How Your Breasts Change During Your Cycle

Hormones cause changes in your body throughout the month. Whether it's changes in your sleep, energy, or skin, they determine how you feel at any given point in your cycle. But did you know your breasts can also change from week to week? They can enlarge over the course of your menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations! On the other hand, they can also become extra sensitive and feel different. In this blog post, we'll tell you everything you need to know about how your breasts change throughout your cycle—especially during and after your period.

Hormones and your breasts

Since our breasts are primarily due to hormones (which cause them to grow during puberty), it's no surprise that the same hormones influence our breasts every month. During your cycle, the hormones progesterone and estrogen rise and fall. This causes changes in your breasts.

Estrogen stimulates the growth of milk ducts, and progesterone stimulates the development of mammary glands. This prepares your body for a possible pregnancy and makes your breasts slightly larger. If you don't become pregnant, your breasts will return to their normal size.

The changes are often very subtle. You really won't need a different bra or a change of cup size. Others probably won't notice it either.

How your breasts can change

Your breasts change during the different phases of your cycle. Here's what to expect during and after your period.

During your period

Do your breasts hurt during ovulation? And if so, how long do they stay sore after ovulation? Here's how it works:

When your period starts, your estrogen and progesterone levels are low. As your period approaches, estrogen levels rise. Midway through your cycle, around ovulation, you experience a peak. After this, estrogen levels drop, and progesterone rises again. This plays an active role in the second half of your cycle, known as the luteal phase.

All these hormone surges signal your body to enlarge your mammary glands. The growth of these glands causes your breasts to change.

When your period starts, your breasts may feel different. They may feel lumpy or uneven.

During your period, you might even notice that your breasts are swollen, painful, or tender. Don't panic, it's unpleasant, but it will pass. As soon as your body realizes it's not pregnant, these symptoms will disappear.

If your breasts are really painful and interfering with your daily life during your period, it could be due to hormonal imbalances. Chat with one of our experts to see what you can do to alleviate your breast pain.

Speaking of disappearing, at the end of your period, your breasts may even shrink a little! This is because estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest.

After your period

During the second half of your cycle, after ovulation, most women notice their breasts are at their largest. Because progesterone levels peak, you might notice your breasts are fuller after your period.

Can I do anything about breast changes?

Yes! There are a few things you can do to make breast changes less dramatic, especially if you experience quite severe breast pain during your menstrual cycle.

• Avoid fatty foods.
• Reduce or avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate). Choose herbal teas instead.
• Avoid too much salt (1 to 2 weeks before your period starts).
• Get fitted for a good bra and make sure it has good support. If you've never had your breasts measured, find a specialist shop and ask for help. A good bra can change your life! We recommend Curve Catch to help you find the perfect bra.
• Try to get your heart rate up with regular cardio exercises.
• Lara Briden, author of Period Repair Manual, recommends taking an iodine supplement because studies have shown that iodine can help relieve breast pain, ovulation pain, and PMS.

Are there any other reasons why my breasts are changing?

Yes, there are other reasons why your breasts can change. Besides your cycle, there are other times when your hormones fluctuate, and any time there's a hormonal change, your breasts can change.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy brings a new cocktail of hormones that cause all sorts of changes in your body, especially your breasts! When you're pregnant, the glands in your breasts that produce milk enlarge, which can make your breasts feel lumpy and strange. Some women love their "new" breasts during pregnancy. It's like breast augmentation... only temporary!

Once your baby is born and breastfeeding, prepare for a whole new experience with your breasts! Not only are they now your baby's main source of nutrition, but they'll also look and feel different.

Pay close attention to your breasts and nipples, especially if they are red, tender, or painful. This could be a sign of mastitis or a blocked milk duct. If you suspect you have one, contact a doctor.

The (peri)menopause

Later in life, as you approach (peri)menopause, your hormones shift again. You may notice that your breasts still feel lumpy or tender at certain points in your cycle, but once your menstrual cycle stops, these symptoms will disappear.

For more information about menopause and perimenopause, read our article: What is perimenopause?

When should you visit a doctor?

When your body suddenly changes, it can be scary. We understand. But remember that breast changes during your cycle are very normal. While every woman is different, it's normal to experience one or all of the following symptoms:

• Swelling
• Tightness/sensitivity
• Pain
• Changes in texture

Most changes shouldn't be alarming, but it's important to consider what's normal for you. Examine your breasts regularly in the mirror. If you notice any of the following, it might be time to see a doctor.

• Unusual or new lumps in your breasts or under your arms.
• Discharge from your nipple (not breast milk), especially if it is brown or contains blood.
• Intense pain that keeps you awake.
• Changes in the size or shape of your breasts that do not go away when your period ends.
• If your nipple suddenly becomes pointier or turns inward.
• Changes in the skin of your breasts, such as itching, redness, flaking or cracking.

Have questions about your breasts? Chat with us . We can help.