the answers to breast tenderness
Tender breasts usually occurs in the Luteal phase after ovulation & can be part of PMS (Premenstural syndrome).
This is the second half of your cycle, Day 12-18 on average until your next bleed, Day 1. This varies for every women, its fairly easy to work out, ovulation has happened, energy levels decrease, sex drive decreases generally speaking, cervical fluid dries up (we get dry panties) pink/red isn’t so desirable for an outfit choice & our temperature rises.
SO WHY DO WE GET SORE BREASTS?
A little tenderness & bloating is normal due to water retention because of increased progesterone levels in this phase of the cycle.
However, some of us experience extremely painful breasts and can be debilitating, hard to wear a bra or even place your arms by your sides, which isn’t normal.
THE ANSWER = Hormonal imbalance…an imbalance of oestrogen & progesterone & high prolactin levels.
The culprits? = unfortunately many things in the world we live in today, that is a whole other post, but generally speaking xenoestrogens, over consumption of dairy, liver stagnation & stress.
The GOOD NEWS…
you DON’T have to live with it.
We have plant medicine!
Vitex agnus castus - corrects hormonal imbalances and reduces prolactin levels as it is dopaminergic, meaning it promotes dopamine activity, which restrains prolactin production. This clinical activity has been found in many clinical trials and it has worked for me from my own experience, reducing swollen tender breasts & all PMS symptoms in general.
Evening primrose oil - can be applied to the breasts topically or capsules taken if preferred.
Essential fatty acids added to the diet - omega 3’s - Flaxseed/linseed, wild & sustainable fish.
Improving liver function, a stagnant liver means hormones are recycled into the body, which can cause an imbalance - dandelion root is a great herb to use, it can be bought as capsules, a tincture, or why not try dandelion root coffee?
Increase fresh fruits & vegetables (organic if possible or pesticide free)
Reduce or eliminate processed foods, which are full of chemicals, fillers, dangerous artificial sweetners like aspartame & acesulfame & white sugar.
Other tools to implement:
Reduce stress levels where possible, stress is a stimulator of pituitary prolactin release, prolactin causing painful breasts.
Reduce xenoestrogen exposure, Such compounds often have chemical structures similar to oestrogen and act like oestrogen in the body, causing an imbalance. Avoid buying food in plastic, switch to natural products for your home and body; such as face creams, soaps, shampoos, perfume, hair spray, air freshners, cleaning products etc.
Reduce over consumption of dairy, especially pasteurised and homogenised milk. Dairy naturally contains growth hormones, intended to turn a calf into a cow rather quickly.
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* If you are on the pill & have very sore swollen breasts, consult your GP first before taking Vitex agnus castus.
Consult your GP first if you are taking any other medications.
If you are unsure if your breasts are sore due to something else, always be safe & have them examined.
Photo by: @clementinekeithroach
