i think i have a more unusual problem. since long ago my breasts feel very tense and sore starting a week or so before menstruation. sometimes it gets so bad i can't even run or exercise. the first day of the period usually brings complete relief. what can it be? i'm kinda ashamed to talk to anybody about it.

First of all, talking about any disease, especially to a doctor, shouldn't ever be a matter of shame or awkwardness. And even if you do feel uncomfortable talking about it, you should always overcome that feeling and seek a doctor's advice when necessary. Nothing should replace a doctor's opinion when in doubt about an ailment.

And secondly, your problem is not by far as unusual as you may think (this is the downside of not being willing to talk about it to anyone). Actually, it's a pretty common occurrence, especially when on contraceptive medication containing estrogens (the majority of pills, that is).

Are you on the pill? If so, maybe you should talk to your doctor about switching to a progestin-dominant pill. Also, you may try using a topical progesterone product (gel, cream, lotion) to relieve premenstrual breast tension.

In any case, do not self-medicate, since, I can't emphasize enough, a doctor is the only one who can correctly assess the situation (by having your hormonal blood levels checked, by examining you clinically, reviewing your family history, performing other types of tests when necessary, such as ultrasound, mammography etc.) and adopt the appropriate therapeutic strategy.

dear Wwire ,I want to ask you which kind of pills did you use until now?

Because there might be something that works for you,and you just didn't find it!

i took several kinds of pills, and right now i am on Triquilar. i don't really know to which doctor to go to -- do i need a gynecologist or the family doctor will do? i am more comfortable with my family doctor.

I want to recommend you Diane, which are the best,on my opinion...low-hormones

Maybe you should consult your doctor about this.

Keep us informed please with the process

Good luck

I am new around here. But have been on this planet a while. I'm 41 years young entering peri menopause. My menses (which I call moontime)still arrives... more un charted these days as well as heavier and with a bit more assertiveness... I look to this time as a sacred time for women / my being and embrase it. It lets me know my body is working and I am alive! My breasts would and still do become tender and sore before my moon time. It's my bodies way of letting me know I am soon to cleanse. I had always thought that this was jus a natural happening. I usually treat myself with candles and essential oils etc, and celebrate this happening.My creative side is hightened as well during this monthy passage (I will miss moon time with grace)

I was on the (pill) on and off during my 20's and 30's and had not really experienced any greater pain (but, was on a lot of other meds too) "that is another story"

I congratulate you for reaching out and also noticing the changes in your body! Body and mind connecting tells me I am "still" long enough to allow some healing to happen. Not sure if this reply helps any,it is more holitstic than medically speaking. I just wished to share that I too have the breast tenderness around my moontime as well as the other lovely moon time gifts that happens. I welcome this time as I have said. (I did not always because I had an old belief system that it what something negetive about women and to not embrase it)But that has changed for me.

Chia

P.S: if your interested Wwire,

I wrote a poem called "Moontime" which is on my web site in the poetry section if you care to check it out. You can connect to that via profile. Too long to post in these forums.