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Try one of these related symptoms.
Breast tenderness
Left breast pain
Pain in right breast
Breasts hurt when pressed
Pain when pressing on the breast
Pain in left breast
Right breast pain
Pain in breast
Mastalgia
Breast pain related to the menstrual cycle
Breast pain not related to the menstrual cycle
Tightness in the breast tissue
Breast pain can be described as tenderness, throbbing, sharp, stabbing, burning pain or tightness in the breast tissue. It is almost always benign (not cancer) and related to changes in hormone levels. Breast pain that occurs with the menstrual cycle and then goes away is very common and does not need to be evaluated by a physician. Breast pain can be scary and worrisome to patients but most of the time goes away in a few weeks. Breast pain that persists beyond a few weeks should be evaluated by a physician.
Generally, Breast pain can be related to:
Breast cancer is a malignancy that arises in the breasts of men or women. It can arise from ducts or lobules. Patients either find a lump or have an abnormal mammogram. Risk factors include being female, having breasts, have a genetic predisposition (eg a gene you inherit from a parent), family history of breast or ovarian cancer, getting older, personal history of breast biopsies, dense breasts on mammography, or ovarian cancer, alcohol, and obesity. Protective factors include pregnancy, especially at a younger age, weight maintenance especially after menopause, and exercise.
Transverse myelitis is an inflammation of both sides of one section of the spinal cord. There is often damage to the covering of nerve cell fibers (myelin), which interrupts the messages from the spinal cord nerves to the rest of the body. Causes include infections and immune system disorders that attack the body's tissues.
PMS refers to physical or mood changes that occur shortly before menstruation and typically resolve a few days after. PMS symptoms generally recur with each menstrual cycle and can negatively affect the women's normal life. PMS consists of both mental and physical symptoms, occurring 3-10 days before menstruation. Symptoms start to improve once menstruation begins. The cause of PMS is poorly understood, but is related to fluctuations in levels of female hormones. PMS can worsen underlying mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
Reviewed By:
Alice Police, MD (Breast Surgery)
Breast Surgeon of 30 years experience. Recent Chief of breast surgery at UCIrvine Medical Center, Northwell Health in New York State, Chief of breast surgery at Monument Health in Rapid City South Dakota. Breast Cancer Researcher in conjunction with multiple studies through Notre Dame department of electrical engineering. CMO of Nearwave, a start up breast cancer device company.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Dec 5, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Q.
Is it Normal? Why Your Boob Hurts & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Breast pain is very common and usually not cancer, often tied to hormonal cycles, benign cysts, chest wall strain, an ill-fitting bra, medication changes, or infection; noting whether it is cyclical, one-sided, sharp, or linked to your period helps guide the cause and medically approved next steps. Watch for red flags like a new or fixed lump, skin dimpling, nipple discharge or inversion, fever with redness, or worsening pain, and consider supportive bras, OTC pain relief, warm or cold compresses, cycle tracking, and timely medical evaluation as needed. There are several factors to consider; the complete guidance on when to seek care, what tests might be ordered, and how to choose your next steps is below.
References:
* Al-Tarrah K, El-Mahalli R. Breast Pain (Mastalgia). *StatPearls*. 2023 Jul 24. PMID: 32669389.
* Gecaj-Gjonbalaj M, Gashi-Luci L, Gjonbalaj I. Approach to Breast Pain. *JAMA*. 2021 Jun 29;325(24):2502. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.3653. PMID: 34185127.
* Smith MJ, Smith-Bindman R. Breast Pain. *Clin Obstet Gynecol*. 2019 Jun;62(2):292-302. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000438. PMID: 31034449.
* Rosolowich V. Evaluation and management of breast pain. *Postgrad Med J*. 2018 Dec;94(1118):676-679. doi: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2018-136113. PMID: 30400582.
* Kataria K, Dhar A, Srivastava A, Kumar S, Goyal A, Saikia B. Mastalgia: Aetiology and Management. *Int J Gen Med*. 2017 Apr 10;10:139-147. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S103816. PMID: 28414962.
Q.
Nipple Pain (Not Pregnant)? Why They Hurt & Medical Next Steps
A.
Nipple pain when not pregnant is most often from hormonal shifts, friction or irritation, skin conditions, certain medications, or benign fibrocystic changes; less commonly it can be due to infection or, rarely, breast cancer. There are several factors to consider. See below for key red flags that change your next steps such as persistent one-sided pain, a new lump, bloody or clear discharge, skin dimpling or a rash that does not heal, fever with redness, or sudden inversion, plus practical home care and how to decide when to see a doctor.
References:
* Sankaran, S., & Bhave, S. Y. (2020). Breast pain: a guide to evaluation and management. *Postgraduate Medical Journal, 96*(1136), 332–337.
* Wang, S. Y., Zhang, J. J., Ma, W. P., & Liu, P. (2020). Nipple eczema: a review. *European Journal of Dermatology, 30*(2), 127–133.
* Sakorafas, G. H., Tsiotou, A. G., & Koulocheri, S. (2020). Paget's Disease of the Nipple: An Overview. *Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology, 11*(2), 200–204.
* Salzman, A. A., & Kaplan, R. E. (2018). Mastalgia. *American Family Physician, 98*(7), 415–420.
* Morrison, D., & Pruthi, S. (2018). Breast Disorders in Men. *American Family Physician, 98*(3), 168–176.
Q.
Nipple Pain but Not Pregnant? Why Your Nipples Are Sore & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Nipple pain when you are not pregnant is usually from hormone shifts, friction or skin irritation, benign cysts, or certain medicines, and it is often temporary and treatable, though one-sided or persistent pain deserves attention. For next steps, try a well-fitted soft bra, avoid irritants, use warm or cold compresses, consider over-the-counter pain relievers, and track timing with your cycle, but see a clinician promptly for pain lasting more than 1 to 2 weeks, a new lump, discharge, fever, or skin changes; there are several important details that could change your care plan below.
References:
* Kalinowski L, Khan A, Karia S, Soni P. Mastalgia: A Challenging Condition. J Clin Med Res. 2018 Sep;10(9):689-696. doi: 10.14740/jocmr3532w. Epub 2018 Aug 9. PMID: 30140417; PMCID: PMC6090757.
* Bongiorno MR, Sclafani R. Dermatoses of the Nipple. Clin Dermatol. 2021 Jan-Feb;39(1):15-23. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2020.10.005. Epub 2020 Oct 17. PMID: 33757657.
* Rosolowich V, Saettler E, Szuck B, Drebot M, Chrusciel M. Management of mastalgia. Breast J. 2016 Jul;22(4):460-5. doi: 10.1111/tbj.12574. Epub 2016 May 4. PMID: 27145711.
* Adnan S, Singh H. Nipple discharge: Clinical approach to diagnosis and management. Can Fam Physician. 2019 Oct;65(10):706-713. PMID: 31611364; PMCID: PMC6802611.
* Johnson SL, Kennedy JM. Idiopathic noncyclical mastalgia: a review. Womens Health (Lond). 2013 May;9(3):281-7. doi: 10.1258/wh.2013.120150. Epub 2013 May 24. PMID: 23703903.
Q.
Nipple Pain When Touched? Why They Hurt (Not Pregnant) & Medical Next Steps
A.
Nipple pain when touched and not pregnant is most often from hormonal cycle changes, friction or irritation, skin conditions, or benign breast changes, though infections and rare cancers are possible. Try supportive bras, gentle products, and compresses, but seek care if it lasts beyond 1 to 2 weeks, is one sided or worsening, or you notice redness, fever, discharge, skin or shape changes, or a new lump; consider a pregnancy test if your period is late. There are several factors to consider, and important details that can change your next steps appear below.
References:
* Socol, M. L., & Khakbaz, S. R. (2022). Approach to Nipple Pain. *StatPearls Publishing*.
* Sharma, G. P., Rana, M., Goyal, P., & Singh, N. (2020). Mastalgia: Causes and Management. *Indian Journal of Surgery*, *82*(2), 246–251.
* Smith, B. P. (2019). Evaluation and management of mastalgia. *Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health*, *64*(2), 195-206.
* Stachs, A., Stubert, J., Reimer, T., & Hartmann, S. (2017). Mastalgia: an update on diagnosis and management. *Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants*, *30*(7), 35-39.
* Khan, N. A., & Khan, H. A. (2015). Breast pain: a review of current management. *Journal of Pakistan Medical Association*, *65*(10), 1098-1102.
Q.
Sore Nipples but Not Pregnant? Why They Hurt & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Sore nipples when not pregnant are usually caused by hormonal changes around your period, friction from clothing or exercise, skin conditions, or minor infections, and most cases are not serious. Seek medical care for one-sided or persistent pain, nipple discharge, a new lump, fever, or skin changes, as these can signal issues that need treatment; there are several factors to consider, and medically approved next steps like fit and fabric fixes, irritant avoidance, compresses, appropriate pain relief, and when to see a doctor are outlined below.
References:
* Sugg SL, et al. Mastalgia: A Review of Pathophysiology, Evaluation, and Management. Cureus. 2022 Feb 7;14(2):e21974. doi: 10.7759/cureus.21974. PMID: 35198888; PMCID: PMC8821942.
* Hellebrekers EW, et al. Evaluation and Management of Nipple Pain. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Jun;62(2):373-380. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000445. PMID: 31086650.
* Davies EL, et al. Mastalgia. BMJ. 2018 Aug 22;362:k3228. doi: 10.1136/bmj.k3228. PMID: 30137861.
* Salzman B, et al. Breast pain (mastalgia). Am Fam Physician. 2018 Mar 15;97(6):369-376. PMID: 29555652.
* Kataria K, et al. Update on the Medical Management of Mastalgia. Indian J Surg. 2018 Feb;80(1):15-22. doi: 10.1007/s12262-017-1721-y. Epub 2018 Jan 17. PMID: 29993952; PMCID: PMC5991054.
Q.
Sore When Touched? Why Your Nipples Hurt & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Nipple pain when touched, even if you are not pregnant, is common and most often due to hormonal shifts, friction from bras or exercise, skin irritation, benign cysts, medications, or minor injury, and simple at home steps like a supportive bra, reducing friction, fragrance free products, warm or cold compresses, and OTC pain relievers often help. Seek prompt care for a new lump, discharge, persistent one sided pain, fever with breast pain, or skin or nipple changes, or if pain lasts more than two weeks; there are several factors to consider, so see the complete guidance below for crucial details that can affect your next steps.
References:
* Leung, J. W. T., & Fong, P. S. K. (2019). Management of common breast problems. *Hong Kong Medical Journal*, *25*(4), 284–290.
* Salzman, G., & Salzman, S. K. (2020). Breast pain (mastalgia): An update for general practitioners. *The Australian Journal of General Practice*, *49*(5), 284–287.
* Kwan, W., Ma, S., & Li, C. K. (2021). Nipple dermatoses: a comprehensive review. *Journal of Cutaneous Pathology*, *48*(8), 1017–1026.
* Mansel, R. E., & Fentiman, I. S. (2022). The differential diagnosis of breast pain: a narrative review. *The British Journal of Surgery*, *109*(11), 1083–1090.
* Sultan, A., Yilmaz, A., & Aktas, B. (2022). Benign Breast Diseases: Comprehensive Review for Clinicians. *Journal of Clinical Medicine*, *11*(20), 6031.
Q.
Nipple Pain When Touched Not Pregnant? 5 Causes & Your Next Steps
A.
Most cases are not serious and stem from hormonal changes, friction or skin irritation, infections, fibrocystic changes or cysts, and rarely from conditions like Paget’s disease or other breast cancers. Start with supportive bras, gentle skin care, compresses, and tracking your cycle, but seek medical care promptly if pain is persistent or one-sided, or if you notice a lump, discharge, skin changes, or fever; there are several factors to consider, so see the complete guidance below for red flags, timelines, and the right next steps.
References:
* Davies EL, Burton M, Barrie J. Management of mastalgia. BMJ. 2020 Jan 20;368:l6950. doi: 10.1136/bmj.l6950. PMID: 31959543.
* Scurr J, Cumming DC, Khan S. Cyclical Mastalgia: Clinical Presentation and Treatment Options. Front Pain Res (Lausanne). 2021 Apr 15;2:635851. doi: 10.3389/fpain.2021.635851. PMID: 35059637; PMCID: PMC8753239.
* Erss J, Storgårds L, Grönroos M, Hietanen S, Kautiainen H, Lönnberg S, Kujala V. Nipple eczema in adults: a review. Acta Derm Venereol. 2021 Dec 1;101(12):adv00609. doi: 10.2340/actadv.v101.554. PMID: 34849646.
* Rosato A, Moggio G, Marfella S, Montella P, Carano D, Poto M. Non-cyclical mastalgia: a literature review. J Clin Med. 2023 Apr 1;12(7):2666. doi: 10.3390/jcm12072666. PMID: 37048701; PMCID: PMC10094770.
* Kataria K, Dhar A, Srivastava A, Kumar S, Goyal A, Saumya, Sharma R. Mastalgia: Aetiology and Management. Indian J Surg. 2014 Jun;76(3):209-14. doi: 10.1007/s12262-012-0759-3. Epub 2012 Oct 30. PMID: 25077054; PMCID: PMC4084285.
Q.
Naproxen for Women 30-45: Relief Guide & Essential Next Steps
A.
Naproxen can provide effective relief for women ages 30 to 45 from menstrual cramps, breast tenderness, headaches or migraines, back and muscle strains, and joint pain, especially when started early and taken with food at the lowest effective dose. There are several factors to consider, including risks to the stomach, kidneys, blood pressure and heart, interactions with other NSAIDs or blood thinners, and special considerations for pregnancy, trying to conceive, and breastfeeding; know when persistent, focal, or severe symptoms require medical care or urgent evaluation, and see the complete guidance below to choose the right next steps.
References:
* Marjoribanks J, et al. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for heavy menstrual bleeding. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Jan 31;1(1):CD000176. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000176.pub3. PMID: 35099309.
* ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 199: Clinical Management of Dysmenorrhea and Endometriosis. Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Oct;132(4):e124-e137. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002848. PMID: 30248824.
* Kirthi V, et al. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for acute migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Apr 18;4(4):CD008783. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008783.pub2. PMID: 28419092.
* Bally M, et al. Cardiovascular safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet. 2017 May 27;389(10085):2292-2303. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30903-9. PMID: 28495034.
* Smolinski M, et al. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - review of current knowledge about the mechanisms of action and adverse effects. Pol Arch Intern Med. 2021 Jul 26;131(7-8):699-709. doi: 10.20452/pamw.16008. PMID: 34227914.
Q.
Pain in Your Left Breast? Before You Panic, Check These 3 Non-Cancerous Causes
A.
There are several non-cancerous causes to consider. Most left breast pain stems from breast tissue pain due to hormones, posture, or poor support, hormonal cysts that fluctuate with your cycle, or caffeine sensitivity, and breast pain alone is rarely cancer. If you notice a new hard lump, skin or nipple changes, fever, or chest pressure with shortness of breath, seek prompt care, and see below for practical relief steps, how to track patterns, and exactly when to call a doctor.
References:
* Sroka K, Marzouk A, El-Hussuna A, Lykke M, Jørgensen LB. Breast pain: a focused review of diagnosis and management. BJS Open. 2021 Oct 2;5(5):zrab104. doi: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrab104. PMID: 34509503; PMCID: PMC8486016.
* Al-Fahad S, Kurban L, Jha P, Bazzaz A. Noncyclical Mastalgia: Clinical Characteristics and Etiological Factors. Cureus. 2023 Feb 1;15(2):e34505. doi: 10.7759/cureus.34505. PMID: 36873105; PMCID: PMC9983411.
* Stubbs DJ, Zardas A, Phelan MW. Musculoskeletal causes of chest pain. Cleve Clin J Med. 2020 Nov 2;87(11):677-683. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.87a.20050. PMID: 33261644.
* O'Hara RE, Niewiadomska M, Khan S. Benign breast disease: diagnosis and management. Ulster Med J. 2022 Jan;91(1):4-11. PMID: 35150935; PMCID: PMC8822986.
* Polat C, Aydin O, Özkutlu F, Parlak Ö, Gültekin M. Diagnosis and management of nonpuerperal mastitis. J Surg Oncol. 2021 Apr;123(5):1179-1189. doi: 10.1002/jso.26388. Epub 2021 Jan 25. PMID: 33767223.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1Sivarajah R, et al. A review of breast pain: Causes, imaging recommendations, and treatment. Journal of Breast Imaging. 2020; doi:10.1093/jbi/wbz082.
https://academic.oup.com/jbi/article/2/2/101/5698273