What Is Mastalgia ?
January 20, 2009 by rainier
What Is Mastalgia ?
Mastalgia (mas-TAL-juh) is the medical name for breast pain and may affect up to 70% of women in their lifetime. It is normal for women to have 2-3 days of mild breast pain just before their menstrual period. For others the pain can last more than 5 days. It can be so bad it is not comfortable to wear a T-shirt or to be hugged. Sometimes the pain may not be related to the menstrual period at all. Breast pain may be in both breasts, only one breast, or only in one part of a breast. It may go to other areas such as the armpit or the arm.
There are 3 main types of breast pain:
1. Cyclical This kind of pain is worse closer to the menstrual period. The amount of pain can change from month to month.
2. Non-cyclical The pain does not change with the menstrual period. It may be there all the time or it may come and go without a pattern.
3. Chest Wall Pain This is not true breast pain but aff ects the muscles and other tissues beneath the breast.
How Common Is Mastalgia ?
*Cyclical breast pain aff ects up to 40% of women before menopause, most often in their 30’s. In about 8% of these women the pain will be severe and interfere with their normal activities. The pain can go on for many years but most times it will go away after menopause. In 20% of women it disappears on its own.
*Non-cyclical breast pain is less common. It occurs more often in older women.
