Breast pain and HRT

Breast pain is one of the most common side effects experienced when starting/changing dose of HRT. If you are taking both oestrogen and progesterone as part of HRT, it can be tricky to know which is the trigger as both can cause breast pain. For most, it is tolerable and temporary (~2-3 months to settle).
For others, it can last longer and be difficult to manage. Some women describe intolerable pain when their clothes brush the skin, or wearing seat belts. Some feel like they are wearing a permanent tight bra, even when not. For some, taking bra off is impossible due to the severe ‘heaviness’ of their breast being released.
Here are some tips to help prevent or ease discomfort:
📷 First and foremost, we need to be breast safe and ensure this is due to HRT. Has the pain come on before starting/ changing HRT? Is pain only one side? Any changes to the skin/breast? If the answer is ‘YES’ to any of these then it’s important to speak with your specialist/ GP as there may be other causes that need exploring
📷For most, the pain will subside by itself around 2-3 months, and just knowing this is enough for some women to pursue with treatment
📷Starflower oil. We recommend 1000mg daily
📷Some find rubbing topical anti inflammatory gel helpful
📷Increasing the HRT dose slowly/gradually reduces the sudden surge in hormones
📷If you are also taking a contraceptive pill, the combination of all the hormones may be triggering pain. Tweaking regimes may help
📷Wearing comfortable, supportive bras
📷Some women report low fat, low alcohol Mediterranean diets, not smoking help reduce symptoms

For more support  with your menopause symptoms , please contact our clinic
To book an appointment, visit:

www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com

or email info@berkshiremenopauseclinic.com