November 28, 2012 12:30:33 PM WATime
Hi chook000.
Thanks for your query - not pleasant for you to have this discomfort in the breast (I am assuming when you refer to 'pain on one side' you are referring to your breast!).
Breast pain (known as mastalgia) is very common - around 70% of women will experience breast pain at some time, and for some this is constant. Although aches in the breast are uncomfortable, fortunately they are seldom associated with cancer or other serious conditions, particularly if no other significant changes such as lumps or skin changes are present. More often pain may be related to hormonal changes in the breast tissue, stretching, cysts or fibrous benign changes in breast, or arise from ribs or chest wall muscle. In many cases the exact cause is never identified. Pregnancy and breast feeding produce many changes to breast tissue and hormonal levels … if you have recently stopped breast feeding, these changes may contribute to aches and discomfort. Surface veins in the skin of the breast do increase in size during pregnancy and may remain more obvious after, though do not usually become blocked (blockage would cause swelling, redness and pain at the site).
Great you had your GP check this out – always very important if any changes or concerns. At 28yrs of age, a mammogram would not be advised (unless reasonable reason to do so) as is often not helpful at a young age and preferred not to have unnecessary x-rays. If any further investigations were indicated, an ultrasound can be done - but if no concerning lumps or such then this is also not likely to be useful.
Treating breast pain is also not straight-forward. As the exact cause is often not clear, the remedy is also not clear. Some things to try:
- * simple anti-inflammatory pain-relieving medication such as Ibuprofen & Paracetamol may help (particularly if muscle or inflammatory cause) – take regularly for a few days to determine if helps. Once inflammation settles (may take 2-3 weeks), then can cease taking tablets
- * wear well-fitted comfortable supportive bras – this can ease discomfort considerably
- * healthy low fat diet, plenty of fresh veges & fruit
- * Vitamin B & E supplements
- * reduce caffeine in diet (ie coffee, tea, soft-drinks such as colas & energy drinks)– caffeine is a nerve stimulant that may contribute to pain
- * Evening Primrose Oil has also helped at times – though need to take for at least 2-3 months before effect known. Take 3000mg/day
If you are still concerned, then requesting a review at a specialist Breast Centre is recommended. A GP referral is usually required.
A brochure on breast pain is available at: http://www.bci.org.au/images/stories/about_bc/factsheets/new_pdf/mastalgia.pdf
All the best chook000. Please let us know how you go …
Hugs, Glenys (Click Breast Care Nurse) xx
The Click Breast Care Nurse 
