Breast tenderness and pain are common during menstruation, but did you know that you can also experience it in the middle of the cycle during ovulation? The pain is medically referred to as cyclical m astalgia and may cause your breasts to feel tender, fuller, and heavier than usual. Many women in Australia get scared due to the sudden appearance of these symptoms, and it helps to understand why this happens and what it means for your menstrual cycle. In the following post, we will discuss this mid-cycle breast tenderness and how to deal with it.

How common is breast tenderness during the menstrual cycle?

Breast pain and tenderness are secondary symptoms of ovulation , and while some women might experience them, they are not very common. Primary symptoms such as changes in the consistency of cervical mucus, cervix position, and an increase in basal body temperature are considered primary symptoms and are more common than breast tenderness.

Hormonal Signaling and Breast Sensitivity

During the menstrual cycle, the endocrine system orchestrates cellular activities in the breast. Oestrogen binds to specific receptors, triggering genetic signals that increase nerve sensitivity. Soon after, progesterone engages its receptors, balancing these signals and gently modifying nerve responsiveness.

Even slight changes in the strength or timing of hormone-receptor interactions affect how breast tissue senses stimuli, leading to varying tenderness levels among individuals. Extensive molecular endocrinology research shows that these receptor-mediated processes are inherent to reproductive physiology, with genetic and cellular differences contributing to the diverse sensations experienced during the menstrual cycle.

The cause of breast pain during ovulation

Although the exact cause behind cyclical mastalgia is still under scientific investigation, some research-based causes include:

• There is an imbalance between the levels of the two most important sex hormones —o estrogen and progesterone — during the menstrual cycle, especially during the luteal phase. The lower progesterone level compared to oestrogen during this cycle phase might lead to mastalgia and tenderness of the breasts.
• Even minor prolactin spikes from everyday stress can heighten breast sensitivity. When stress prompts the pituitary gland to release extra prolactin, it makes breast nerve endings more reactive, resulting in noticeable discomfort during your cycle.
• Stress can cause hormonal imbalance and hence precipitate secondary ovulation symptoms, including breast pain and tenderness

The symptoms

If the breast pain and tenderness are associated with ovulation, you can start experiencing it as soon as your LH surge occurs, and it usually subsides as you ovulate. Some women can experience intense pain, which is barely noticeable in other cases. Some of the common symptoms of cyclic mastalgia include:

• Dull pain in the breast tissue, especially around the nipples
• Overall, swollen breasts that seem heavier than usual
• Increased sensitivity to touch, especially around the nipple area
• Sensitivity in the armpits

The treatment of sore breasts during ovulation

The treatment of cyclic mastalgia in Australia depends on the severity and extent of the pain and overall discomfort. If you have mild pain or sensitivity, treatment is usually unnecessary. However, if the pain becomes severe or bothersome, the doctors might prescribe you some medication to deal with it. Common recommendations for dealing with cyclic mastalgia include the following:

• Choosing a bra that is comfortable and supportive at the same time
• If the pain becomes too much to handle, you can take Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAIDs) medication like Ibuprofen
• Avoiding caffeine around ovulation can also help reduce the sensitivity and pain

While the recommendations above can help you deal with cyclic mastalgia in the short term, your doctor might suggest alternate steps for long-term mitigation. Some of the measures include:

• Changing your birth control pills
• Prescribing a pain medication
• Hormone therapy

Although there is no need for these options in most cases, if you experience cyclic mastalgia very often, you should talk to your doctor and explore all your options.

Lifestyle Modifications for Managing Breast Discomfort

Making practical lifestyle changes can enhance overall well-being and alleviate breast discomfort. Incorporate these evidence-based strategies into your daily routine:

• Stay Hydrated : Drink ample water to support metabolism and reduce fluid retention in breast tissue.
• Limit Sodium : Cut back on salt to minimise water retention and decrease tissue swelling.
• Avoid Smoking : Refrain from tobacco to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
• Maintain Good Posture : Keep an upright posture to enhance blood flow and lessen muscular strain, easing discomfort.
• Try Complementary Therapies : Practices like acupuncture or herbal supplements may help; always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting new treatments.

Understanding your ovulation cycle can help you link mastalgia symptoms with LH peaks and fluctuations. Check out Fertility2Family’s ovulation tests in Australia today for accurate ovulation prediction.

How long will the breast pain last?

Most women experience mild breast pain for one to three days around ovulation. However, menstrual cycle variations can affect the duration and intensity of this discomfort. Unique hormonal patterns and stress levels may influence the pain’s duration. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that these variations are a normal part of the cycle. If the pain is unusually prolonged or more intense than usual, consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.

What are some other signs of ovulation?

As discussed above, cyclic mastalgia is not the only sign of ovulation. Several signs of ovulation are much more reliable in most women. Some of the early signs of ovulation include the following:

Changes in cervical mucus

One of the earliest signs of impending ovulation is a change in the consistency of your cervical mucus . The colour and texture of your cervical mucus change throughout your menstrual cycle due to a fluctuation in the oestrogen level . Here is what you should expect to experience throughout your cycle in terms of the colour and consistency of your cervical mucus:

• Just before you ovulate, the vaginal discharge increases in volume and the secretion appears transparent and stretchy.
• As you ovulate, the consistency of the cervical mucus approaches that of raw egg whites.
• Once you ovulate, the discharge appears cloudier and decreases in volume

You can learn more about cervical discharge and how to use it to predict ovulation by reading about Cervical mucus changes during ovulation .

Increase in basal body temperature.

Accurate Measurement of Basal Body Temperature

A dependable digital basal thermometer is key to accurately tracking your menstrual cycle. To ensure precise measurements:

• Measure your temperature each morning at the same time—right after waking and before any activity.
• Stay in bed for a few minutes while measuring to avoid external factors that might affect the reading.
• Choose a thermometer with at least 0.1 °C accuracy; a small rise (≈0.2 °C) can signal the transition from follicular to luteal phase.
• Consistently log your readings in a diary or tracking app to spot subtle temperature trends.
• Adhere to the manufacturer’s placement guidelines (oral or rectal) since consistent positioning ensures reliable results.

Following these steps ensures your basal body temperature measurements provide clear, evidence-based insights into your fertile window.

Most women experience a slight increase in their Basal Body Temperature (BBT) a few days after ovulation. If you use the correct type of thermometer, like the one available at Fertility2Family , you can predict whether you have ovulated quite easily. The increase in body temperature is not a lot, though. Your normal BBT lies somewhere between 36.11c to 36.38c during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Once you ovulate, the temperature can increase from 36.44 ° C to 37.00 ° C throughout the post-ovulatory phase, called the luteal phase. Check out our article on Basal Body Temperature & Timing Intercourse to learn more about how BBT is related to the menstrual cycle .

Increased libido and breast pain

Another good indicator of ovulation is an elevation of sexual desire. If you think about it, the increased libido is just your body telling you it is the right time to get pregnant. The oestrogen level is at its highest in your body around ovulation, which can be attributed to increased sexual desire. You might also be in a better mood during this time of your cycle. You might feel more creative, happier, and more energetic. For accurate ovulation prediction, check out our Basal ovulation thermometer in Australia!

Can Breast Sensitivity Indicate Pregnancy?

Breast sensitivity can be part of your menstrual cycle or an early sign of pregnancy. Linked to ovulation, discomfort typically occurs briefly around mid-cycle and subsides after the egg is released. In early pregnancy, however, these changes persist beyond the usual mid-cycle period and may come with other subtle hormonal shifts. Recognising these differences—and consulting trusted sources like the Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists—can help you understand your body’s signals better. If your symptoms deviate from your normal cycle or last longer, seek professional medical advice for further evaluation.

Other Factors Contributing to Breast Discomfort

Not all breast pain is linked to hormonal fluctuations during ovulation. Recognising various other causes can help identify when further assessment is needed.

• Breastfeeding: Lactation alters milk production and breast tissue. Milk letdown and engorgement cause temporary soreness as the breast adjusts to increased demand. Most healthcare professionals say this discomfort is normal, but persistent pain should be discussed with a lactation consultant or doctor.
• Infection: Inflammatory conditions like mastitis cause localized pain, redness, and swelling. Infections trigger the immune response, leading to discomfort and symptoms such as fever. Medical experts, including those at the Mayo Clinic, recommend prompt evaluation if these signs appear.
• Breast Cancer: Breast pain alone rarely signals cancer, but if accompanied by lumps, skin dimpling, or nipple discharge, it should not be ignored. Leading cancer organisations stress that any persistent or unusual breast changes should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare provider.
• Skin Conditions: Issues like eczema or dermatitis can affect the breast skin, causing irritation, dryness, and cracking. These conditions differ from hormonal tenderness, and proper skin care or medical advice can manage the symptoms.
• Improperly Fitting Garments: Wearing unsupportive bras can strain breast tissue, especially during sensitive periods. Sports medicine and supportive care research show that a well-fitted bra minimises movement-related discomfort and reduces tenderness.

Understanding these differences is vital to determine whether breast discomfort is part of normal cycles or indicates another issue needing professional attention.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

Fluctuations in breast sensation are a normal part of your menstrual cycle. However, if your discomfort becomes more intense, lasts longer, or disrupts your daily life, seek a professional evaluation. Health experts stress that early assessment provides reassurance and can identify underlying issues.

Keeping a symptom diary helps you spot patterns and recognize any changes from your usual state. Trust your instincts and consult your healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual.

Evan kurzyp

Evan Kurzyp

Evan is the founder of Fertility2Family and is passionate about fertility education & providing affordable products to help people in their fertility journey. Evan is a qualified Registered Nurse and has expertise in guiding & managing patients through their fertility journeys.