Untitled design

How To Eliminate Premenstrual Breast Pain

Do your “Tatas” need some TLC? About 20 percent of women experience breast tenderness, achiness, and lumps shortly before their period. Some say that pain is so severe that it hurts to wear a bra or engage in normal activities like going to work or school.  Even sex can be difficult.Although premenstrual breast pain is quite common, that doesn’t mean that it can be chalked up to just being a woman.  Before we get into the what, why and how. Let’s address the “elephant in the room”. Do breast lumps always mean cancer? The good news is cyclic, generalized breast pain is basically never due to breast cancer. And that’s the type that most of us get. Localized, non-cyclic breast pain is also rarely due to cancer.


However, some breast pain can be due to cancer, although rare. Here’s what to look out for in addition to pain – skin of the breast may feel warm and thick and look similar to an orange peel. Make sure you have a full medical exam by a doctor including thorough inspection of the breast including an ultrasound if there is any localized breast pain. An ultrasound can also tell you if you have a cyst. Women over 35 that have a lump plus pain should have a mammography.

Now let’s talk about some causes of breast pain. The most common type occurs premenstrual and is related to hormonal changes related to the monthly cycle. The same inflammatory chemicals in the body, such as prostaglandins and cytokines that cause menstrual cramps can also cause breast tenderness. In fact, that breast tissue goes through monthly cyclic changes that mirror what is happening in the uterus. Some breast pain is not related to the menstrual cycle at all. Some sources believe that it’s related to inflammation in the body due to diet and lifestyle habits. Zenoestrogens or “fake estrogens” from environmental toxins, plastics, BPA, phthalates, parabens and the like, overload the body and disrupt the endocrine system.
Some simple solutions to keep your breasts happy: If your breasts are large, heavy and pendulous, make sure you have agood fitting bra with excellent support.  You deserve that. That might sound intuitive, but there are many women walking around in ill-fitting bras. Yes, a good bra can be costly, but so is finding solutions to years of breast, back and neck pain.

via GIPHY

 

 

If you are a smoker, please stop. Nicotine use is associated with increased breast pain through its effects on a chemical in your body called epinephrine. Besides, cigarette smoking also increases your risk of cervical cancer. Eat organic, especially meat and dairy. Or, you may need to eliminate dairy altogether along with caffeine as these are common culprits to breast pain.
Get plenty of fiber from vegetables, especially the cruciferous family: cabbage, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts and turnips. Eat less sugar and more high-quality healthy fats. Flax seeds and soy are excellent sources of phytoestrogens and fiber. A 2014 study suggested that whole wheat bread containing 30 grams of flaxseed significantly reduced cyclic breast pain in 181 with premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD. Additionally, fiber will help keep bowel movements regular. Elimination is the body’s way of eliminating excess estrogen. Women who eliminate daily have much less breast tenderness than those “go” only a few times a week or less.

Eating fermented foods like sauerkraut and miso or a good probiotic to support healthy gut flora. Some doctors treat breast pain with iodine. Iodine promotes healthy metabolism of estrogen, down-regulates estrogen receptors and stabilizes estrogen-sensitive tissue found in the breasts as well as other areas. Iodine-rich foods like seaweed or a multivitamin containing iodine can be helpful.

Lastly,listen to “the girls” . Our bodies have a magnificent way of communicating with us. What are your breasts saying to you? Are you facing challenges at work, in a toxic relationship or neglecting self-care? Take some time to reconnect with your body.  See where you can reduce stress and take care of yourself more.  Nourish your breasts directly with a massage several times a week in the shower or bath. Your breasts are bathed in lymph. Lymph carries nutrients throughout the body and filters out waste products through the lymph nodes, where they can be detoxified. Massage helps to drain the lymph glands and can reduce pain and engorgement, another way to nurture your body.

Motivation Podcast Cover.zip - 2.jpeg__PID:1106e527-881f-45a2-ba92-6c1850431c66

Find Karen Martel on Apply Podcast 

Karen Martel is a Certified Hormone Specialist and Transformational Nutrition Coach dedicated to empowering women through their health journeys.

As the host of the popular podcast The Hormone Solution, Karen tackles the complexities of hormonal health, weight loss resistance, and the challenges that come with perimenopause and menopause. Her mission is to disrupt outdated narratives surrounding women's health, providing reliable information and practical solutions that help women reclaim their vitality. With personal experience overcoming her own health struggles, Karen offers insights into hormone optimization and sustainable weight management strategies.

Join her as she engages in enlightening conversations with experts and shares actionable advice, all aimed at helping women navigate their unique hormonal landscapes with confidence and clarity. Tune in to discover how to embrace life's stages while enhancing overall well-being.

Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel

Progesterone: Progest Calm

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              Terms & Conditions

              Karen Martel Hormone Solutions supplies products listed on the website, and in our stores under the following Terms and Conditions. Please read these Terms and Conditions, and our Privacy and Cookie Policies carefully before using any of our websites, or ordering from us.

              The Terms and Conditions apply to your use of any Karen Martel website and to any products you purchase from them; regardless of how you access the website, including any technologies or devices where our website is available to you at home, on the move or in store

              We reserve the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time, and any updates affecting you or your purchases will be notified to you, by us in writing (via email), and on this page.

              The headings in these Conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.

              We recommend that you print and keep a copy of these Terms and Conditions for your future reference...

              How To Eliminate Premenstrual Breast Pain – karenmartel
              Untitled design

              How To Eliminate Premenstrual Breast Pain

              Do your “Tatas” need some TLC? About 20 percent of women experience breast tenderness, achiness, and lumps shortly before their period. Some say that pain is so severe that it hurts to wear a bra or engage in normal activities like going to work or school.  Even sex can be difficult.Although premenstrual breast pain is quite common, that doesn’t mean that it can be chalked up to just being a woman.  Before we get into the what, why and how. Let’s address the “elephant in the room”. Do breast lumps always mean cancer? The good news is cyclic, generalized breast pain is basically never due to breast cancer. And that’s the type that most of us get. Localized, non-cyclic breast pain is also rarely due to cancer.


              However, some breast pain can be due to cancer, although rare. Here’s what to look out for in addition to pain – skin of the breast may feel warm and thick and look similar to an orange peel. Make sure you have a full medical exam by a doctor including thorough inspection of the breast including an ultrasound if there is any localized breast pain. An ultrasound can also tell you if you have a cyst. Women over 35 that have a lump plus pain should have a mammography.

              Now let’s talk about some causes of breast pain. The most common type occurs premenstrual and is related to hormonal changes related to the monthly cycle. The same inflammatory chemicals in the body, such as prostaglandins and cytokines that cause menstrual cramps can also cause breast tenderness. In fact, that breast tissue goes through monthly cyclic changes that mirror what is happening in the uterus. Some breast pain is not related to the menstrual cycle at all. Some sources believe that it’s related to inflammation in the body due to diet and lifestyle habits. Zenoestrogens or “fake estrogens” from environmental toxins, plastics, BPA, phthalates, parabens and the like, overload the body and disrupt the endocrine system.
              Some simple solutions to keep your breasts happy: If your breasts are large, heavy and pendulous, make sure you have agood fitting bra with excellent support.  You deserve that. That might sound intuitive, but there are many women walking around in ill-fitting bras. Yes, a good bra can be costly, but so is finding solutions to years of breast, back and neck pain.

              via GIPHY

               

               

              If you are a smoker, please stop. Nicotine use is associated with increased breast pain through its effects on a chemical in your body called epinephrine. Besides, cigarette smoking also increases your risk of cervical cancer. Eat organic, especially meat and dairy. Or, you may need to eliminate dairy altogether along with caffeine as these are common culprits to breast pain.
              Get plenty of fiber from vegetables, especially the cruciferous family: cabbage, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts and turnips. Eat less sugar and more high-quality healthy fats. Flax seeds and soy are excellent sources of phytoestrogens and fiber. A 2014 study suggested that whole wheat bread containing 30 grams of flaxseed significantly reduced cyclic breast pain in 181 with premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD. Additionally, fiber will help keep bowel movements regular. Elimination is the body’s way of eliminating excess estrogen. Women who eliminate daily have much less breast tenderness than those “go” only a few times a week or less.

              Eating fermented foods like sauerkraut and miso or a good probiotic to support healthy gut flora. Some doctors treat breast pain with iodine. Iodine promotes healthy metabolism of estrogen, down-regulates estrogen receptors and stabilizes estrogen-sensitive tissue found in the breasts as well as other areas. Iodine-rich foods like seaweed or a multivitamin containing iodine can be helpful.

              Lastly,listen to “the girls” . Our bodies have a magnificent way of communicating with us. What are your breasts saying to you? Are you facing challenges at work, in a toxic relationship or neglecting self-care? Take some time to reconnect with your body.  See where you can reduce stress and take care of yourself more.  Nourish your breasts directly with a massage several times a week in the shower or bath. Your breasts are bathed in lymph. Lymph carries nutrients throughout the body and filters out waste products through the lymph nodes, where they can be detoxified. Massage helps to drain the lymph glands and can reduce pain and engorgement, another way to nurture your body.

              Motivation Podcast Cover.zip - 2.jpeg__PID:1106e527-881f-45a2-ba92-6c1850431c66

              Find Karen Martel on Apply Podcast 

              Karen Martel is a Certified Hormone Specialist and Transformational Nutrition Coach dedicated to empowering women through their health journeys.

              As the host of the popular podcast The Hormone Solution, Karen tackles the complexities of hormonal health, weight loss resistance, and the challenges that come with perimenopause and menopause. Her mission is to disrupt outdated narratives surrounding women's health, providing reliable information and practical solutions that help women reclaim their vitality. With personal experience overcoming her own health struggles, Karen offers insights into hormone optimization and sustainable weight management strategies.

              Join her as she engages in enlightening conversations with experts and shares actionable advice, all aimed at helping women navigate their unique hormonal landscapes with confidence and clarity. Tune in to discover how to embrace life's stages while enhancing overall well-being.

              Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
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              Quick Hits: The Best Ways to Use Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy With Dr. Felice Gersh

              Quick Hits: The Best Ways to Use Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy With Dr. Felice Gersh

              Jul 09, 2025
              by
              Karen Martel

              In today's Quick Hits blast from the past: As Medical Director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, Dr. Gersh focuses on understanding women's innate physical and emotional make-up. Through her research and practical experience, she has come to understand that women have internal, natural rhythms that are absolutely essential to female health. These rhythms are controlled by hormones, particularly estrogen, and may be kept in balance through both conventional and holistic treatments.

              Reclaiming Intimacy, Power, and Pleasure in Midlife with Dr. Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman

              Reclaiming Intimacy, Power, and Pleasure in Midlife with Dr. Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman

              Jul 07, 2025
              by
              Karen Martel

              Are you ready to rediscover the spark of intimacy in midlife? Ever wondered how societal norms might be holding you back from fully embracing your desires? Join us as we delve into the secrets of fulfilling connections with Dr. Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman, creators of the transformative Somatica Method. What if the changes you face in midlife were an invitation to something deeper? How can open communication revolutionize your relationships? In this episode, we tackle these questions head-on, offering fresh perspectives on reclaiming sensual pleasure and breaking free from repressive sexual norms.

              Compare0

                          Terms & Conditions

                          Karen Martel Hormone Solutions supplies products listed on the website, and in our stores under the following Terms and Conditions. Please read these Terms and Conditions, and our Privacy and Cookie Policies carefully before using any of our websites, or ordering from us.

                          The Terms and Conditions apply to your use of any Karen Martel website and to any products you purchase from them; regardless of how you access the website, including any technologies or devices where our website is available to you at home, on the move or in store

                          We reserve the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time, and any updates affecting you or your purchases will be notified to you, by us in writing (via email), and on this page.

                          The headings in these Conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.

                          We recommend that you print and keep a copy of these Terms and Conditions for your future reference...