Breast, premenstrual tenderness and swelling
Alternative names:
premenstrual tenderness and swelling of the breasts
Definition:
Swelling and tenderness of both breasts during the second
half of the menstrual cycle. (For more information see premenstrual
syndrome (PMS) and fibrocystic
breast disease.)
Considerations:
Symptoms may range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically
peak just before each menstrual period and improve immediately
after or during the menstrual period. Breast tissue may have
dense, rough, "cobblestone" consistency--usually more marked
in the outer areas, an intermittent or persistent sense of
breast fullness with dull, heavy pain, and tenderness.
During the menstrual cycle, estrogen production increases
and peaks just prior to midcycle. This causes enlargement
of the breast ducts. Premenstrually, progesterone peaks near
the 21st day (in a 28-day cycle) and causes growth of the
breast lobules.
Premenstrual swelling and tenderness of the breasts is commonly
associated with premenstrual
syndrome (PMS) and fibrocystic
breast disease (benign
breast changes). The cause of fibrocystic breast disease is
not completely understood but is believed to be associated
with ovarian hormones since the condition usually subsides
with menopause. Premenstrual
breast tenderness and
swelling probably occur
to some degree in nearly all women. Symptoms severe enough
to cause concern or limit function may occur in as many as
60 to 70% of women during their childbearing years. The incidence
may be lower in women taking oral contraceptives (birth control
pills). Risk factors may include heredity and diet (excessive
dietary fat or caffeine
intake).
Common causes:
Note: There may be other causes of premenstrual breast
tenderness. This list is not all-inclusive, and the causes
are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this
symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore,
the causes may vary based on the age of the affected person,
as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom
such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors,
relieving factors, and associated complaints.
Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
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