What are the common causes of breast pain, and when should it be a concern?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Breast pain (mastalgia) is most commonly caused by hormonal changes, minor injuries, or infections — and is rarely a sign of breast cancer. Pain often fluctuates with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. However, you should see a doctor if the pain is severe, persistent, one-sided, or accompanied by a lump, nipple discharge, redness, or skin changes.

Because breast pain can stem from many overlapping causes, identifying the likely source early can save you worry and guide smarter next steps. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be behind your discomfort and what to do next.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

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Explanation

Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is a common issue for many women. Most of the time, it is not linked to breast cancer.

Common Causes:

Hormonal Changes: Hormones related to the menstrual cycle can cause breast pain. This type of pain is usually cyclical, meaning it comes and goes with your period.
Injury or Trauma: Any injury to the breast, like a bump or bruise, can cause pain.
Infections: Conditions like mastitis, which is an infection of the breast tissue, can lead to pain and swelling.

When to Be Concerned:

If the pain is severe or does not go away, it might need medical attention.
If you notice a lump, changes in breast size or shape, or discharge from the nipple, it is important to see a doctor.
Any new, unusual, or persistent pain should be checked to make sure it is not something serious.

Remember, while breast pain is usually not serious, it is always better to consult a healthcare provider if you are worried about your symptoms. To help understand what might be causing your discomfort, try our free AI symptom checker for personalized insights based on your specific symptoms.

(References)

Cornell LF, Sandhu NP, Pruthi S, & Mussallem DM. (2020). Current Management and Treatment Options for Breast Pain. Mayo Clinic proceedings, 32138883.
Smith RL, Pruthi S, & Fitzpatrick LA. (2004). Evaluation and management of breast pain. Mayo Clinic proceedings, 15008609.
Sivarajah R, Welkie J, Mack J, Casas RS, Paulishak M, & Chetlen AL. (2020). A Review of Breast Pain: Causes, Imaging .... Journal of breast imaging, 38424883.

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