boobs during perimenopause

[MyBeloved]

nobody else ro ask so putting this out there...

For the last year or so I've been enduring symptoms of the perimenopause including hot flashes and changing periods. However, my boobs seem to have grown at least a cup size and are incredibly tender all over including the nippers which are very sensitive.

Whilst I expected the other symptoms, this is somewhat surprising.

guess I'm. looking for some reassurance that this is normal and if so, what to expect? will they ever stop growing??

[MyBeloved]

Just me then?

[Roseformeplease]

Try posting in the dedicated Menopause section (or geting this moved) as I have had a lot of help there.

[IonaMumsnet]

Hi folks! We're going to move this thread to our Menopause board in a moment at the OP's request.

[pinkfrocks]

No such luck here.

Have you put weight on overall and do they go down when your periods begins?

[MyBeloved]

hi pinkfrocks

I've put on about a stone but am wondering whether it might be thyroid related rather than meno related?

some of that extra stone is boob lol

[MyBeloved]

and no they don't go down cyclically

[pinkfrocks]

I think the stone in weight will be the cause. When I've put on 4-5lbs my boobs get bigger but sadly they deflate when I lose it.

[MyBeloved]

I did think that but they are continually sore like when I was pregnant (and no, I'm not). If itvwas simply weight gain surely there wouldn't be this pain, heat and soreness?

[pinkfrocks]

sounds as if you have a PMS symptoms which may be caused by lack of progesterone - this should rise after ovulation then when it falls, boobs etc go back to normal at the end of a cycle. If you are not ovulating each month then your cycle is sort of 'stuck' with no rise and fall in the 2nd half.

The answer is possibly the pill, mini pill or HRT- go see dr or menopause clinic.

[VenusRising]

MyBeloved, I think you should consult a qualified professional - no one here can, or should, diagnose your condition.

Please be careful not to take medical advice from random posters on the old Internet. I'm sure you're entirely sensible, but a menopause board is not the place to get a diagnosis, even if some posters know how to spell the names of a few hormones.

Hope all's well that ends well for you.

[pinkfrocks]

Exactly, that's why my previous post mentioned going to see a dr or a menopause clinic.

[Ionone]

I have this! I'm 46 and it's quite new (just the last few months) but exactly the same - boobs have grown and feel just like they do pre-period. It's not exactly sore, but I'm aware of it a lot. I haven't put on much weight, maybe a few pounds, if that, since last year.

[pinkfrocks]

Mybeloved

This link here gives the answer to your question and says that sore breasts are often caused by high oestrogen- and a lack of progesterone.

Perimenopausal breast tenderness

The treatment suggested here is hormonal - including HRT etc.

However, you cannot possibly use any of these without a prescription from a doctor, who will also diagnose you- which is why I said you should go to one or a menopause clinic for advice and treatment.

Good luck!

[jalopy]

Yes, I had this. Very sensitive boobs for several weeks at a time. Also grew a cup size. The tenderness has gone now.

[Bellaciao]

Woah VenusRising what brought that on? "Random posters from the old internet" !! I think we all qualify for that description don't we? Or not. If no-one is to ask anything or offer opinions or advice then all forums might as well be shut down! I've never heard such an odd comment!!! Everyone who posts is asking someone to give their advice or support or provide information - according to their knowledge and experience. I can't imagine anyone consulting a forum instead of going to a doctor - but the opinion of other women can be invaluable, supportive, informative and re-assuring!!

I agree with pinkfrocks that weight gain will definitely make your boobs grow bigger (I've put on weight recently and my husband keeps commenting on mine!), but it won't make them sore (unless they become too heavy!)

Both oestrogen and progesterone affect the breast in different ways so hgih levels of both can make them tender and to enlarge. Are they sore and tender all the time or at a particular stage in the cycle? Personally I don't subscribe to the "need for progesterone" theory to cure all perimenopausal complaints as this is promoted by the commercial interests of the progesterone cream lobby!

By all means go to the doctor if you are worried but personally I've never been worried by tender, enlarging boobs. However I presume you always check them for lumps etc, and look for any of the warning signs/changes that need to be checked out eg itchy nipples etc? There is plenty of info out there on this!