Understanding Sore, Sensitive Nipples: Causes & Relief

Question
Hi there, I'm an 18 year old female, and I've been having shooting pains into my breasts almost kind of like growing pains, when I look at them they seem the same size, but more perky, and when I feel them they feel harder, but really soar to touch. And lately my nipples have been really very sore as well. I can't hardly even touch them or press up against things. Like when I lay down in bed on my stomach, it hurts my breasts and nipples. Before and during my period they swell and hurt, but not like this, they feel different than they normally do. I'm about a week late for my period so I've been thinking that I could be pregnant, but seeing as I'm 18 I'm hoping other wise. What do you think it could be?

Thanks for your time,
Erica

Answer
erica;

to understand the diseases and conditions that can affect breasts,its helpful for you to know how a normal breast functions. hormonoes play a major role both in breast development and in the changes breast undergo at different stages of life.
from puberty until after menopause,a womans breasts change as her hormones fluctuate. at puberty,when a girls body first produces estrogen in quantity,her breasts rapidly develop both a framework of connective tissue[stroma]and a system of glands,ducts,blood vessels,lymph channels and nerves. at the same time,breasts develop fat cells,which make up the bulk of breasts tissue;
after puberty,a womans breasts change each month. during the first half of the menstrual cycle,her ovaries release estrogen,which causes new cells to grow in glands,ducts and other breast tissue. blood flow to the breasts also increases.
some womens breasts become painfully engorged just before their menstrual period. others have cysts in their breasts that enlarge at that time. birth control pills also can cause breast tenderness and swelling,although most women who take birth control pills dont experience these side effects;

i dont know really what is causing this discomfort,but its normal and harmless most of the time.
i can suggest cutting back on salt and caffine,this could help a great deal.
i indeed think its a good idea to see your GYN,just in case its something more serious.


i wish i could do more;

catherine;