Ladies, you know that sharp shooting pain you often feel in your left or right boob? Well, worry not, you are not dying. In most cases, it has a lot to do with your menstrual cycle and hormonal changes that are happening in your body. I know that I am not the only one who experiences these sharp pains and freaked out because I overthink every little thing. So, what is this condition called, and what exactly causes it?
This condition is called Mastalgia. The breast pain or tenderness is a common condition experienced by many women, if not all women. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and can occur in one or both breasts. For some women, Mastalgia is a normal part of their menstrual cycle, with pain typically occurring in the week leading up to their period. This is because hormonal changes during this time can cause the breast tissue to swell and become more sensitive. I am sure now that you are aware of what it is, everything is adding up.
However, other women may experience Mastalgia outside of their menstrual cycle, or may have pain that is more severe or
persistent. There can be a number of underlying causes for this, such as hormonal imbalances, breast cysts or fibroadenomas, or even psychological factors such as stress or anxiety. When having an anxiety attack, the increase in muscle tension can cause pain and discomfort in the chest and breast area, which can contribute to Mastalgia. In addition, anxiety can cause a person to hyperventilate or breathe shallowly, which can lead to chest pain or discomfort that may be mistaken for breast pain.
Mastalgia can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition for women to deal with as it can interfere with daily activities,
and cause a lot of discomfort. Women may need to adjust their clothing choices to avoid tight or restrictive clothing that can exacerbate the pain, and may need to avoid certain activities or exercises that put
pressure on the breasts.
Exercises that involve a lot of upper body movements, such as push-ups or weightlifting, can also contribute to Mastalgia if proper form and support are not used. Poor posture during exercise can cause strain on the muscles and ligaments in the chest and breast area, leading to pain or discomfort. However so, any exercise that puts pressure or strain on the breasts can increase Mastalgia. This can include exercises that involve twisting or bending at the waist, as well as exercises that involve stretching or pulling on the arms.
Treatment for Mastalgia can vary, depending on the underlying cause, and may include pain relief medication, hormone therapy or even surgery in some cases. Women who experience Mastalgia should speak to their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for their individual situation.
As such, ladies, you are not dying. It can merely be because you are anxious about something, or your periods are about to start. In many cases, maybe the way you were stretching had a huge contributing factor to the pain in your breasts. In case these pains are persistent and you are worried, please visit your doctor for a medical check-up.
* Frieda Mukufa’s lifestyle section in the New Era newspaper concentrates on women-related issues and parenting. She also specialises in editing research proposals, proofreading as well as content creation.
– etuholefrieda@gmail.com