Is this normal?

[w4lucy]

My bbs have been almost unbearably and constantly sore the past few days where it feels like they are being pinched or something.  The left is pretty sore all the time, but the right only seems to bother me if it gets bumped.  This evening, I noticed that my left breast is significantly larger than the right, as if it's swollen or something.  My left breast has always been a bit smaller, but never like this.  DH even noticed it.  I am on CD 18.  I typically get sore bbs as an AF syptom (symptom) the week before she comes, and I did have an unually long cycles last month, so is it possible AF is going to be earlier this time and maybe this is a typical symptom but just more so than usual?  And should I be worried or am I just over-reacting?

Any ideas?

[w4lucy]

typo--the RIGHT has always been smaller than the left.

[VickiInVegas]

It is normal for one breast to be larger than the other.  It is also very common for one breast to respond to hormones differently from the other.

Some women for example can only breastfeed from one breast because their smaller breast doesnt produce enough milk (or vice versa). All normal and not to be worried there.

The soreness sounds like its hormonal since both breasts are sore.  Even though the other breast only hurts if you touch it...bottomline...its still sore also.

Here are some things you can do:

- Wait for your body to rebalance itself out, take some tylenol, use warm compresses.  This is the best thing to do if you are trying to conceive. Self-medicating during a TTC timeframe isnt recommended.  

- Another option is to get on some form of birth control.  The birth control will regulate your hormones so you dont get painful breasts any longer (if given the right type).  There are some people against birth control pills but they may not be having painful breasts like you.

- You also need to do a self-breast examination and feel for bumps just to make sure you arent developing a cyst/bump/infection of some sort in the swollen breast.

If the pain gets bad, you develop a fever, start leaking, feel a bump inside it somewhere, or are worried....than go to the doctor.

[AnotherKatie]

I really think you should see your doctor. Not to scare you, but inflammatory breast cancer does exist, and it's a bad one.
Symptoms of IBC may include redness, swelling, and warmth in the breast, often without a distinct lump in the breast. The redness and warmth are caused by cancer cells blocking the lymph vessels in the skin. The skin of the breast may also appear pink, reddish purple, or bruised. The skin may also have ridges or appear pitted, like the skin of an orange (called peau d'orange), which is caused by a buildup of fluid and edema (swelling) in the breast. Other symptoms include heaviness, burning, aching, increase in breast size, tenderness, or a nipple that is inverted (facing inward. These symptoms usually develop quickly—over a period of weeks or months. Swollen lymph nodes may also be present under the arm, above the collarbone, or in both places. However, it is important to note that these symptoms may also be signs of other conditions such as infection, injury, or other types of cancer.

[w4lucy]

Thanks for the ideas.
I definitely don't want to go on birth control since DH and I are TTC, although I'm sure it would help with all of the symptoms I get every month.
My bbs do get that "orangey" look to them, but only when they're cold!!  hehe:-)  I'm planning on getting an appt w/an OBGYN after Christmas to get some things checked out.  Hopefully my body is just responding to stress and it's nothing to worry about.

Thanks again, guys, and merry Christmas!