Prevention

The following steps may help prevent the causes of breast pain, although more research is needed to determine their effectiveness.

• Avoid hormone therapy if possible.
• Avoid medications that are known to cause breast pain or make it worse.
• Wear a properly fitted bra, and wear a sports bra during exercise.
• Try relaxation therapy, which can help control the high levels of anxiety associated with severe breast pain.
• Limit or eliminate caffeine, a dietary change some people find helpful, although studies of caffeine's effect on breast pain and other premenstrual symptoms have been inconclusive.
• Avoid excessive or prolonged lifting activities.
• Follow a low-fat diet and eat more complex carbohydrates.
• Consider using an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) — but ask your doctor how much to take, as long-term use may increase your risk of liver problems and other side effects.