01/05/2026
Breast pain, also called mastalgia, is a very common concern among women and in most cases, it is not serious.
What is mastalgia?
It simply means pain or discomfort in the breast. It can vary from mild heaviness to sharp or burning pain.
Types of breast pain:
- Cyclic mastalgia: linked to the menstrual cycle. Usually occurs before periods due to hormonal changes and settles once periods begin.
- Non-cyclic mastalgia: not related to periods. It can be constant or occasional and may need evaluation.
Who can experience it?
- Young girls and women during reproductive age
- Before or during periods
- During pregnancy
- Postpartum and breastfeeding mothers due to engorgement, milk stasis or infection
- Perimenopausal women
- Women with hormonal fluctuations or certain medications
Sometimes, what feels like breast pain may not actually be from the breast. It could be due to:
- Muscle strain
- Rib or chest wall injury
- Poor posture
What can help?
- Proper breast support with a well-fitted bra
- Warm compress
- Simple pain relievers when required
- Treating the underlying cause if identified
Most breast pain is harmless, but if you notice a lump, redness, discharge or persistent pain, do consult your doctor.