9 Reasons Women Feel Chest Pain… Read This Before Fearing The Worst!

[LoShiNi]

Chest pain represents half of all chest-related complaints. However, before fearing the worst case scenario, like breast cancer, we should know that there may be other causes. Here, we reveal the most common.

Lotion allergy

Many body lotions promise smooth, hydrated skin, but some deliver the exact opposite. They cause rashes, inflammation, cracking, and pain. The chemical components in many cosmetics can cause an allergic reaction on your skin.

Congratulations, you’re pregnant!

Painful, sensitive, and swollen breasts tend to be the first sign of pregnancy. Because of hormones, in the first stages of pregnancy the breasts grow faster. As estrogen levels increase, the milk ducts grow larger, resulting in increased pain and sensitivity of the breasts.

Your bra is the wrong size

64% of women use an ill-fitting bra, and this can cause problems. Poorly adjusted straps, abrasive fabric, and underwear that is too tight can cause pain and swelling of the breasts. It’s worth finding a bra which makes you feel comfortable.

Excessive working out

Exercise cures all problems, except the ones it causes. Lifting too much weight, focusing on the chest area, can have an impact on the muscle, leading us to confuse muscle pain with breast pain. Exercise-related pain tends to go away in a few days.

You have an infection

Blocked milk ducts, ingrown hairs, blocked sweat glands, and bacterial diseases can cause chest infections. They’re characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. Blood and pus may even be expelled from the nipple, and you may experience fever and nausea. In this case, see a doctor immediately.

Your contraceptive method

Any medication which changes your hormones has the potential to cause breast pain. This is the case with contraceptive pills that increase estrogen production. Fertility treatments, hormone replacement therapy, and thyroid medication can also cause sensitivity, swelling, and pain in the breasts. Often, this side effect goes away over time, but if not, you should consult your doctor about alternative methods.

Simply being a woman

Puberty, menstruation, and menopause. Basically, hormone levels are affected at all stages of a woman’s life. The most common type of breast pain is cyclical, related to periods, and is completely normal. Some creams and pills to reduce the symptoms of menopause can also cause sensitivity and pain.

You’re nursing

Breastfeeding isn’t always painful. The main cause of pain while breastfeeding is lactostasis, i.e. the accumulation of milk in a woman’s breast.

You’ve had a chest injury

Most women have suffered some kind of injury to the chest area. Bumps, abrasions from seat belts, or a surgical procedure all cause chest pain. Luckily, the injuries tend to heal quickly. If they don’t, see your doctor.

Breast cancer

This is every woman’s worst fear, but it’s the last in the list of reasons. While breast cancer can show some external symptoms, such as lumps, leakage, or changes to the nipple, often there are no obvious signs at all. Most women who visit the doctor with chest pain don’t have breast cancer. Still, it’s always best to have regular check-ups and clarify any doubts you may have.