Uncomfortable or tender breasts that occur shortly before your period arrives, are due to the natural cycles of the reproductive hormones oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones signal the cells of the milk-producing glands in the breasts to grow, and the areas around these glands then expand with blood and other fluids to help nourish the cells. The fluid-logged tissue can stretch the nerve fibres, causing discomfort and sometimes pain.
Take care
It's a wrap
Many breastfeeding moms swear by the soothing powers of raw cabbage leaves for swollen and tender breasts. Keep them in the fridge and put them inside your bra. It will help to relieve some of the discomfort.
Newcomers
1940s Padded bra
1950s Strapless bra
1959 Lycra
1963 Push-up plunge bra
1994 Launch of the Wonder Bra
2000 Silicone gel-filled bra
Back to front
Most women first fasten their bra in front and then
turn it round, slipping the breasts in before putting
the shoulder straps on. Rather try to hold the bra
in front of you and then lean forward into the bra
with your nipples in the centre of the cup before
fastening the bra.
Exam time
Any lump that you discover should always be checked by
your doctor. About 90% of breast lumps are not found by doctors or mammograms but by women doing breast exams themselves – that's why it's so important
that you examine your breasts regularly. The best time to do this is one week after your period begins because lumps may sometimes surface shortly before menstruation, only to disappear again afterwards.
While in the shower or bath, explore the breast and underarm areas with your fingertips. Raise one arm and place your hand behind your head. Slowly and methodically move the pads of your fingertips over the breasts in a circular motion. Also feel the armpit and nipple areas. You could do the same test while lying in bed, with your arm tucked behind your head.
Now stand in front of the mirror with your arms raised above your head to check for changes in size, shape or contour. Check if there is any nipple discharge. Look out for lumps in the breasts and armpits, a puckering of the skin of the breasts, an unusual increase in the size of one breast, a new dimpling of the nipple, enlargement of the glands, a change in the skin around the nipple, an unusual swelling in the armpit, or a breast that is suddenly noticeably lower than the other.
For more information, call the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) toll free on 0800 22 66 22.