It is very important that women know the effect of menopause on the breast. The lack of hormones after menopause has a significant impact on the breast.
There is an obvious change in shape and size. They tend to be tender and painful around the perimenopause. One can sometimes feel them lumpy.
Any changes in the breast are scary and therefore it is wise to be aware of what is a normal change.
Change in size of the breast after menopause
After menopause the lack of estrogen causes the breast glands to shrink and it is replaced by fatty tissue. Therefore, the breast is softer and starts to sag and shrink in size.
Pain in the breast after menopause
During the second half of the period cycle, the presence of progesterone causes water retention. Therefore, the breast becomes heavy swollen and tender. During menopause, the loss of cyclicity further causes irregularity of the hormones and therefore the pain is persistent and does not resolve as it does after a normal period.
Lumpy breast after menopause – what to do?
There are various reasons. One could have cysts or fibroadenomas become easier to feel. Not all lumps are cancer. So if you have lumps in breasts, don’t panic and see a gynecologist.
Regular Care
- Wear the correct size of the bra.
- Exercise can help by toning up the muscles of the chest.
- Hot fomentation and Massage of the breast can help.
- Reduce caffeine intake.
- Do self-examination
- Do regular mammograms. The schedule advised by different organizations vary, but for women at low risk one mammogram per year after 50 years of age is acceptable.
What changes in breasts after menopause need attention?
Effect of menopause on the breast that needs you to see a gynecologist.
- A new lump in the breast.
- Discharge from the nipple- water/pus/blood
- Change in nipple position – such as it being sunken or retracted.
- The skin on the breast is having changes such as puckering redness dimpling or stuck to the tissue below.
- Unusual shrinking or enlargement of the breast of one side.
- Swelling or lump in the axilla.
Under these circumstances, it is important to report to a doctor. These changes warrant a thorough check-up and investigations to ensure all is well.
Take an appointment with us now.
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