Skip to main content
Skip to main navigation
Skip to talk navigation

Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Saved Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Flip

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

General health

Non cyclical breast pain - anyone else?

17 replies

Mylittlepuds · 09/01/2013 22:09

So. I'll get out in the open first I'm a total hypochondriac.

But...I have had breast pain in my left breast for about seven months. It's constantly tender in one specific section. I went to the GPs several times and had examinations. Two different GPs said it was 'normal'. Anyhow I insisted on a referral to the breast clinic about three months into the pain. Consultant could feel a grainy bit on breast but US revealed healthy breast tissue.

About a month ago I discovered a lump under my opposite arm. Again I insisted on an US after three GPs said not to worry about it. Actually they all gave the wrong diagnosis - but thankfully it ended up being a cyst.

Stupidly at the breast clinic this time I didn't mention that my left breast is still hurting and the issue hasn't resolved. I wish I had have had it checked again while there.

What's bothering me is that there seems no reason for this pain which feels very specific to an area of one breast. I've been told that can be 'normal' but I can't seem to just let it go.

I don't know what to do now? Go back to GP AGAIN?! I really don't think they'll refer me a third time as they now think I'm a nutter (which I am). Or just accept this is non cyclical breast pain which to me sounds a bit wiffy waffy when reading up on it...Advice very much appreciated!

OP posts:

Report

rubyrubyruby · 10/01/2013 05:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Mylittlepuds · 10/01/2013 10:11

Hi ruby. 31.

OP posts:

clarkykitten · 10/01/2013 10:24

Hi mylittlepuds, I get non cyclical breast pain. After years of not understanding why, I realised that it went away on two occasions - when I had a month off alcohol and when I stopped drinking caffeine.

I now stick to decaf on the whole and try and stick to only 4 alcoholic drinks a week (wine is the worst culprit). Christmas was a nightmare with all the wine/booze and I really felt it. Interestingly, a few weeks ago I found out that the reason why my mum has always had decaf is because caffeine gives her sore breasts.

Could either of these reasons apply to you?

Mylittlepuds · 11/01/2013 12:33

Hi Clarky! Thanks for your response . Was yours in a specific bit of one boob? That's what's confusing me.

Sometimes it doesn't seem quite as bad as other times - and I only know it's there if I press on it/ a bag strap etc goes on it.

Very sadly I'm not getting either caffeine or alcohol at the mo as preggers.

OP posts:

BearPear · 11/01/2013 12:41

I have had this ongoing breast-pain for probably 20 years (I'm 46 now). Only on the left, and not cyclic. During this time I have had a non-malignant cyst removed, had a breast scan a couple of years ago which was normal, and been prescribed a high-dose of evening primrose oil. Nothing seems to help and I kind of tolerate it now.

My breasts are very sensitive (which my DH appreciates -tmi!) and after sex I can be in more discomfort than usual.

I was interested in the comments about caffeine and alcohol, I drink de-caf tea, but often have one cup of coffee a day and perhaps one glass of wine. Would such a low caffeine/alcohol intake cause the pain?

clarkykitten · 11/01/2013 17:14

Hi,

If I have a lot (e.g at Christmas when i had half abottle of wine most nights, if not more ) of alcohol or caffeine it tends to affect both boobs, but otherwise it tends to be sore in my left boob just by the armpit. BearPear if I had a glass of wine a day it would affect me, but I can get by on one cup of caffeinated coffee a day with no problems.

mylittlepuds I think chances are your breast pain normal but if you are concerned you need to have your fears put to rest. Hope you get to the bottom of it x

clarkykitten · 11/01/2013 17:14

Hi,

If I have a lot (e.g at Christmas when i had half abottle of wine most nights, if not more ) of alcohol or caffeine it tends to affect both boobs, but otherwise it tends to be sore in my left boob just by the armpit. BearPear if I had a glass of wine a day it would affect me, but I can get by on one cup of caffeinated coffee a day with no problems.

mylittlepuds I think chances are your breast pain normal but if you are concerned you need to have your fears put to rest. Hope you get to the bottom of it x

clarkykitten · 11/01/2013 17:15

Oops, sorry for double post

Piemistress · 12/01/2013 13:28

I would go back to your GP just to be safe. Anxiety can make pain worse and it's always better to get these things checked out. X

Elibean · 12/01/2013 13:46

Hi, I have had breast pain and different times, and sometimes it has been non-cyclical, pretty much as you describe. I had mammos, u/s, visits to breast surgeon. He told me I had benign lumpiness (in more complicated terms!) and reassured me - but I have never really understood the painful bits, as they don't always correspond to lumpy bits! Remains a mystery, but has been a mystery for about 20 years so no longer worrying.

I think in my case I can get sore/tender places from referred nerve pain - nerves that run from my back around my ribs - as I have had really sore rib/breastbone area in the past (costochondriasis) and also have a dodgy back. But who knows.

Main thing is you got checked - pain per se is not usually worrying, but by all means if you are still worrying about it do go back and let them know. I did, and although they got a tad irritated with me in the end, it helped

Mylittlepuds · 12/01/2013 14:55

Thank you! Eli your post has really helped. It's exactly that - sometimes there's a bit if graininess but no lumps per say...and it never really corresponds to anything! I'm thinking its a bit of mastitis or something that just settles and flairs? It's hard just accepting it as it really does feel quite specific.

OP posts:

Elibean · 12/01/2013 15:36

Who knows

Mine has settled a lot post-meno, but it started in my 30s. I would give it some time, and if it gets worse, or you get too worried, go back to the docs - but I would keep in mind that it really is probably 'nothing'. I know, very hard to let go of - especially with health anxiety tendencies!

mrsfox · 12/01/2013 20:23

Hi, I have had pain in a specific area of my left breast on and off for many years and some graininess in that area too, but an ultrasound showed nothing there. Are you wearing the correct bra size? My left breast is larger and my pain is where the underwire ends, so I now make sure I am properly fitted for bras, which does seem to help. If you are worried I would second going back to the doctor. I have had four different doctors examine mine! They were all reassuring and said that it is quite common.

Mylittlepuds · 12/01/2013 20:59

Thanks mrsfox. I don't think it's bra size as I don't wear underwired (tiny boobs). But it's helpful to know it's not just me as I was thinking I was getting fobbed off as it sounded very mysterious!

OP posts:

Piemistress · 16/01/2013 10:29

How are you getting on?

241067kp · 17/03/2018 20:29

sorry can I ask how old are you?because I am 50 and having same issue .

241067kp · 17/03/2018 20:30

sorry how old are you?because I am 50and having same issue

Flip

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.