Breast tenderness during menopause is a common symptom which occurs on account of the hormonal fluctuations that take place in women during menopause. Though post menopausal breast tenderness is also observed in some cases, breast tenderness is mostly observed in women who are perimenopausal or premenopausal. Breast tenderness after menopause can be intermittent or persistent and some women may experience breast tenderness in just one breast whereas some may experience the tenderness in both breast. Breast tenderness and menopause are usually synonymous and may be experienced during or even after menopause. The commonly observed symptoms of breast tenderness include breast soreness, discomfort in the breast while moving, breast swelling, increased sensitivity in the breast to pressure and touch, pain while sleeping and so on. Breast tenderness during menopause is caused by either too little or too much of the hormone progesterone or too little or too less of the hormone estrogen.

Vitamin B6

Most women who undergo hormone replacement therapy during menopause tend to experience tenderness in the breast even after menopause. Another reason for breasts to get tender during menopause is water retention which can be controlled to some extent by taking Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E supplements. Some simple tips to minimize breast tenderness during Menopause are to reduce the intake of coffee and tea as they contain methyl xanthins that cause lumps in the breast or fibrocystic breast disease. During menopause, women should also wear a good bra that supports the breasts well without creating any sort of irritation. Large seam bras should be avoided as they are known to irritate the breasts during menopause; In fact some menopausal women find it more comforting to sleep with their bra on.

Women may also consume herbs like wild yam, red clover and vitex to help restore some balance in the estrogen levels which is the main trigger for breast tenderness and other symptoms related to menopause. Vitamin E rich foods such as nuts, cereals and wheat germ should be consumed in plenty during menopause whereas consumption of animal fat should be minimized as far as possible. Similarly, the intake of essential fatty acids through natural foods such as nuts, oily fish, linseed is also known to reduce the formation of breast lumps and breast tenderness during menopause. Most of the common menopausal symptoms experienced by women can be reduced significantly by practicing yoga, meditation, light exercises and adopting a healthy and balanced diet.