My Breasts Ache During My Period. What Can I Do?

Before I start my period, I get aches in my breasts. Will it go away as I get older? Will wearing a more supportive bra help?

Lots of girls get aching in their breasts before their periods start. The aches are caused by a decrease in the hormones estrogen and progesterone , which are responsible for a girl's menstrual cycle.

For some girls, these aches happen less often as they grow older. But that's not the case for everyone. Some women continue to get aches in their breasts for as long as they have their periods, which is completely normal.

So what can you do? Cutting back on salt, sugar, caffeine, and dairy may help. You might feel more comfortable if you wear a supportive bra during this time. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain.

Regular exercise also may help lessen menstrual breast pain. Obviously, certain types of exercise (like running) may make things worse during the time when your breasts are hurting. So on those days, stick with a lower-impact exercise, such as biking or walking.