Delicate breasts

Delicate breasts / symptoms
Many women now and then have sensitive breasts. Often the increased sensitivity causes discomfort and worry - especially breast cancer. But in most cases, relatively harmless causes such as the so-called "premenstrual syndrome" (PMS) or hormonal changes such as. during pregnancy or menopause. Accordingly, hypersensitivity can often be alleviated by natural home remedies or herbal supplements. If the symptoms last longer or occur independently of the cycle, they should always be clarified by a doctor.

contents

  • Causes of sensitive breasts
  • Increased sensitivity of the breasts before the period
  • Delicate breasts in pregnancy
  • Cause chest infection
  • Therapy and Naturopathy at PMS

Causes of sensitive breasts

An increased sensitivity of the breast or nipples causes insecurity and anxiety in many women and often leads to a serious cause such. Think breast cancer. Instead, hypersensitivity in this area is a very common phenomenon and usually has relatively harmless reasons. In many cases, the symptoms associated with the female cycle (premenstrual syndrome) or pregnancy occur and therefore often represent a very natural reaction of the body to physical or hormonal changes.

Increased sensitivity of the breasts before the period

Before the onset of menstruation, many women experience various physical and mental complaints. In addition to an increased sensitivity of the breasts come here e.g. Symptoms such as fatigue, chronic fatigue, mood swings, a bloated stomach, headache and abdominal pain, constipation, irritability and depression, which are summarized under the term "premenstrual syndrome" (PMS). This is one of the most common gynecological complaints and affects up to three quarters of all women, especially in the age group of the late 20s to early 40s.

If the breast is hypersensitive. Image: pathdoc - fotolia

The symptoms may be very variable and vary in intensity from month to month. Accordingly, many women experience only mild disability, but in other cases there may also be a particularly strong form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDS).

What exactly causes the premenstrual syndrome is not yet fully understood. It is assumed, however, that the symptoms are caused by several factors, which is why medically speaking of a so-called "multifactorial" origin. It is certain that the hormones have a certain influence, because the changes in the second half of the cycle, the healthy hormonal balance is out of balance. The "turning point" represents the ovulation, which means the ejection of the mature, unfertilized egg from the ovary and takes place about the middle of the female menstrual cycle.

While the female hormone estrogen is primarily active before ovulation, in the second half there is an increase in the production of the luteal hormone progesterone and a concomitant decrease in the estrogen level. Especially during the last three to seven days before menstruation, the influence of progesterone predominates. More water is stored in the tissue, which can lead to painful swelling of the breasts and cause other complaints such as swollen legs and hands or thick feet.

In addition, in the second half of the cycle there is an increase in the hormone prolactin, which is formed in the pituitary anterior lobe and stimulates the swelling of the mammary glands (mastodynia). As a result, some women may also experience increased sensitivity of the breasts and unpleasant pain.

In addition to the aforementioned influences, a number of other factors are discussed that may favor the development or enhancement of premenstrual syndrome both individually and together. These include, e.g. hypothyroidism, stress (for example, through problems in partnership and / or work, conflicts), the consumption of alcohol and nicotine, an unfavorable diet with too much sugar and caffeine, fungal infections, environmental toxins and a lack of physical activity.

Delicate breasts in pregnancy

Swollen and sensitive breasts can be an early sign of pregnancy. The increased sensitivity can be very different and in severe cases even cause the T-shirt or nightgown is extremely distracting. The cause is hormonal changes, which change the breasts shortly after fertilization. They become more sensitive, can hurt, feel tense, heavier and more plump. In most women, the nipples also turn darker, as well as the blood vessels below the skin are often seen more clearly.

The main causes here are the pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone, which cause an enlargement of the breast and prepare them slowly for milk production and later breastfeeding. The female breast consists mostly of connective tissue, protective fat and mammary glands, the latter being a hormone-dependent organ whose role is lactation. In the course of pregnancy or hormonal changes, the mammary glands start to grow stronger and the breast gets bigger. The connective and fatty tissue is displaced, but after breastfeeding, a large part of the milk-forming tissue is replaced by connective tissue again.

In addition to the increased sensibility of the breasts, however, there are a number of other indications that indicate that a baby is on the move. Early signs are e.g. Fatigue and fatigue, dizziness, nausea and vaginal discharge. Likewise, many women experience increased urination, mood swings and cravings for certain foods or drinks, typical odor sensitivity and a sudden disgust for previously eaten foods, cigarettes and alcohol.

Cause chest infection

If the sensitivity to touch, especially in the area of ​​the nipple (s), an inflammation of the female breast or mammary gland may be present ("mastitis"). This occurs in most cases at the beginning of breastfeeding, about two to four weeks after birth (mastitis puerperalis), but can also arise outside the puerperium (mastitis non puerperalis) and in rare cases even affect men.

Typical features of an inflamed mammary gland are fever, extreme sensitivity to touch and severe pain, often described as a massive stinging, pulling or burning sensation in the chest. In addition, there is usually an inflammation-related redness, swelling and overheating in the affected area, the symptoms are usually much more pronounced in mastitis puerperalis.

In some cases, an abscess may form. If the inflammation takes a chronic course, so-called "fistulas" are possible, which is an unnatural channel-like connection between internal organs or between internal organs and the body surface.

A breast infection can have various causes. In most cases, the more common mastitis puerperalis is a bacterial infection with staphylococci or streptococci. The bacteria enter the body of the woman through small injuries ("cracks") of the nipple, which usually originate from the nasopharynx of the mother or another person close to the child during inflammation during lactation. By tight body contact, kissing, cuddling, etc., the pathogens then reach the mouth and nose of the child and finally nursing the nipple.

Inflammation of the breast outside lactation may also be caused by a bacterial infection. In addition, non-puerperal mastitis may also occur in association with another underlying disease. Eligible here are e.g. Tuberculosis, syphilis, Boeck's disease (sarcoidosis) or a fungal infection.

Increased sensitivity to touch during menopause Many women experience chest problems during the menopause (climacteric), which can sometimes be extremely unpleasant. Possible are e.g. one or both sides of the feeling of tension, pulling pain, a stinging in the chest and an increased sensitivity, whereby a touching of the breast is sometimes hardly possible.

Most women experience the symptoms in the second half of the cycle and become stronger until the end of the cycle. In addition, the symptoms may be absent over long periods as well as occur at frequent intervals, which is due to the fact that the menstruation during menopause begins only irregularly.

The reason for the menopausal symptoms are the changes in the hormone balance of the female body. Gradually, the production of female sex hormones is declining, with first the progesterone (yellow body hormone) and later the estrogen decreases. The adaptation of the body to the new hormonal situation lasts on average five to ten years, with some women from the age of 40 first feel changes.

The conversion can lead to various complaints, in addition to sensitive breasts, e.g. Hot flashes, sweats, headaches and palpitations are typical. Frequently, as a result of the increasing estrogen deficiency, more severe bleeding, burning or pain during sex, insomnia, depressive moods and a dry, itchy vagina occur. In addition, the hormonal changes in many women affect the skin, hair and figure. Common examples include a brittle, sensitive skin and thinning, dry hair, most of them also suffer from weight gain and increased wrinkling. Treatment for sensitive breasts If the increased sensitivity occurs in (early) pregnancy, it is often so strong that it is perceived by the affected women rather as pain. In this case, the pregnant woman should inform herself in a special maternity wear shop about suitable bras. Because a so-called "maternity bra" not only protects against the unpleasant contact with the overlying clothing, but also supports. As a result, sufferers usually experienced quite a bit of relief, and the risk for a hanging breast after pregnancy is minimized.

Also, typical menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sweats and slightly increased sensitivity of the breasts often do not require special treatment. Instead, even small changes in lifestyle can often help to make the time of hormonal change less cumbersome. These include e.g. Regular physical activity and a healthy, varied diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains - provided they are well tolerated.

However, if the symptoms are so pronounced that the quality of life of those affected is significantly impaired, usually a so-called "hormone therapy" is performed. Various estrogen and / or progestogen preparations are available here through which e.g. Hot flashes and sweating or a regression of the vagina can be counteracted.

If breast inflammation (mastitis) is the cause, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible to prevent abscess formation. If there is non-puerperal mastitis without encapsulated pus accumulation, according to the cause, e.g. Antibiotics or anti-inflammatories are used. In addition, an important step in the treatment is cooling (e.g., through ice bags or quark wrap) the affected breast and wearing a well-fitting, sedate bra. If an abscess has already formed, it is usually treated as part of an operation. The same applies e.g. for chronic inflammatory foci or fistulas. If the mastitis accompanies another underlying disease, such as Syphilis or a fungal attack, of course, is the appropriate treatment of this in the center of therapy.

Therapy and Naturopathy at PMS

In some cases, in the case of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), therapy may become necessary because some women suffer so much from the pre-period discomfort that their private and professional lives are severely limited. In this case, the symptoms can be relieved by various medications, e.g. Analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen) or diuretics (e.g. Relieve spironolactone. Often, hormonal contraceptives, e.g. The contraceptive pills used to prevent ovulation, also in severe mental discomfort treatment with antidepressants are considered.

In addition, herbal medicines can also be used effectively. Here, lady's mantle, melissa and St. John's wort are often used, as well as the aromatherapy with lavender oil is attributed great potential for alleviating the symptoms. This may e.g. in the form of a bath additive or as a wrap. It can be helpful and very relaxing if the oil is carefully creamed before going to bed or the sensitive breast is carefully massaged. However, only high quality lavender essential oil should be used. In addition, a good dilution (for example, with jojoba, almond, or sesame oil) is always important when applied to the skin, since pure lavender oil, especially in people with sensitive skin, quickly causes irritations, such as irritation. Pustules or itchy rash may occur.

Homoeopathic globules have also been proven to be helpful in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. Sensitive breasts and breast tendons can be found here e.g. can be treated with dog milk (Lac caninum) in the potency D12, also Calcium Carbonicum is helpful in many cases. If irritation is added, homeopaths often additionally recommend Lachesis or Lilium tigrinum; in the event of mood swings or depression for no apparent reason, e.g. Sepia or Natrum muriaticum (table salt) provide relief.

In addition, a change in dietary habits can be very helpful. For some women, the complaints can be attributed to acidification of the body, which is why in these cases, only a few acidifying or "acidic" foods (such as meat, sausage, dairy products, pasta, coffee, alcohol) should be consumed. Instead, it is advisable to increase the proportion of so-called "base builders" in the daily diet in order to regulate the acid-base balance and, accordingly, to avoid or reduce hyperacidity.

As basic foods are mainly vegetables such. Beans, onions, cauliflower, carrots, savoy cabbage, spinach or celery and fruit such as Bananas, tangerines, raspberries, quinces, pears, dried figs, etc. Likewise, many herbs such. Basil, garden cress, oregano or parsley, and salads, e.g. Field, Eichblatt- or lettuce and Lollo Biondo or Rosso particularly good. In addition, the basic diet can be supplemented with a range of other foods. These include various sprouts and germs, mushrooms (mushrooms, chanterelles, etc.) and almonds, as well as drinks such. unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices, home-made (green) fruit smoothies, lemon water and herbal tea.

In addition, various dietary supplements are available to relieve the symptoms before the period. Here come, for example Saffron, calcium, magnesium or ginkgo biloba in question. In many cases, monk's pepper extract (Vitex agnuscastus) in the form of drops or tablets has been proven, and this can be particularly helpful if parallel to the typical PMS symptoms too short or irregular cycle or bleeding occurs.

It is important for a tendency to PMS, daily at least 20 minutes of exercise (preferably in the fresh air) plan and to ensure a sufficiently long and restful sleep. Relaxation exercises for stress relief, such as Yoga, meditation, autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation can also be very helpful. In addition, special breathing exercises and alkaline baths are available to aid in the process of deacidification and thereby alleviate the symptoms. (No)