m the Birth Control called Imponon, could this be cause from my birth control or something more serious? I would really like some information if anyone on here is willing to give me any, and I’m really scared. Thanks alot
Hi, Im 29, had my tubes tied in 2009… 5weeks late, breast hurts, 3 neg pregnancy test… Night sweats day sweats, just HOT FLASHES, LOL!!! I think I’m going through menopause early, bc no way I can be prego, what do you think?
I am 38yrs I had my gastric bypassa month ago and since I have been going through alot of changes. before the surgey I had just got off my period, after the surgey it returned but much worse heavy,heavy bleeding with clots. Along with my nipples are supper sore. I told my obgyn and he sats its from wiwght lost. But I doesnt feel right.i have avoid sex for seven monthss now. They hurt like hell. Please help.
Hi I’m a 25 and I was on the 3month injection I went off it and on the pill called oregone and went off it bout 9months ago then 2months later got my period then I skip 2months and go my period again that was in december and its april now and I still never got a period again I took test every month but came out negtative now a few days back I felt my nipples is sore and I just now got a pain in my rigth breast it fell like their was a wind inside I use2 get that pain went my daugther use2 drink on my breast and break a wind while drinking but she use too drink it out but she’s off my breast 2years now please I need too know wats wrong wit me thanks reply asap
Avoid salt like the plague. Salt will make your swell and have painful periods.
Pregnancy tests are not 100% accurate. Try another or see your doctor.
Hi I have an irregular cycle… I had a period last month and I am sexually active… I had sex a week ago and. Know my breast are very soar… could I have breast cancer or could I be pregnant.. I was informed that I do not ovulate every month because of my irregular cycle… do anyone may have an idea of what’s going on
Hello I’m 21 years of age, and am on the pill, but I tend to screw it up and miss doses .. Either way my breasts have grown almost a full cup size and are very tender to touch. Which I’ve never had a problem with soreness before. This as been occurring over the past 5 weeks. I have had light headedness, but that’s been an ongoing problem so I don’t think it’s too different from normal. I’m suppost to get my period today, not Unusual for it to be a couple Days late. I took a home test 3 days ago first thing in the morning nd it came back negative… Was this too early to ate the test? Should I be worried or do they just grow during your twenties out of no where like this?
i’m 23 and i’m on the pill, my nipples havnt been sore before and its bee happening for two weeks. i’ve seen my period last month. could i be pregnant
So Hi im 19 and i got my period april 6th nd a coupke days later was off it. Me nd my Fiance have had unprotected sex april 17-21 and jus a few days ago my brest started hurting nd i have headaches sometimes and i have hot flashes during the daytime nd while im layin down to sleep at night i have 2 fAns on everynight now. My nipples are starting to hurt nd my breast look bigger im tired more lately nd my lower part of my tummy cramps nd hurts nd my ribs hurt as well could i possibly be pregnant.?? Please someone reply
Hiya iv just come of my period bout a week ago n now my breast are tender n sore to touch, like theyv been punched by the heavy weight champ aaahhh help wot could it be.
Hi i’m busy with menopause (early menopause started because of shock when son passed in MC accident) 3 weeks ago i saw clear mucus discharge and now for 2 weeks i’m nauseas, tired, sore nipples, cramping, moody and cant stand the sight or smell of mince meat. i’m 39
Please what do you think?
i do have an irregular menstrual flow,which happens some times.last month i missed my period but ma breast was swollen even up till now as am talking to you.my breast is swollen and painful so also my nipples.to add to it am experiencing the same pains i do feel when am actually menstruating.but noting is coming out.a friend said i might be pregnant…i don’t know Wat to think.and the weight of my breast increased,its weighty and so painful especially when i take off my bra.pls i need to know Wats wrong with me.
Has anyone ever heard of just one breast swelling? I am about a week out from my next due period and usually both breasts or nipples will become sore. However, the last week or so my right breast has increased in size significantly. Each day getting larger and my nipple appears to be rather dry. My left breast has remained its normal size and is tender off and on. The nipple is not very sensitive. Should I be worried? Has anyone ever had this problem? Or a clue on what it could be? Thank you!
i would go to the doctor.. it could be cancer. but i could be wrong. hoping for the best. xx
My period come & finish but my breast nipples is still tender. Does that mean I’m pregnant