Each menstrual cycle the glands of the breast go through their own orderly cycle of changes under the influence of ovarian hormones. During the first half of the cycle very little appears to happen. After ovulation, progesterone from the corpus luteum stimulates activity in the cells of the breast glands. The amount of blood in the breasts increases and leads to increased fluid around gland cells. The overall effect is swelling and sometimes tenderness of the breasts, reaching a peak a day or so before menstruation. If there’s no pregnancy, hormone levels fall and breasts return to their resting state as the next cycle begins. If conception occurs, the activity due to progesterone continues.
Premenstrual breast changes affect both breasts. Because there’s more gland tissue in the upper outer quarter including the tail that goes up towards the armpit, tenderness and swelling may be more noticeable in this part (which is also more likely to be bumped by arm movements).
Many women find that vitamin B6 (25 mg four times a day) or evening primrose oil (3 g per day) relieves premenstrual breast tenderness. If these don’t help and premenstrual breast soreness regularly disrupts your life, see your doctor to discuss possibly using prescription medications that can influence the effect of ovarian hormones on breast tissue.
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