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Breast pain

Anxiouslady25
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I'm 41 and I've been having breast pain for quite some time now in my left breast, I saw a nurse in April 2021 who could feel a thickening on the outside area and referred me to the breast unit for a mammogram.  I had a mammogram in May 2021 and they could see more glandular tissue in the left breast and asymmetry they then did an ultrasound on the outside area of the left breast which he then said was 'normal'.  The pain is still there and worse when I lean forward, over to my left or do things like put my shoes on, it's like a shooting pain and stops me in my tracks. I'm so frightened as it's been going on now for about a year, the worry is taking over, any advice would be gratefully received xx

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    Hello and thanks for the post

    Breast pain is not unusual and in many cases may be down to hormonal changes - the medical name for it is mastalgia.

    Glandular tissue is more commonly seen in breasts which are still quite dense and in the younger age groups - so that is also why you may have had the ultrasound as well. It's reassuring to know that both the mammogram and ultrasound did not show anything of concern, but as you remain worried , do go back to the GP to go over your symptoms again. Breast clinics will see patients for mastalgia as well as any lumps , so you can always discuss this with the GP.

    There is more about breast pain here  

    I hope things start to settle down soon for you

    All the best

    Wanda

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Wanda

    Thank you for replying. The pain has seemed to ease a bit now it's 5 days after my period but there is still a niggling pain when I  bend down or lean over sometimes, it is definitely worse leading up to my period and then for a few days afterwards so I'm assuming it is linked to hormones but for the rest of the month there is always some discomfort in the same area in the left breast that catches me unawares. I'm taking evening primrose oil with starflower oil and have cut caffeine but doesn't seem to make a difference. It's such a worry

  • in reply to Anxiouslady25

    Hello,

    Breast pain can take several months or longer to reduce, even after making some lifestyle changes. It may be that you will experience breast pain around various points in your menstrual cycle. So try to not over worry about this.

    Do talk to your GP, if it doesn't improve over time, to see what they can suggest to help.

    Wishing you the best,

    Vanda

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