Breast Tenderness

Hi,

I am 44 years old in perimenopause (I think).  My menstrual cycles used to be 28 days spot on, but now, they are around 23 days in length.  Every month right after ovulation, I have tender breasts, usually on both sides right up until the first or second day of my next cycle, which I understand to be a normal PMS symptom.  However, last month, I didn't have this usual breast tenderness.  Instead, only my right breast has been tender on the outer side just when I wake up in the morning.  It is also tender to the touch in that area.  Once I'm up and get moving around, the tenderness goes away almost immediately, so I do not experience this throughout the day, only morning in bed on the one side only (outer edge).  And it didn't alleviate when my period started.  I am now on day 5 of my cycle and still had the tenderness this morning.  I have not had a mammogram yet, but should get one done.  I do self-examinations, and have no detected any lumps that I can feel.  

Is this something that is common in perimenopause, or something you are familiar with?

Thank you in advance,

Pam

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
It sounds to me like you may have developed a cyst in that side.  I would definitely reccommend a mammogram!  Most hormonally related symptoms change with the changes in the hormones--for example, breasts become tender right before the period because of swelling related to fluid retention caused by progesterone.  This goes away after the period because there is no progesterone produced again until the next ovulation. That's why I say a cyst--because the pain remains after they cycle.  Also, cysts can be squishy and hard to feel, or too deep to feel.  They can also easily be aspirated and removed if necessary.
Mammograms are not that bad, and the information they give is worth the effort!
Good luck!
Dr B

[Pa1965]

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question.  I appreciate it, and will ask for my doctor for a mammogram this week.

[Tina0831]

A related discussion, breast tenderness after period was started.