Burning Breasts, 9 Common Causes: Hormones, PMS, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Birth Control Pills & more

Burning Sensation in Breasts

The breast area is a very delicate part of the body. And when there are slight variations in the breasts, for example due to hormonal issues, changes can occur in the breasts. The most important thing in these cases is not to succumb to panic and worry and start diagnosing illnesses. If you do not have the knowledge to do so then visit a specialist for diagnosis.

One of the most frequent change is burning in the breasts. This situation can be arise because of large number of factors and does not have to be a sign that there is some kind of disease. In fact, it is probably a completely normal reaction by the body. It is important that you know the reasons why it can occur so that you do not get alarmed unjustifiably. And this article provides answer to the question –

Why I feel burning in the breasts?

(1) Hormonal causes

As explained above, variations in hormone levels can cause burning or burning breasts. One of the situations in which these changes occur normally and regularly is during a woman’s menstrual cycle.

(2) Premenstrual syndrome

There are hormonal peaks throughout the month that generate alterations in the breasts. The most important ones occur during the ovulation period and when the time of menstruation approaches. The latter process involves a series of changes in the female body that even has a name: premenstrual syndrome.

Among the most characteristic symptoms are:

  • Burning, swelling and even pain in the breasts
  • Headaches, such as headaches or migraines
  • Discomfort in the lower abdomen
  • Discomfort in the lower back (due to inflammation of the ovaries)
  • Mood swings

These symptoms are completely normal and can occur together or separately, with greater or lesser intensity, depending on each woman. With regard to the burning and pain in the breasts, if it is very annoying, it is recommended that you resort to compresses or towels moistened with cool water, as they will relieve the symptom.

Check out: Home remedies to relieve breast pain

(3) Puberty

The arrival of puberty is also accompanied by variations in hormone levels and a large number of changes in certain areas of the body. One of these, in the case of girls, is the breasts.

Most commonly, their size increases, although they do not necessarily reach their final size until later in adolescence. This also leads to breast pain and burning, which is completely normal. It can occur during periods, depending on the hormonal peaks or the first menstruations accompanied by the premenstrual syndrome previously explained.

(4) Changing birth control pills

Another cause closely related to hormones are the changes and adjustments in the different types of hormonal contraceptives. Contraceptive pills, the patch, an IUD (intrauterine device) with hormonal charge. Any variation introduced by the specialist affects the hormonal levels and, therefore, it can appear burning in the breasts that you can alleviate as we have explained previously.

(5) Pregnancy

Another stage in a woman’s life in which great hormonal changes occur is pregnancy. It is very common that, even before you know you have become pregnant, you begin to notice changes in your body. One of the most significant is the burning and swelling of the breasts, due to the increased amount of hormones that your body is releasing.

It is also accompanied by other changes, such as fatigue, mood swings, a slight feeling of dizziness and intolerance to some stronger odors. A large number of women also experience nausea and vomiting. But in most cases they usually disappear by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. With regard to burning breasts, the only thing you can do in this case is to relieve the symptom, so it is advisable to resort to cold compresses.

Check out: Causes of Sensitive Breasts

(6) Breastfeeding

It is normal that you also feel burning breasts during breastfeeding. This occurs due to hormonal variations and the fact of breastfeeding, although sometimes it is due to mastitis (explained later in the article).

In the first case, consult your specialist for further special care. But in general, use cold compresses and do not allow your breasts to be dehydrated by drinking water and applying moisturizer.

(7) Mastitis

Another of the possible disorders that can cause burning in the breasts is mastitis. This condition is associated with inflammation of the breast tissue, which is usually caused by a blocked milk duct (through which the breast milk passes) or (less common) by bacteria that have been introduced through any small wound. The development of mastitis usually occurs in the first few weeks of breastfeeding, but can occur later and even (although it is very uncommon) even if you are not breastfeeding. In addition to burning and swelling of the breast or both breasts, there is also pain, redness, chills and fever.

It is recommended to visit specialist, as you will need medication to stop the mastitis. It is not only important to be examined by an expert for treatment, but also to rule out any other more severe disease, such as breast cancer. Remember that if you feel burning in your breasts do not be alarmed and think that it may be a tumor. But if you suffer other symptoms such as pain, redness and discharge in the nipples, you should go to your doctor to rule out any pathology.

(8) Side Effects of Medicine

The prescription of certain medications can cause, among the side effects, burning breasts.

(9) Cysts

The presence of cysts or even tumors in a breast can also cause burning in that area. Pain is quite uncommon when you have a breast lump, so it is important to be aware of other symptoms, such as swelling, itching or changes in the nipple area.

Treatment for Burning Sensation in Breasts

Visit a medical practitioner, as soon as you notice these changes and follow his or her instructions strictly. This way, if there really is a serious problem, it will be easier to solve it and the prognosis will be much better.


Nilam Mehta - Author

Nilam is the owner and writer of EverydayCares.com. She is an experienced pharmaceutical professional and believes that many of the health problems can be cured naturally at home. She enjoys reading scholarly medical journals and gets inspiration to write up-to-date practical information and resources and makes sure all of the articles are of the highest quality. The best way to reach her is via [email protected]

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