7 Treatments for Sore Breasts in Perimenopause

October 28, 2022.

If sore breasts are one of your perimenopause symptoms, there are some strategies you can try to find the right sore breasts treatment. Breast soreness in perimenopause is usually due to cyclical changes driven by your hormones. However, in perimenopause, these hormone changes are erratic and do not follow a predictable pattern like your periods. To relieve sore, burning, throbbing, and painful breasts in perimenopause, give these tricks a try.

1. Wear A Supportive Bra

Wearing a bra that actually fits and provides support is essential. If you haven’t been sized recently, get a professional bra fitting to maximize support. Your breast size may change with menopause. When your breasts are particularly sore, wear a supportive bra 24 hours a day – even with sleep. Finally, if you are doing any physical activity, wear a sports bra to provide the best support.

2. Try Supplements

Some studies suggest that evening primrose oil can reduce cyclical mastalgia (or breast pain) from hormone fluctuations. It is important to note that most research indicates that women need to take evening primrose for at least six months in order to experience results.

Fish oil has also been indicated in treating breast pain. Some research has highlighted that an imbalance in cellular fatty acids may play a role in mastalgia. By taking fish oil supplements or eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, you may be able to restore balance in fatty acids and decrease breast discomfort.

3. Improve Your Diet

Following a low-fat diet and decreasing sodium intake may decrease breast pain. Some women can identify certain foods that trigger breast discomfort. Indeed, a healthy diet benefits your entire body. 

4. Limit Caffeine

It may be helpful to cut back on the caffeine if you experience breast pain. Many women report that cutting back on caffeine, or getting rid of it entirely, considerably improves breast tenderness. There have been many studies examining whether or not caffeine increases breast pain. However, the studies have failed to demonstrate that caffeine restriction decreases breast pain. Nonetheless, if you are struggling with breast discomfort, you, like many other women, may notice an improvement in your symptoms when you begin weaning off caffeine.  

5. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

Your doctor may recommend trying an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as ibuprofen or Tylenol to manage your breast pain. Nearly 80% of women who try OTC pain relievers find relief in breast pain. Some topical pain relieving gels may also be beneficial when applied directly to the area that is tender.

6. Consider Oral Contraceptives or Estrogen Blockers

The results of treating breast pain with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy are variable. Some women experience improvement in breast discomfort when they start these medications, whereas other women find they develop breast pain. If you are considering this option, meet with your doctor to determine which hormonal medication is best for you. 

7. Warm or Cold Compresses, Bath, or Massage

Don’t discount the therapeutic benefits of temperature therapy, hydrotherapy, and massage. Interestingly, one study found that 4 weeks of relaxation therapy relieved breast pain in 60% of study participants. These methods of treatment have few, if any, side effects and may treat more than your breast pain. 

So tell us, what has worked for you?

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Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, does not take the place of medical advice from your physician, and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Patients should see a qualified medical provider for assessment and treatment.

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Julia Walker
perry expert Julia (RN, BSN, BA) is a registered nurse based in Colorado. Julia's nursing background in women’s health has ranged from neonatal and postpartum care to labor and delivery, to outpatient gynecological medicine for both adolescent and adult populations. She specializes in helping women optimize their health during perimenopause and beyond.

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