Why Am I No Longer Experiencing Breast Tenderness Before My Period? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Is it normal for breast tenderness to not occur before menstruation?


I used to experience breast swelling before my menstrual period, but ever since I had my first child, I only experience breast engorgement while breastfeeding (which I have now stopped), and I no longer have breast swelling before my period.
Could this be due to progesterone deficiency? Can I confirm this by measuring my basal body temperature, or should I go to the hospital for a blood test? I want to conceive a second child, and I have not been using contraception for two months and have timed intercourse around ovulation, but I still have not become pregnant.

Xiao Mi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/08/22

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello: 1.
It has only been two months, so it is too early to draw conclusions.
Generally, one should consider infertility issues only after trying to conceive for a year, which may include factors such as insufficient progesterone, among many other possible reasons.
2.
Basal body temperature can serve as a reference for ovulation, but it should be combined with other tests to analyze the reasons for anovulation, which may include insufficient progesterone as well as other possibilities.
Sincerely, Lu Lizheng.

Reply Date: 2005/08/22

More Info


Breast tenderness, or mastalgia, is a common symptom experienced by many women in the days leading up to their menstrual period, often linked to hormonal fluctuations, particularly the rise in progesterone levels during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. After childbirth, many women notice changes in their menstrual cycle and associated symptoms, including breast tenderness.
In your case, the absence of breast tenderness before your period after having your first child could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is hormonal changes that occur post-pregnancy and breastfeeding. After childbirth, your body undergoes significant hormonal shifts as it adjusts back to its pre-pregnancy state. If you are no longer breastfeeding, your hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, may have stabilized at a different level than before pregnancy, which could lead to changes in breast sensitivity.

It's also important to note that not all women experience breast tenderness with every menstrual cycle, and the intensity and presence of this symptom can vary widely from month to month and from one woman to another. The absence of breast tenderness does not necessarily indicate a problem, such as low progesterone levels. However, if you are concerned about hormonal imbalances, measuring your basal body temperature can provide some insights into your ovulation patterns, but it may not directly indicate hormone levels.

If you are actively trying to conceive and have been unsuccessful for two months, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform blood tests to check your hormone levels, including progesterone, estrogen, and others that play a role in fertility. Additionally, they can assess other factors that might affect your ability to conceive, such as ovulation regularity, uterine health, and overall reproductive health.

In summary, the absence of breast tenderness before your period after having your first child is not uncommon and can be influenced by various factors, including hormonal changes post-pregnancy. While it may not be directly indicative of low progesterone levels, if you have concerns about your fertility or hormonal health, it is advisable to seek medical advice for a thorough evaluation. This will help you understand your body better and provide guidance on your journey to conceiving your second child.

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