If your breasts ache, feel heavy, or seem lumpier at certain times of the month, hormones are almost always the explanation — and usually a harmless one.
The cyclical kind (doctors call it cyclical mastalgia) tracks your menstrual cycle: oestrogen and progesterone shift in the second half of the cycle, your breast tissue responds by retaining fluid and feeling fuller, and it eases once your period starts. In perimenopause, as hormones swing more wildly, this tenderness can become more frequent or unpredictable. It's common, and on its own it's not a sign of anything sinister.
What eases the everyday soreness:
Now the part that matters most — see a doctor promptly if you notice any of these, regardless of your cycle:
These usually turn out to be harmless, but breast changes are always worth checking rather than waiting. And keep up with routine screening invitations when they come.
Cyclical, both-sides, comes-and-goes tenderness: reassuringly normal. New, one-sided, persistent, or with the changes above: get it looked at. Both pieces of knowledge are worth having.
Why are my breasts so tender before my period?
Oestrogen and progesterone shifts in the second half of your cycle cause fluid retention and fuller, tender breast tissue, which eases once your period starts.
When should I worry about breast pain?
See a doctor promptly for a new or one-sided lump, skin dimpling, nipple changes or discharge, or persistent pain in one breast — even though most breast changes are harmless.
Related reading: Hormonal bloating · Your cycle, phase by phase · Take the free Hormone Quiz