Some Breast Changes are Normal
Your breast goes through many changes over the course of a life time. Shifting hormonal levels, pregnancy, breast feeding and finally menopause all takes a toil. But by being aware of what your breasts look and feel like you can know what is normal and what is not. It’s fairly normal to have some breast pain just before and during your period, especially if you have fibrocystic breasts, which means your breasts are lumpy and prone to swelling. Caffeine can also cause breast pain so if you have this problem, cut back on coffee, tea and caffinated drinks.
Dr. Mary Jane Minkin of the Yale Medical School says to ease breast discomfort take vitamins B, E, and evening primrose oil. B vitamin acts as a diuretic and can reduce the level of prolactin hormone which stimulates the breast to produce milk. Primrose oil is rich in gamma linolenic acid which reduces pain. If pain continues, see your doctor. There is a possibility of an infection or tumor. Your breasts will normally be more sensitive the week before your period when your hormones and progesterone are charging. Breast swelling and enlargement of ducts and glands are preparing for pregnancy.
It’s normal for one breast to be larger than the other. For some unknown reason the left breast is often larger than the right, sometimes as much as a cup size. If you have this difference in size, placing a pad inside your bra can even things out. If you have a suddenly swollen breast, check with your doctor, it could mean milk ducts are inflamed or you might have a cyst.
If you have hair around your nipple, as some women do, that’s normal. too. It may be more pronounced when going through puberty as well as menopause. You can remove it as you would any hair on the body, with waxing or tweezing, if your periods also become irregular, talk to your doctor. You may have an over production of male hormones.
Some women have inverted nipples. It can be one or both breasts. If yours have been inverted since puberty, it’s probably all right but if you notice any change in appearance and the nipple is pulling inward, see your doctor. It might be a cyst or tumor.
The tissue surrounding the nipple, called the areola can range from pale pink to dark brown. Certain medications or aging can cause color changes. It’s particularly true during pregnancy when the skin thickens and develops an oily layer to make it easier for baby to hang onto. If you aren’t going through any hormonal change and your nipples change color and are itchy, talk to your doctor.
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