Breast pain

Breast pain is common and usually not a sign of anything serious. Find out about common causes, how to ease the pain and when to get help.

Breast pain is common and is usually not a sign of anything serious. It can affect one or both breasts and may come and go or be there all the time.

Breast pain can affect anyone with breast tissue. It is often linked to hormonal changes, including periods, pregnancy and the menopause. Other causes include some medicines, infections and injuries.

Breast pain on its own is unlikely to be a symptom of breast cancer. Contact your GP practice if your symptoms are not improving or you notice any other changes to your breasts.

What does breast pain feel like?

Pain can feel different from person to person. It may feel:

  • Dull, heavy or aching
  • Tender or sore
  • Sharp, burning or stabbing
  • Tight or uncomfortable

The discomfort can sometimes spread to your armpit.

Why do my breasts hurt?

There are many possible causes of breast pain. It is often linked to periods and hormonal changes, but it can also be caused by pregnancy, the menopause, some medicines, infections or injuries.

Pain linked to your period

Discomfort linked to your periods usually:

  • Begins up to 2 weeks before your period
  • Gets worse before your period
  • Goes away when your period ends
  • Affects both breasts
  • Can sometimes spread to your armpit
  • Feels dull, heavy or aching

This type of pain is more common before the menopause.

Other possible causes include:

  • An injury or sprain to your neck, shoulder or back, which can feel like pain in the breast
  • Some medicines, including the contraceptive pill and some antidepressants
  • A breast infection (mastitis) or a collection of pus in the breast (breast abscess), most commonly in breastfeeding women
  • Pregnancy
  • Hormonal changes during perimenopause and the menopause

Breast pain can also be associated with breast implants. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with a healthcare professional.

Breast pain in transgender people

Breast or chest pain can affect transgender people for a number of reasons.

For some trans women and transfeminine people, breast or nipple tenderness can happen as breast tissue develops during hormone treatment. This may be more noticeable during the early stages of treatment.

Trans men and some non-binary people may also experience breast or chest pain or tenderness. This can be linked to hormonal changes, chest binding, surgery or other causes.

If you have new, persistent or unusual pain, or notice a lump or other change to your breast or chest, contact your GP practice or healthcare professional. They can assess your symptoms and arrange further tests or referral if needed.

How can I ease pain?

To help ease your symptoms, you can:

  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if these are suitable for you
  • Use pain-relieving gel if this is suitable for you
  • Wear a properly fitted bra during the day
  • Wear a soft, supportive bra when sleeping

There is little evidence that vitamin E tablets or evening primrose oil help with breast pain.

When should I contact my GP?

Contact your GP practice if:

  • Your breast pain is not improving, keeps coming back or painkillers are not helping
  • There is a history of breast cancer in your family
  • You have signs of pregnancy

If you think you may be pregnant, you could do a pregnancy test first.

Your GP or another healthcare professional can ask about your symptoms and examine your breasts if needed.

If you need further tests or advice, your GP can refer you to a specialist breast service.

Most people referred to a breast clinic do not have breast cancer. The referral helps specialists find out what is causing your symptoms and whether you need any treatment.

When should I get urgent help?

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you have breast pain and:

  • You have a very high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery
  • Any part of your breast is red, hot or swollen
  • You have a hard lump in your breast that does not move around
  • You have nipple discharge, which may be streaked with blood
  • One or both breasts change shape
  • The skin on your breast is dimpled, like orange peel
  • You have a rash on or around your nipple, or your nipple has sunk into your breast

These can be signs of something more serious.

You can call NHS 111 or use 111 online.

Breast pain and breast cancer

Breast pain on its own is unlikely to be a symptom of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK.

If you notice a new lump, changes to your breast or nipple, or any other unusual breast symptoms, contact your GP practice.

Do not wait for your next breast screening appointment if you have symptoms. If you notice a new or unusual change in your breast, contact your GP practice.

Frequently asked questions

Breast pain on its own is unlikely to be a symptom of breast cancer. However, any new or unusual changes to your breasts should be checked by your GP practice.

Contact your GP practice if breast pain does not improve, keeps coming back or you have any other breast symptoms.

If your GP practice thinks you need further assessment, they can refer you to the appropriate NHS breast service.

If you are referred to a breast clinic, your local NHS team will explain your appointment, any tests you may need and what happens next.

Further information

For trusted information about breast pain and breast health, visit: