Why are they sometimes sore before my period?

Does this happen to you? Sore boobs? Why?

In the week leading up to our period it is very common to have tender breasts, but it’s not normal. To be clear, I’m not talking about mild pain…that is a little more normal. No, what I’m talking about is intense swelling and tenderness that affects our daily life and activities.

According to the Breast Health Centre, 50% of women experience breast tenderness at some point in their lives. It’s a sign that something deeper is going on. It is definitely treatable, so don’t worry! 

This symptom is all too familiar for me… I sometimes still experience it even though I do the best I can to keep my hormones balanced. Breast tenderness can be super painful and really interfere with daily life/workouts/clothing, etc. 

If you know, you know!

SO, WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON? WHY DO SO MANY GIRLS EXPERIENCE BREAST TENDERNESS?

Cyclical breast tenderness is caused by hormonal fluctuations after we ovulate and can be a sign of estrogen dominance. While we love estrogen, we know that too much of it can cause PMS symptoms. It’s the imbalanced ratio of estrogen to progesterone that can cause the swelling and pain. Because this symptom is usually PMS-related, most of the time it will go away when we get our period.

DID YOU KNOW ESTROGEN CAUSES THE BREAST DUCTS TO ENLARGE WHILE PROGESTERONE MAKES THE MILK GLANDS SWELL (EVEN IF YOU AREN’T PREGNANT!). 

THE MORE YOU KNOW!

SO, HOW CAN WE NATURALLY TREAT BREAST TENDERNESS?

• Eat an anti-inflammatory diet that is high in whole food fiber and cruciferous veggies (broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cauliflower, kale, etc) because they are high in the nutrient called DIM (diindolylmethane), which helps the body process estrogen in your liver. The fiber from fruits and veggies help with elimination (pooping) which is crucial for toxin and hormone clearance
• Buy a super comfortable and supportive bra (preferably wireless!)
• Regular exercise and movement is an effective way to help balance estrogen levels (and reduces cortisol). It also moves the lymphatic system which helps with fluid retention (another PMS symptom)
• Avoid caffeine to prevent blood sugar and cortisol spikes
• Avoid super salty and processed foods which can add to the swelling
• Add magnesium to your nighttime supplement routine. This magical mineral has been shown to relieve PMS symptoms by reducing inflammation
• Consider iodine drops, selenium, vitamin e, or evening primrose oil supplementation, they all have been shown to help reduce soreness and swelling
• Consider seed cycling and increase our intake of hemp & chia seeds
• Drink Hertime to support your cycle as a whole!

I hope you find this post helpful and I hope it helps to alleviate any pain you are feeling before your period. All of these tips can majorly help with menstrual cramps, too!

Xo, Cody