Among all premenstrual discomforts, breast tenderness persists the longest. Why do breasts ache before menstruation? This question draws significant attention. Let's explore below. For women, safeguarding breast health is crucial—preventing breast diseases and undergoing timely screenings are vital steps. Breasts also hold aesthetic significance; their health impacts not only other organs but also overall appearance.
Why do breasts ache before menstruation? Experts explain that premenstrual breast tenderness and occasional palpable lumps occur because breast glands, like the uterine lining, undergo cyclical changes. These include a premenstrual proliferative phase and a postmenstrual recovery phase.
The premenstrual proliferative phase occurs 7-10 days before menstruation. During this time, elevated levels of androgens and progesterone, along with increased antidiuretic hormone activity and aldosterone secretion, cause ductal dilation, epithelial cell proliferation and hypertrophy, and edema in the surrounding stroma. This leads to compression symptoms and pain.Simultaneously, an increase in immature breast fibers and lymphocyte infiltration causes breast enlargement, resulting in a sensation of discomfort and fullness. The postmenstrual recovery phase occurs after menstruation begins, when decreased secretion of estrogen, progesterone, and antidiuretic hormone leads to smaller ducts, epithelial cell atrophy, and reduced immature breast fibers. Consequently, breast tenderness and fullness subside.
It can be said that if you experience breast tenderness before your period, it serves as a reminder that menstruation is approaching. Some liken the premenstrual phase to a rising tide, causing breast swelling and pain. After menstruation, it's akin to the tide receding, with breast discomfort diminishing or disappearing—a fitting analogy.
Therefore, premenstrual breast tenderness is a normal physiological phenomenon. Women experiencing this need not worry excessively or carry heavy mental burdens. Emotional states can also affect hormonal balance and potentially lead to breast disorders. Thus, such occurrences during the premenstrual phase should be addressed appropriately.