Experiencing Unusual Breast Pain
Before diving into my situation, I want to mention that English isn't my native language, as I hail from Brazil. I appreciate your understanding if I make any language errors. I’m a 22-year-old woman currently residing in southern Brazil. Beginning around the 24th or 25th of February, I began to experience an unusual pain in my breasts. This discomfort was most pronounced when they were touched, but I also felt it at times when they weren’t touched. Additionally, they seemed larger and swollen. At that moment, I was on the verge of my menstrual period, leading me to initially dismiss my concerns as mere hormonal fluctuations. After about two weeks, the pain decreased significantly to around a 5 out of 10, and the swelling subsided a bit, but my breasts still appeared larger than usual. My first thought was that I might be pregnant, especially since my abdomen felt bloated as well. I took two pregnancy tests; one using a random urine sample in the afternoon and the other with my first urine of the day. Both tests yielded negative results. I also conducted a self-exam on my breasts to check for unusual lumps and felt nothing, as the pain was primarily caused by pressure. Throughout that month, I dealt with constipation, which made my bowel movements irregular. This changed after consuming a mango, leading me to believe that I may have needed more fiber in my diet. Around this time, I also noticed an influx of acne around my chin and lower face, which had not been a significant issue for me until this discomfort began. I have been taking 150mg of Bupropion daily for my Borderline Personality Disorder, and I received a Kyleena IUD last year on June 20th. My menstrual cycles have been rather unpredictable. In recent months, I would experience heavy bleeding during the initial days alongside an unusual pain in my right leg, reminiscent of sensations that would come and go, which had not occurred in quite some time. I also began to have cramps, which were absent before I got the IUD, and now they occasionally accompany my menstrual cycles. Recently, I started experiencing that swollen and heavy feeling in my breasts again, and the tenderness intensified, especially with my period beginning yesterday. While I haven’t had any blood tests done in a while, my last one in October showed normal results, aside from low levels of B12, given that I have a limited intake of meat and dairy, and low vitamin D since I work in a windowless environment for nine hours each day. I have an appointment with a gynecologist scheduled for the 22nd of next month. In the meantime, I’m curious to know whether I should be concerned about anything beyond normal menstrual hormones, especially considering this pain and swelling is a new experience for me. I’m more than willing to share additional information if needed!
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 5:11:07 PM
OpenHealth AI
Based on what you shared, you have been experiencing breast pain, swelling, and other symptoms that seem to be influenced by your menstrual cycle and possibly hormonal changes. While it’s good to be aware of new changes in your body, many factors could contribute to your symptoms, including menstrual hormones, the effects of the Kyleena IUD, and even aspects of your mental health management.
Explanation
Breast tenderness and swelling before and during your menstrual period are common due to hormonal fluctuations. These hormonal changes can cause the breasts to feel fuller and more sensitive. The fact that you had two negative pregnancy tests further supports that pregnancy is unlikely. Additionally, breast pain related to hormonal changes should typically improve after your menstrual period, which is consistent with what you've described.
Your experience with acne and abdominal bloating may also be linked to hormonal changes or dietary factors, particularly if you’ve recently adjusted your fiber intake.
Prioritized Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your breast pain, swelling, and any changes related to your menstrual cycle. Note patterns in the symptoms, including when they worsen or improve.
-
Dietary Adjustments: Continue addressing your fiber intake and hydration. Adding fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help with your constipation and overall well-being.
-
Pain Relief: Consider using over-the-counter pain relief if your breast tenderness is uncomfortable, particularly during your menstrual period. A warm compress may also ease discomfort.
-
Consult About Hormonal Changes: When you visit your gynecologist, discuss the new experiences with breast tenderness, swelling, and any menstrual irregularities. This is especially important given your use of the IUD and your history of symptoms.
-
Vitamin D and B12: Focus on obtaining adequate vitamin D and B12, considering your low levels. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of supplements or dietary changes to help manage these deficiencies, which could also affect your overall health.
Reassurance
It's understandable to feel concerned about your body when you experience new or unusual symptoms. Many women experience fluctuations in breast pain and swelling related to their menstrual cycle. With the upcoming consultation with your gynecologist, you'll have an opportunity to address these concerns in detail. In the meantime, focus on self-care and monitor your symptoms closely. If anything worsens significantly, prioritize speaking with a healthcare provider sooner.
Related Questions
Concern Over New Skin Growth on Thigh
I’ve noticed a skin lesion about 20mm in size on my thigh, and I’m uncertain about its nature. It’s been worrying me, and I would appreciate any insights or information regarding possible causes or conditions it might be related to. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Any advice on how to proceed would be greatly valued.
Identifying Mysterious Nose Spots
Greetings everyone! I'm a 32-year-old woman, and I don't take any medications. For several months now, I've been dealing with two spots on my nose that simply won’t go away. I maintain a skincare routine that includes cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, but despite my efforts, these spots remain persistent. They lack a noticeable head, which makes it impossible for me to pop them, and they neither cause discomfort nor have they grown larger over time. I woke up one day to discover them, and they’ve been there ever since. My apologies for the poor image quality.
Evaluating a Suspicious Spot on the Skin
At 33 years old, I've recently observed a pale spot developing on my forehead. This soft, raised area has been increasing in size rapidly and was not present back in October. I've noticed it subtly emerging in some earlier photos as well, highlighting the change over time. The spot does not exhibit any symptoms like itching, scabbing, or flaking. During summer months, I do spend considerable time outdoors, but I consistently apply sunscreen for protection. My esthetics specialist, whom I consult every other month for facials, mentioned that this spot does not appear to be related to acne and does not seem to contain any fluid or resemble milia. Given my upcoming medical appointments, I’m attempting to determine which ones should be addressed first. I discontinued spironolactone two months ago for managing elevated androgen levels and borderline polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), after being on it for approximately two years. Additionally, I stopped taking Wegovy one month ago as my husband and I are intending to try for a child following the appropriate waiting period. Currently, I am not taking any vitamins, medications, or supplements.
Struggling with Long-Term Nasal Congestion
**Patient Overview:** 21-year-old male For the past three to four years, I've been dealing with persistent nasal congestion, which has been quite troublesome. Despite seeking help from two different ENT specialists and trying various medications, including multiple nasal sprays and drops, I haven't found any lasting relief. Unfortunately, the treatments have been largely ineffective. Both an endoscopy and a CT scan yielded no definitive results. The only temporary relief I've experienced comes from certain nasal sprays that I used excessively, leading to a rebound effect that made my condition worse. One of the ENT doctors indicated that there weren’t any viable solutions for my issue, while the other recommended consulting an allergist for further assistance. **Allergy Testing Results:** - **Immunoglobulin Level:** 283.4 IU/ml - Identified allergies include: - House Dust Mites: 4.90 IU/ml (Dermatophagoides farinae) - House Dust: 2.00 IU/ml (Hollister Stier) - Storage Mites: 1.30 IU/ml (Glycyphagus domesticus) - Casein: 1.10 IU/ml - Chickpea: 0.98 IU/ml - Sesame Seed: 1.22 IU/ml - Milk: 1.50 IU/ml - Egg: 1.30 IU/ml - Yogurt: 0.46 IU/ml - Common Ragweed: 1.20 IU/ml **CT Scan Findings:** - **MSCT Scan of the Paranasal Sinuses (Plain):** - **Nasal Cavity:** The septum is nearly central, but there are hypertrophied middle and inferior turbinates on the right side leading to fullness in the right nasal cavity. Concha bullosa is observed bilaterally. - **Bilateral Sinuses & Drainage Pathways:** Sinuses appear normal and the bilateral ostiomeatal complex is also normal. - There are enlarged soft tissue shadows of the adenoids measuring 32 x 14.5 mm, which may be causing mild to moderate narrowing of the air passage. - Bilateral tonsilloliths are present with no collection, and there is a need to rule out the possibility of chronic or recurrent tonsillitis. - **Anatomical Variations:** The Vidian nerve canals are normal, with no Haller or Onodi cells observed; Keros type II olfactory fossae are present on both sides. **Impression:** The findings suggest mild adenoid hypertrophy and nasal cavity fullness due to enlarged turbinates. Thankfully, the sinuses and ostiomeatal complex appear to be normal. Although I cannot recall the specific names of the medications and sprays prescribed—due to difficulty in reading my doctor’s handwriting—I conducted some research and learned that many of these medications are typically used for allergic rhinitis. Now, my physician has suggested that I consider starting immunotherapy and advised me to see an allergist. I find myself uncertain about the next steps, and I am seeking guidance on how to proceed.
Inquiry About Blood Test Results (Hormonal, Immune, and Metabolic Analysis)
Since my teenage years, I've encountered various hormone-related challenges. A minor amount of stress can throw my body into disarray, leading to insomnia, hair thinning, heightened anxiety, unexpected weight gain, muscle discomfort, and reduced sexual desire, among other issues. Additionally, I tend to be quite sensitive to heat, often experiencing migraines and nausea when the temperature rises. Recently, I noticed these stress-like signs resurfacing despite feeling relatively calm. In response, my physician conducted a series of tests checking for autoimmune problems and hormone levels. To provide some background, I am 38 years old, have never used hormonal contraception, and the blood samples were collected on the second day of my menstrual cycle. While I suspect my results fall within a typical range, I’m curious if they might still be linked to my symptoms: - FSH: 8.2 u/L - LH: 4.3 u/L - Testosterone: 1.1 nmol/L - SHBG: 104 nmol/L - Free Androgen Index: 1.1 All other results returned mid-range, except for a few that approached the low or high limits of normal, raising questions about whether it’s preferable to be at the extremes rather than in the middle: - Percentage of Lymphocytes: 1.9 x 10^9/L - Eosinophils Count: 0.1 x 10^9/L - Serum Potassium: 4.7 mmol/L - Serum Urea: 3.0 mmol/L - Serum Creatinine: 59 umol/L Moreover, I am inquiring about the relationship between my hair thinning and iron levels. Although I was previously informed that my iron and ferritin levels appeared normal, my ferritin measured below 60. From my research, it seems optimal ferritin for promoting hair health is typically between 70-100 or more. Any insights on this matter would be greatly appreciated.