So tired of having a sore boobs! Can anything help?

[Greengardenpixie]

Anyone else the same. The older i have got , the more tender my breasts get (like a bruise) It so sore just taking off my bra. Is there anything that helps? They seem to get swollen a week before and a week after my period, which feels like almost always!

When and where were you last fitted?

I have more than one size in my drawer specifically because of the hormone issues!

Evening primrose or starflower oil can help, and vit b complex or a multi vit for women. Fish oils as well, 3,6 and 9, not just omega 3.
Your hormones might be squeue whiff* are you near menopause age?
I had a breast examination when I was younger and they nurse asked if I had sore breast at period time, she said I had a lot of gristle (lovely) and that's why they got so sore.

*Not a recognised medical term yet

cutting out caffeine has really helped me. I don't have coffee anymore and only decaf tea at home. It's made a big difference.

I go through phases of excruciating mastalga (sp) def. completely hormone driven I'm afraid

Ok to answer your questions;

I used the guide on here and am a 32F. When i have my period or am sore i go up a band size and use a 34E size bra and at night i dont wear one with an underwire. The band hurts more when i am premenstrual and the underwire cuts into my boobs under my arm.

I have not long had my period and my breasts are getting sore again ggrrr. It always leaves me during my period and my breasts shrink back.

I am 47 so i guess i am perimenopausal. My periods have been erratic but was on citalopram anti-depressants for stress at work issues [ not now] and think they messed around with my period or was unsure if it was that or the menopause. Since they were fine up until when i started taking them, im not sure!!! I am off them now.

I love coffee :(

You probably need a bigger cup size when you are premenstrual,which will help with general tenderness. It's more likely to be your cups that grow than your band.

Do you feel you need support at night, or could you go totally bra less? It might help to give them a break totally

I used to get this and can sympathise with you about how sore it is. Evening primrose oil sorted me right out and I'd definitely advise you to give that a go.

Star flower oil works really well for me. I take it daily and it's made a huge difference.

If the band is hurting and the underwire is cutting into your boobs then that's not the right bra for you.

I buy my bras from Rigby and Peller who are expert at fitting. They are as skeptical of the MN way of measuring as they are of the old-fashioned way, they will only go by eye.

I would go to specialist bra shop and see if they can help.

I had this problem and was referred to the breast care clinic. It turned out that my bra was the right size but I wasn't wearing it correctly. I had the shoulder straps too tight. This made the back strap too high. Once they were loosened right down and the back band lowered considerably ( it feels like it's by my waist) my boobs no longer hurt.

Statistically, i cant sleep without a bra on. I have a soft old one that i use but am going to invest in a few more. I will need to invest in a few that are even bigger cups ha ha....A G for when i am swollen. Will also try the star flower oil.
I dont think the bra is wrong because the back stays put. Its only when i am premenstrual that i swell. The wires dont normally cut in..only then.

Actually i found this on mumsnet:

"Rigby & Peller do the best bras, in my opinion, but are very expensive. However, as a rule of thumb they advise getting a much smaller back size than you would normally do, and a bigger cup size. Apparently, the smaller the back size, the better the support. It may take a bit of a while after stopping breastfeeding but they probably will get fuller again; mine have, a year after stopping." FattipuffsandThinnifers

Seems like you are all singing from the same hymn sheet so to speak!

Could you sleep in those soft bras that look like crop tops? M&S and Sainsburys are where I got mine. I'm a 30FF and size 10/12 and find them surprisingly supportive for nights and when I'm at home, and very comfortable.

Yes, thats exactly what im looking for. Will have a look at them.
I just measured myself and i am a 32F as i thought. I actually measure a 31 inch ribcage but go up an inch and my bust at the fullest part is 37 inches so that would make me a F cup

If your normal is a 32F then I'd try a 32FF for when you are swollen - I get so tender at that time of the month and it does help! 31/37 would suggest around an E cup but the cup measurement is only approximate so if the F fits normally stick with it for normal and try a FF for bigger days. Going up to the 34 probably won't be helping your sore breasts tbh.

Thanks will get a 32FF for days that i am swollen. :)

are you me greengardenpixie

i have a similar issue. i'm 46 and a wear a 32f/ff but the soreness and swelling lately is ridiculous. i'm quite new to this correctly fitting bra thingy though plus it seems that as i'm getting older, my boobs have finally decided to start growing. taking 'late starter' to the extreme methinks.

i bought a debenhams gorgeous bra a couple of weeks ago and its kind of stretchy lace all over. i've found it to be my most comfortable one during the swollen phase and so far i haven't had to invest in g cups.

ha ha yes....i used to have two fried eggs as my mum called it when i was young!!! I have been small busted most of my life. I have no idea where my breasts have come from!!! I too am a late starter. Think its having children that hasnt helped tbh. Can you link to the debenhams one?

I get hormonal mastalgia one week per month, too. I'm 40 and this has been happening on and off for years except when PG or BF. I've been taking evening primrose oil the last couple of months and it's not been so bad. Could be related, but not scientifically proven.

I had this while I had the minera coil. The GP refused to accept it could be the coil and said it was most likely that I was peri and put me on oestrogen patches. I put up with it for bloody years and had it out last month ( which hurt so much it made me cry )
I now have just a normal copper coil and the breast pain has gone.

What contraception do you use?

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_150010324080_-1

It's this one. Not exactly sexy but I've found it so comfy due to the softness and stretchiness. It doesn't give that quad boob
look when a bit swollen.