As a woman, you can’t necessarily control your hormones, but you aren’t left powerless to just suffer with sore breasts. You can take measures to help alleviate the discomfort. Check out the 8 things you can do at home to help with your breast tenderness.
- Hot or cold compress. If you discover that your breasts are tender as your hormones fluctuate, “Top 10 Home Remedies” recommends using either a hot or cold compress, whichever gives the most relief. For the cold, you can use ice wrapped in a towel or a bag of frozen veggies. The heat can be a hot water bottle or a towel soaked in hot water.
- Support. Another way to help with the discomfort is to make sure you’re wearing a bra that has proper support. “Reader’s Digest” also recommends wearing a sports bra for any strenuous activity that might cause your breasts to be bounced around too much.
- Relax. Stress can contribute to hormone fluctuation which causes breast tenderness. The Mayo Clinic says to try some relaxation techniques to help reduce your stress: a hot bath, Yoga or going for a run.
- Decaf. Many women forget that caffeine can contribute to fibrocystic breast tissue. The Mayo Clinic recommends cutting back on the caffeine if you discover you’re having discomfort.
- Diet. Another simple solution might be altering your diet. Switching to a low-fat, high complex carbohydrate diet is recommended by “best health”. Add in plenty of fruits, vegetables and legumes as well.
- Evening primrose oil.“Top 10 Home Remedies” says that rubbing evening primrose oil into the sore areas may give some relief. It’s supposed to help balance the fatty tissues. Rub in a circular motion. Apply it twice a day.
- Vitamin E. The Mayo Clinic also says that vitamin E may give some relief. It says that 200 IU taken two times a day appears to give relief.
- Soy. Another diet tip given by “best health” is adding soy. Soy contains phytoestrogens which may help as you near your period or menopause.
