That pulsating, tender, heavy feeling is all too familiar for us ladies at that time of the month. If you’re one of the few to never have experienced this, then you’re lucky! But if you’re like us and detest your period boobs, we may have the answer as to why this happens!
So, why exactly do the girls turn against us once a month? It’s down to this pesky yet very vital thing once again – hormones. ‘It’s all due to hormonal fluxes in the menstrual cycle’ Say’s Dr Judith Reddrop from Women’s Wellbeing online. ‘Oestrogen reaches a peak around the middle of your cycle, and progesterone reaches its peak the following week. However they can also both be very high during the second half of your cycle - so it’s basically like they’re having a party in your boobs, but not inviting you.
Your boobs have oestrogen and progesterone receptors which are extra sensitive so they pick up on the radical changes during your period. This is what can cause the discomfort but it’s key to showing your hormones are working properly– so there are some upsides, if you can call it that. Some of the key effects that we can experience include swelling (which is why your bra size can change slightly) become congested, feeling tender and also cause some lumpiness. Lumps should never be taken lightly though, so make sure you’re aware of what’s normal for you during this time.
There may be light at the end of the tunnel though for some of you. There are a few things you can do to help combat any of these symptoms. Giving in to that chocolate craving yes can of course help, which is something we’ll always do (damn you sweet tooth) but other things such as exercising the week before or cutting the caffeine have been seen to reduce symptoms. ‘If there’s too much salt in your diet, this can lead to fluid retention which only makes the congestion feels worse’ According to Dr Reddrop.
So there you have it ladies, a pretty simple explanation for the most devilish of things. If all else fails we say just stick with the chocolate or ice cream! Is there anything in particular that you do to try and combat breast pain during that time of the month that we haven’t mentioned? Let us know in the comments below.
Grace x
