Category: Breast Stories

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Nowadays, we all know that cancer is a dangerous disease which seems to be cured harder than before. Among all of the cancers, breast cancer is found to be the number-one cancer that women around the world suffer. Because of the higher rate of infection each year, breast cancer is considered a dangerous one. Due to the less awareness, people tend to ignore the proper prevention and get themselves at risk unconsciously. They might think that breast cancer is too far from them, especially when their families have no medical history on this disease before. However, the truth is everyone is able to face this cancer – both male and female. And even though many medical technologies have been developed specifically for this disease, these still cannot guarantee that the patients will totally be safe from the cancer as it also depends on personal factors such as health conditions and stage of the cancer.

As previously mentioned about the family’s medical history, genetic risk factor is not the only possible cause of breast cancer. Some bad behaviors and continual medication use are also the interesting ones to concern. Women who have no baby and have never breastfed before are at higher risks. Nevertheless, there is no research confirming what actually causes the breast cancer. All we can do is guessing and avoiding all the possible causes. One thing that we can be sure is this deadly disease is a secret killer in women!  

Talking about breast cancer treatments, there are many options available for the patients today. Mostly, chemotherapy is recommended for this kind of cancer, but not all patients can get this treatment. Anyway, its side effects are quite terrifying, especially for the young women.  Nausea, vomiting, hair fall, anaemia and beriberi are just the beginning symptoms to deal with after the chemotherapy. Many people feel exhausted and are not able to eat. It is a very tough moment for ones who experience the treatment. In some cases, mastectomy is needed when the cancerous cells are on the dangerous stage. Nonetheless, it cannot assure that the cancerous cells are gone; follow-up visits are still needed. The effects after that are much more than just the pain. As breasts are the sign of femininity, many women also lose their confidence and pride of their beauty. Though it is true that the prosthesis can solve this matter, it cannot replace the natural breasts they had anyway. Moreover, losing breasts might affect a lot on their dream of having a baby. Some people are afraid that this cancer will be transferred to their babies through the gene, and others might feel that it would be too hard to breastfeed the baby. For mothers, this is heartbroken when you see the baby cries but you cannot feed him/her by your own. Your life will completely change! However, the breast implant surgery nowadays can help you deal with this matter and at least bring back a few of the lost confidence.

The stunning point about the breast cancer rate is the fact that many people don’t know they have this cancer until it has already spread to other parts of their bodies or we call “Stage 5” which might be too late to cure. Therefore, a yearly physical checkup is a recommended protection you all can do to seek for the abnormal cells and get yourself on the treatment earlier! Learn about breast cancer today to learn about ways to save your life!  

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To have big beautiful breasts, doing the breast surgery is normally the most popular choice women usually pick. However, having these implants means you have to spend more time with the breast nourishment, especially for the first three months after the surgery. One issue that women with breast implants might find is the breast cancer detection. While other women are able to detect the breast cancer by doing the mammograms only, this method actually cannot determine the cancerous cells beneath the implants. It is very important to inform the doctor first if you have done the breast implants before, so he can provide you more proper tests. Remember everyone, having sexy, beautiful breasts does not mean your breasts are safe from this deadly disease. Regular breast checks are still needed. Generally, breast biopsy is a procedure that will be recommended if the mammogram signals some suspicious parts for searching the lump and cancerous cells in the implanted breasts!

What is breast biopsy and why you should do it?

Breast biopsy is performed by removing some suspicious tissues or cut out parts of the lump for checking the cancerous cells. Ultrasound is sometimes used to help guide the doctor where the exact suspicious area is, but x-rays and mammograms are normally supported methods many doctors rely on. Then, the cut part will be examined under the microscope by a specialist called “pathologist” to find out whether there are cancerous cells in it or not. There are three types of biopsies available now: fine-needle aspiration, core-needle biopsy and surgical biopsy. However, the fine-needle aspiration can help diagnose the breast cancer in most cases. Surgical biopsy is rarely chosen as the doctor has to do the surgery for getting into the abnormal area and cut out the entire lump to perform the test which is quite scary for many women. Nevertheless, it is the effective way to guarantee that you are safe from the cancer and reduce risks on letting the cancerous cells spread as the lump has been brought out.Therefore, you will be able to get the actual result of the detection and gain more opportunities to get treatmentsin earlier by doing the biopsy. Actually, women who have never done the breast implants before can also do the biopsy if their breasts are too dense for the mammograms to search for the cancer.

What is your breast appearance after the biopsy?

For women with the breast implants, sagging condition and smaller breast size might be the side effects they are afraid of. The truth is the doctor will try best to bring out just a little breast tissue for the test and leave you with very tiny lesion which is expected to fade away as the time goes by. However, the amount of breast tissues the doctor cut out must reflect on changes of your breast look. After the biopsy (all types of biopsies), it is normal if your breast is bleeding or swelling. During this, you may notice that the biopsied side becomes bigger. Don’t worry as these conditions will gradually disappear as your breast is healed. Even though the doctor indicates that you are safe from the cancer, follow-up visits are necessary as some treatments or medications might be needed. And do not think that it is a waste of time if the result shows no signal of the cancer. The breast biopsy is a great breast cancer diagnosis that is surely worth your time! Apart from the beauty of your breasts, healthiness is also a necessary factor to concern if you don’t want to lose your breasts!

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Breast appearance seems to be a serious matter for women nowadays. Because the breasts are feminine signs of beauty and sexiness, people are pleased to spend lots of money for improving their breast look.  Also, it is believed that having beautiful breast makes women feel more confident and attractive even though there is no scientific support. Sagging breast condition is one of the breast problems many women want to solve. Naturally, your breasts begin to shrink as you get older due to the lost feminine hormones and gravity. This is one reason why your breast shape changes all the time. And if you have a baby, breastfeeding period will make this problem worse. However, you all can overcome this matter and firm up your breast naturally by exercising every day. Instead of paying much money on the surgery, let’s try these workouts and see the improvement on your own!

Dumbbell Pullover

By performing the Dumbbell pullover, your breast and back muscles are forced to work which can help lift up breast and improve the upper body at the same time. Start by lying down on the floor with two dumbbells in your hands.  Pull the dumbbells up above your head, and then gradually lift them up and hold it on for 30 seconds. Repeat it again for 20 times.

Tricep Dips

Apart from promoting firmer breasts, this workout also helps tighten the triceps which give you smaller arms like a model’s. Set the bed behind your back and hold on its edge tight with two hands. Next, slowly stretch your legs forward and lower yourself down until the gap between the upperarm and forearm is at 90 degrees. Now, lifting yourself up by using the triceps and repeat everything again. 20 reps are recommended.

Around the World

This workout focuses on your shoulders, arms, back and chest which are very good for your breast firming purpose. Your posture will also be improved as the upper body muscles work. What you have to do is laying down on the floor while holding dumbbells in both of your hands (keep your arms beside the thighs). Then, gradually move your arms from the starting position to over your head as a semi-circle shape and fold your arms back to the thighs again. Repeat it for at least 20 reps to help lift up your breasts.

The chest workouts above are just samples to give you an idea of how to improve your breast appearance naturally. There are actually many workouts to do for lifting up your breasts and help promote your posture. So if you are not addicted with a surgery, breast exercises can be another option to help you deal with the sagging condition naturally. Make yourself a workout itinerary and go with it every day, and then you will notice the change on not only the breasts but also the overall of your body! 

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Drinking never looked so good, especially when it comes to your breast health! However, there are a variety of drinks that can be consumed for your breast health from tea to hot cocoa and even smoothies, which when concocted properly have some of the most potent cancer fighting properties on the planet. So the next time you’re having a bad day or simply want to commemorate a great day, try raising your glass with one of these breast cancer fighting drinks instead!

Green Tea

Green tea is chock-full of antioxidants and catechins, which have been scientifically proven to contain powerful cancer fighting properties. The key is to use loose tea leaves as opposed to bagged tea, and brew the leaves for a fairly long time in order to improve the release of catechins from the leaves.

Green tea can be enjoyed alone, either hot or over ice, or added to your favorite smoothie recipe, lemonade, or other beverage to increase the cancer fighting benefits of your drink.

Cocoa

Studies show that cocoa plays a role in cancer prevention. So savor a hot cup of cocoa or add this chocolately treat to your smoothies for increased cancer fighting benefits.

Pink Smoothies

Pink and red colored fruits and vegetables contain a high level of nutrients, such as antioxidants, phenolic compounds, carteniods, catechins, and more, which research shows are especially beneficial for lowering your risk of cancer. In addition, the compound betalain, which is responsible for giving these fruits and veggies their color, has also been shown to fight inflammation and prevent tumor growth.

So the next time you whip up a smoothie, include pink and red hued fruits and vegetables, such as cherries, raspberries, strawberries, blood oranges, pomegranate, and beets etc. for added cancer prevention. And, when blended together, they turn your smoothie a beautiful pink, which just happens to be the official symbol of cancer awareness.

Green Smoothies

Dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and broccoli are high in flavonoids and cartenoids, which have been shown to aid in the prevention of breast cancer.

Simply blend up a glass of your favorite greens with ice (add a banana or apple for a bit of sweetness) or add them to your favorite fruit smoothies for a lean, green cancer-fighting drink.

Green Juice Shots

Spirulina, a consumable freshwater algae, has extremely high levels of beneficial phytochemicals and nutrients, which are known to provide chemopreventative and disease fighting effects. In fact, one study showed that after administering a “super cocktail” containing spirulina to controlled cells and sample cancer cells, the cocktail hindered the invasion and migration process, decreased cancer cell growth by over 20%, and over time activated the death of all cancer cells, all without damaging normal, healthy cells.

Meanwhile, wheat grass is one of the highest alkaline foods around, which cancer does not like. In addition, it also contains a host of other cancer fighting nutrients, such as B 17, Selenium, enzymes, and super oxide dismutase.

Just one ounce of these green super-foods is equivalent to about 2 1/2 pounds of green veggies. So the next time you’re in the mood for some fun, simply add one or both of these super-foods to your juicer, then pour it into a shot glass for a day’s worth of veggies in a fun way.

These tasty drinks make it easy and simple to drink to your way to improve breast health each day. So for next happy hour, grab your bestie for a few of these drinks and raise a glass to your breast health!

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Breasts are an important body part in women. They are a symbol of maternal love, femininity, and sexuality. Breasts are exposed to the risks of infections, soreness, cysts, cancer and sagging. A proper breast care is necessary to prevent them from these problems. Here are simple ways to improve your breast health.

Engage in Physical Exercises

Exercise helps in bringing out the good natural shape of breasts and also prevents them from diseases. Engaging in physical activity decreases the amount of estrogen and allows your whole body to detoxify. It does not have to involve heavy workouts at the gyms but rather a few minutes jogging, and walking can help a great way. Workouts lessen the risk of breast cancer by 30%.

Take Healthy Diet

Eating healthy is not only essential for healthy breasts but the overall good health. It is important to reduce the intake of foods that cause acidity and inflammation in the body, e.g., simple carbohydrates, high-glycemic foods and processed sugars. Avoid foods with chemicals in them and genetically modified foods at all cost. The recommended diet should consist of healthy fats, good quality proteins, nutrient dense foods and a lot of vegetables.

Wear the Right Bra

Breasts need appropriate support to prevent sagging that comes as a result of overstretched ligaments. Whether big or small, all breasts have their right bra size. The right bra should be firm and fitting. It shouldn’t be too tight or loose. Tight bras prevent the free flow of lymph channels around the breasts. Women should wear more of cotton bras and avoid push up bras with under- wires.

Don’t Wear Bras All The time

Bras are necessary for supporting the breasts, but they can also be harmful if worn all the time. One cannot avoid wearing a bra when stepping out of the house but can avoid them when going to bed or when just relaxing in the house. Letting the breasts loose allows for free blood stream and detoxifies breast tissues.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol is not good for your breasts health because of its connection with breast cancer. For those who cannot avoid alcohol, they should take a maximum of 1 drink only in a day.

Avoid Harmful Beauty Products

A large number of beauty products in the stores contain toxic chemicals which are associated with health complications. For example, parabens are leading in causing breast cancer growths. When purchasing lotions, shampoos, and deodorants, one should be careful not to buy those with toxic substances. Products from companies such as St. Herb Cosmetics are approved and of quality standard.

Shun Smoking

Smoking causes cancer and should be avoided altogether.

Control Weight

Any gain in weight comes with bigger breast size causing the skin around the breast to overstretch and saggy. Being overweight raises the chances of breast cancer because of the increased production of estrogen. It also interferes with hormonal balance which is directly related to breasts which are part of the reproductive system. Engaging in regular body exercise and eating well is the key to maintain an average weight.

Do Breast Massage

It helps in flushing away body toxins and also improves the blood flow. When massaging your breasts, concentrate on under the armpit where lymph nodes exist. A regular breast massage is essential to drain the lymphatic system, to strengthen the ligaments and help the venous system function efficiently.

Do Breastfeed

If you are a mother, then be aware that breastfeeding is good for your breasts. Breastfeeding lowers the level of estrogen in the body, and this reduces the risk of breast diseases. In fact, twelve months of breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer by 4.1%.

So you’ve known the tips for your breast care now. Start doing today and you can maintain your healthy and beautiful breasts!

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For some reasons, firm breasts are more appealing than loose ones. Women tend to lose the firmness of their breasts with time because of various factors. The most common factors for sagging breasts are genetics, pregnancy, age, gravity and even breastfeeding. The effects of these factors differ from one woman to another.

– Some ladies have connective tissues that can withstand gravity. So, it would take longer for their breasts to sag as a result of gravitational forces. Breasts of women who don’t wear might sag due to continuous exposure to so much gravity.

 – During breastfeeding, the breasts contract and expand regularly. Consequently, this affects their firmness.

–  Menopause is another reason for sagging of breasts. In this phase, the amount of estrogen reduces significantly and this affects breast tissues.

– The skin loses its elasticity as we grow older. In older women, the skin can’t support the breasts as well as it did during their youthful years.

– Weight loss can also make breasts sag as the fat surrounding them reduces when they shed off some pounds. The chest possesses glandular tissues that determine the level of firmness of the breasts. When these tissues stretch, the bosom will lose its firmness.

Aside from the regular sagging, there’s also premature sagging, which is common after losing weight and pregnancy. The Cooper’s ligament in young women suspends and supports the breasts properly. However, it loses its efficiency when the breast size changes during pregnancy. After the breastfeeding period is over, the ligament might fail to regain its full functionality.

There are several breast-firming techniques. Those who stand to benefit from these methods include aging women, women who’ve lost a lot of weight and nursing moms. Many women are conscious about their looks. In the case of aging women, they aware that loose breasts make them appear older. So, they might want to make their bosom firmer. Other kinds of women who may benefit from breast firming techniques are those who have removed their implants.

So, how can a lady enhance her breast’s firmness? Like any other parts of the body, breasts can wear and tear. Nonetheless, you can use various methods to maintain the health of your bosom.

– It’s advisable to take precautionary measures such as wearing a bra during sports, pregnancy as well as breastfeeding.

– Women should engage in breast exercises that tighten the pectoral muscles. Tight chest muscles will make the breast tissues stronger. Exercises are an easy and safe way to maintain your bust size.

– Breast-firming products are also ideal for women with sagging or loose breasts. In today’s market, there are many kinds of firming products. Some are genuine while others aren’t. It’s always a good idea to shop from a reputable vendor. These products include sprays, cream, lotions, oils and pills. To maintain the breast’s firmness, the products enhance the growth of the tissues surrounding the breast. Every day, cosmetic companies are introducing unique and high-quality breast-firming products.

– Other ways to boost your breast’s firmness include using breast pumps and implants. Breast pumps make the chest rigid. They consist of cups, which operate on a pumping mechanism. Users are required to wear the caps over their breasts. The vacuum generating device on the caps sucks out the air in the caps to increase the pressure. This process improves the blood circulation around the chest, thereby making the breast firmer. Also, the pump helps in reduction of toxins in the breasts. To use implants, you’ll have to undergo a surgical procedure. They make the bosom appear more round and firm. This procedure is ideal for all ages and should be performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon. By the way, before settling for implants, it’s recommended that you try other breast-firming techniques.

Now you’ve learned the factors of sagging breasts and tips to lift them up. Start taking care of your breasts today for the firming breasts you desire!

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What are breast cysts?

It is a sac filled with fluid in a woman’s breast. A breast may develop one or numerous cysts. They are usually oval or round lumps with edges that are distinct. The texture of breast cyst feels like a balloon filled with water or a soft grape. Sometimes the cyst feels solid.

Breast cysts may be painful and cause distress but are usually benign. Benign refers to a condition, growth, or tumor that isn’t cancerous. Breast cysts normally become detectable as lump within the breast are discovered by luck during an x-ray of the breast.

They are often found in women who are in their thirty’s or forty’s. Usually, they will go away after women experience menopause. They may reappear or persist when one uses hormone therapy. They may also affect young women who are going through adolescence.

Treating the breast cysts isn’t necessary except when they are causing discomfort, or they are painful. Usually, the discomfort caused may be relieved by draining the cyst’s fluid. Some women may experience pain in the breast, especially when engaging in physical activity that is vigorous. A properly fitted sports bra, which encapsulates breast tissue or compresses breast is meant to reduce pain caused when exercise.

The breast cysts may form because of milk glands growth, and cysts size can range from larger size to smaller size. During an examination, large cysts might feel like lumps, and small cysts can’t be felt. Most breast cysts, despite their size, can’t be identified when doing a physical examination.

Breast cysts symptoms include:

1. A soft, easy to move oval or round lump with edges that are distinct

2. Discharge from the nipple that can be straw colored, clear, dark brown or yellow

3. Breast tenderness or pain in the lump area

4. Increased tenderness in breast and breast lump size just when one is about to get her period

5. The size of the breast lump decreases and a resolution of different symptoms after one’s menstrual

Breast cysts will not increase your breast cancer risk. But developing cysts can make it harder to detect breast lump that is new or some other changes that may require your doctor’s evaluation. Know your breasts so that you will notice when there’s a change in them.

Experts don’t know the causes of breast cysts. They may develop because of hormonal changes from the monthly period. Some evidence says that the excess estrogen in a woman’s body can stimulate the tissue of the breast and contribute to breast cysts.

Specialists say that one can prevent breast cyst development to some extent. The measures recommended requiring a person to avoid the cysts formation include eating a diet that’s balanced, avoiding stress, taking required supplements and vitamins, doing exercise, practicing good health and avoiding certain medications.

Although the consumption of caffeine doesn’t have a connection that is scientifically proven with the development of cyst, women say that their signs and symptoms are reduced when they avoid it. Other doctors recommend decreasing the caffeine amount in your diet for both foods and beverages.

Also decreasing the intake of salt can help in relieving the signs and symptoms of breast cysts. Excessive consumption of sugar and food allergies that are undetected, such as lactose or gluten, may contribute to the development of breast cyst.

A cool or warm compress can provide relief when the cysts are painful. Also, one can apply a pack of ice to relieve the pain.

It is estimated that 7 percent of western women develop palpable breast cysts. In males, breast cysts occurrence is rare and may be a sign of malignancy.

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August 14, 2017

It is every woman’s responsibility to make sure that her breasts stay healthy no matter her age and this way a woman is able to tell which changes are normal and which are not. Because of the above reason in this article, we shall look at ways to make sure you as a woman keep your breasts healthy.

Exercise

Exercising helps reduce the fat in the body. According to Science, fat cells usually produce estrogen in high quantities which is risky since some cancers have been linked to estrogen hormone. Exercising makes the fat cells to shrink which result to them producing a low level of estrogen. It is recommendable to have a moderate-intensity exercise for one fifty minutes every week. For those women with a tight schedule, they can have a high-intensity exercise for seventy-five minutes every week.

Indulge in some Chocolate

Research has shown that the dark chocolate contains some compound which helps fight fast-growing cancer. According to Richard Pestell who is the Kimmel Cancer Center Director, the compound in the dark chocolate combines with the enzymes, which result in cancerous cells dying.

Drink Less Alcohol

More than 53 studies have shown that women who usually take three drinks every day have 1.5 more chances of developing breast cancer compared to women who do not take alcohol. It is recommendable for a woman to have one or less than one drink a day .i.e. five ounces of wine, one and a half ounces of hard drink or twelves ounces of beer.

Get Enough Folic Acid

For you to give your body folic acid you can eat the folate which is a form of folic acid that occurs naturally. When your body lacks enough folic acid, it results in the body suffering from impaired ability to repair DNA. A woman with damaged DNA is more likely to suffer from cancer. Food such as black-eyed peas, grains, folic-fortified cereals, and spinach are known to contain folate. It is recommendable to take around four hundred micrograms of folate daily.

Get a Good Sleep

Good sleep helps you avoid exposing your breasts to much light at night. Light is known to suppress the level of melatonin. It is dangerous when the level of melatonin is suppressed since melatonin plays a role in regulating the level of estrogen. It is advisable for a woman to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

Eat more Vegetables and Fruits

Eating vegetables and fruits is one way to effectively curb cancer. Research conducted recently shows that veggies and fruits help prevent cancer by lowering the chances of your body producing estrogen receptors which are known to cause negative breast tumors. Fruits and veggies have carotenoids which act as antioxidants and that’s why they are so effective. According to USDA, half of your plate should be vegetables and fruits.

Massage Your Breasts

The muscles and veins in your breasts are just like other muscles in the other parts of the body and they tend to strain especially when you are not in a comfortable position. For this reason, it is recommendable to massage your breasts which help the blood to circulate freely hence the normal function of the breasts. It also helps relieve or cure any pain that you may be feeling.

Never Ignore any Pain

In case you feel some pain or any sort of discomfort that continues to persist for some time, please do not ignore it. Make sure to see your doctor so as to determine the problem. One thing for a fact, the earlier you discover any illness the easier it will be for you to fight it. As I conclude, always take care of your breasts since they will play a major role in the health of your future or current baby.

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Sometimes, finding the right bra is quite hard for many girls. You will be able to buy the bra easier if you exactly know your own breast size and its shape. This is why learning about breast measurement is necessary for every woman. And apart from giving you the opportunity to get the perfect bra, it also helps you understand more about your own breast appearance. However, instead of talking about steps to measure out your chest, we are going to discuss about things you should understand before measuring your breasts and buying bras at the store.

Figure out how the right bra should be like

To choose the correct bra size, you girls must know first what kinds of bras can make you feel comfortable and confident! Forget about its beautiful color or pattern, we are concerning about the way you look and feel while wearing it. If your breast tissues come out of its cup or its band starts to hurt your chest, this is absolutely not the bra you look for. Make sure to try on different bra sizes so you can experience different feelings and determine which one makes you feel comfortable most!

Know your breast shape

Even though you already know your breast cup size, it does not guarantee that you will get the right bra. Because different breast shapes also need different kinds of bras, you all must know first what your breast shape is. Have you ever noticed that the size on both breasts is actually different? Due to various activities we do each day and frequency of the hand side we use, it is common if our two little girls seem to be different in size. And if you have just got a baby, this is a huge matter to concern before searching the bras!

Comfort comes first

Before going to the fitting room, you must make sure that the reason why you pick that little bra is not because of its color! Thinking about comfort first as you have to wear it the whole day. Torture yourself by putting your breast in the tiny rainbow bra is surely not a good idea!  Your boobs also need space to breathe. Moreover, fancy decorations on a bra may sometimes cause irritation and itchiness on your breast skin. It is better to go on with the simple ones (soft and smooth fabric) if you have no plan to show it up at the party!

Cup size cannot guarantee the bra

Another lesson to learn is bras are different, especially when you buy them from different brands. Have you ever wondered why you cannot wear this brand’s bra even though you pick up the right cup size? Well, this is not a difficult thing to understand and your breasts normally stay still in size as long as you don’t have a baby or gain more weight. However, 34 B is actually different from 36 B although they both are B cup. So, remind yourself to read the number on your band measurement first to ensure that you get the right size.

Remember ladies, it is important to measure your breasts before buying new bras. Because women breasts can change all the time due to the hormone changing and weight, it is better to give yourself time to try on different bra sizes first. And of course, do not forget the advice above so you can keep breasts a beautiful shape in long term!

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Breast pain is the most common breast abnormality among women. It is also known as Mastalgia. Breast pain attacks women of all ages. About 70% of women experience this pain, and about 15% necessitate medical attention. However, Mastalgia is not always linked to breast cancer. Pain can occur in one breast, in the underarm or even both breasts. Breast pain varies with location, severity, and type.

Types of Mastalgia

1. Cyclic breast pain

It is a dull, heavy, or aching kind of discomfort related to the menstrual cycle. This pain occurs as breast tissues respond to the progesterone and estrogen hormone levels. Pain increases during the 14 days before your period. Sometimes, the pain comes along with some lumpiness and swelling of breasts, a condition known as fibrocystic change. Cyclic breast pain is mostly experienced on both breasts especially the upper outer part. It can also extend to the underarm. Cyclical pain is prevalent in younger women in their 20s and 30s but can also occur in women who are transitioning to menopause.

2. Noncyclic breast pain

It is a tight, sharp burning kind of pain and is not related to the menstrual cycle. This pain mainly occurs on a single breast in a localized part. Though it is common in women after menopause, breast biopsy, a previous breast trauma or injury can also cause a noncyclic breast pain.

Causes of Breast Pain

1. Breast size and structure

Sometimes, mastalgia occurs because of breast size. Large breasts, especially, are likely to undergo a noncyclic breast pain.

2. Breast cysts

They are fluid-filled sacs that develop in breasts. They occur when a woman is going through glands or milk ducts changes in her breasts.

3. Improperly fitted bras

Improper bras can also cause pain. To prevent this, women should wear bras that are neither loose nor too tight.

4. Medications

Drugs that interfere with the hormones are occasionally associated with mastalgia. Such prescriptions include hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, and infertility treatments. Some antidepressants are also likely to cause breast pain, e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, SSRI.

5. Breast cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer can be painful though mostly, breast cancer is not associated with pain.

6. Reproductive hormones

They cause most of the pains during pregnancy, menopause or menstrual cycle.

7. Breast surgery

Pain can still occur even when the incisions and scars have completely healed.

8. Mastitis

It is a breast infection that is common in lactating women. This condition occurs as a result of clogged milk duct. Mastitis causes the breasts to appear red, swollen and painful.

9. Imbalance of fatty acids

The fatty acid imbalance in the body can alter the sensitivity levels of breast tissue to circulating hormones causing discomfort.

Self-care Remedies to Manage Mastalgia

One can relieve breasts pains by:

• Applying hot compresses to the affected breast/breasts

• Taking vitamins such as Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, and Vitamin B6

• Consuming a low-fat diet rich in vegetables, grains, and fruits

• Wearing a supportive bra. Also, consider wearing a sports bra when working out.

• Keeping a healthy weight

• Reducing caffeine intake. Beverages such as coffee, chocolates, and tea contain high levels of caffeine.

• Limit sodium intake, e.g., soft drinks

However, it is necessary to see a physician if you experience a nipple discharge, a lump, redness, and fever which could be symptoms of an infection or a continuous pain for more than two weeks.

Treatment of Breast Pain

Drug prescriptions for severe discomforts include bromocriptine and danazol. Pain relief drugs such as Motrin, aspirin, and acetaminophen can be taken to ease the mild pain. Surgery may be necessary in critical cases to remove a tumor or lump.