{"id":3188,"date":"2025-12-26T07:01:06","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T07:01:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/?p=3188"},"modified":"2026-10-01T07:09:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T07:09:20","slug":"what-causes-breast-pain-and-swelling-in-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/what-causes-breast-pain-and-swelling-in-women\/","title":{"rendered":"What Causes Breast Pain and Swelling in Women?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The primary cause of breast pain and swelling in women is the biological response of breast tissue to periodic changes in reproductive hormones. Defined as mastalgia in the medical literature, this condition particularly results from tissue edema and the dilation of milk ducts that develop as progesterone levels rise during the second half of the menstrual cycle. In addition to hormonal fluctuations, breast cysts, fibroadenomas, regional infections, or musculoskeletal problems referred from the chest wall muscles are also among the main triggers of this discomfort. These symptoms, which are mostly a reflection of benign processes, are also directly associated with environmental factors such as dietary habits, stress levels, and medications used.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/what-causes-breast-pain-and-swelling-in-women\/#Why_Does_Breast_Pain_Increase_During_the_Menstrual_Cycle\" >Why Does Breast Pain Increase During the Menstrual Cycle?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/what-causes-breast-pain-and-swelling-in-women\/#What_Causes_Regional_and_One-Sided_Pain\" >What Causes Regional and One-Sided Pain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/what-causes-breast-pain-and-swelling-in-women\/#Do_Breast_Cysts_Cause_Pain_and_Swelling\" >Do Breast Cysts Cause Pain and Swelling?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/what-causes-breast-pain-and-swelling-in-women\/#Is_Fibroadenoma_Seen_in_Young_Women_Painful\" >Is Fibroadenoma Seen in Young Women Painful?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/what-causes-breast-pain-and-swelling-in-women\/#What_Symptoms_Do_Inflammation_and_Infections_Cause\" >What Symptoms Do Inflammation and Infections Cause?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/what-causes-breast-pain-and-swelling-in-women\/#Could_the_Pain_Be_Coming_from_Outside_the_Breast\" >Could the Pain Be Coming from Outside the Breast?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/what-causes-breast-pain-and-swelling-in-women\/#Do_Diet_and_Lifestyle_Trigger_Pain\" >Do Diet and Lifestyle Trigger Pain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/what-causes-breast-pain-and-swelling-in-women\/#Which_Imaging_Methods_Are_Used_for_Diagnosis\" >Which Imaging Methods Are Used for Diagnosis?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/what-causes-breast-pain-and-swelling-in-women\/#Which_Natural_Methods_Other_Than_Medication_Are_Helpful\" >Which Natural Methods Other Than Medication Are Helpful?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/what-causes-breast-pain-and-swelling-in-women\/#In_Which_Situations_Is_Treatment_or_Biopsy_Required\" >In Which Situations Is Treatment or Biopsy Required?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/what-causes-breast-pain-and-swelling-in-women\/#When_Should_I_Urgently_Consult_a_General_Surgeon\" >When Should I Urgently Consult a General Surgeon?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_Breast_Pain_Increase_During_the_Menstrual_Cycle\"><\/span>Why Does Breast Pain Increase During the Menstrual Cycle?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Breast tissue is one of the most dynamic and hormone-sensitive organs in our body. Just as the inner lining of the uterus prepares for pregnancy every month, breast tissue also undergoes biological preparation each month for a possible pregnancy and breastfeeding process. This preparation process reaches its peak in the second half of the menstrual cycle, that is, in the period after ovulation. During this period, the level of the hormone progesterone rises in the body. The main effect of this hormone is to enlarge the milk ducts and milk-producing glands within the breast while also increasing water and salt retention in the tissue.<\/p>\n<p>This water retention creates edema in the breast at the cellular level. The tissue swells, becomes tense, and the breast skin begins to feel as though it is too tight. The condition that our patients describe as &#8220;I feel as if my breasts are going to burst&#8221; or &#8220;they ache even when I touch them&#8221; is actually the result of this physiological edema. We call this condition &#8220;cyclical mastalgia.&#8221; Hormone levels generally fall rapidly with the onset of menstrual bleeding, the body eliminates the edema, and the pain stops abruptly. This cycle may recur every month until menopause and is entirely part of the body&#8217;s natural functioning.<\/p>\n<p>The typical characteristics of cyclical pain are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Being felt in both breasts<\/li>\n<li>Worsening before menstruation<\/li>\n<li>Spreading to the armpit<\/li>\n<li>Relief with menstruation<\/li>\n<li>A feeling of fullness<\/li>\n<li>A feeling of heaviness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Causes_Regional_and_One-Sided_Pain\"><\/span>What Causes Regional and One-Sided Pain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If the pain you experience does not follow a pattern parallel to your menstrual cycle, meaning it begins and continues on any day of the month or has become constant, we call this &#8220;non-cyclical mastalgia.&#8221; This condition has a different mechanism from menstrual-related pain and is generally seen in women in an older age group who are approaching menopause or are in menopause. While cyclical pain is generally felt as a widespread ache throughout the breast or in the upper outer areas, this type of pain has a pinpoint location. The patient can clearly indicate the painful area with her finger.<\/p>\n<p>The nature of this pain is also different. Rather than a dull feeling of heaviness, sudden cramps, burning, stinging, or sharp stabbing pain are experienced. In pain that is one-sided and fixed at a specific point, the likelihood of an underlying anatomical cause is higher than in hormonal pain. This does not necessarily mean that there is a serious disease; however, it requires a more detailed investigation to determine whether there is a benign cyst, fibroadenoma, previous trauma, or regional inflammation in that area.<\/p>\n<p>Common causes of regional pain are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Large cysts<\/li>\n<li>Fibroadenomas<\/li>\n<li>History of trauma<\/li>\n<li>Ductal ectasia<\/li>\n<li>Regional infections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Breast_Cysts_Cause_Pain_and_Swelling\"><\/span>Do Breast Cysts Cause Pain and Swelling?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The structure of the breast is constantly changing in response to lifelong hormonal fluctuations. During this process of change, cysts may form as the milk ducts enlarge and fill with fluid. This condition, which we call fibrocystic structure, is not actually a disease but a natural variation in the aging process of the breast. A very large proportion of women have microscopic or palpable macroscopic cysts. However, the presence of cysts does not always cause pain.<\/p>\n<p>The mechanism of pain is generally related to the size and internal pressure of the cyst. Cysts swell and become tense together with the body&#8217;s water retention during the premenstrual period. If a cyst suddenly grows or exceeds 2-3 centimeters in diameter, it may place pressure on the surrounding tissues and nerve endings, causing severe, localized pain. In this situation, the patient may notice a firm, smooth-surfaced, and mobile structure when she touches the area.<\/p>\n<p>For these types of painful cysts, the most effective solution and also the diagnostic method is needle aspiration. Under outpatient clinic conditions, a thin needle is inserted into the cyst under ultrasound guidance, and the fluid is drained. Once the fluid is withdrawn, the tension in the cyst wall disappears immediately, and the patient feels the pain subside within seconds.<\/p>\n<p>Complaints caused by cysts are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A palpable mass<\/li>\n<li>Sudden-onset pain<\/li>\n<li>Regional tenderness<\/li>\n<li>A feeling of tightness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Fibroadenoma_Seen_in_Young_Women_Painful\"><\/span>Is Fibroadenoma Seen in Young Women Painful?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Fibroadenomas are the most common cause of palpable breast masses, particularly in young women between the ages of 15 and 35. These are benign, solid tumors of the breast tissue. Because they have a rubbery consistency, very distinct borders, and move within the breast tissue as if they are escaping when touched with a finger, they are also referred to as &#8220;breast mice.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>As a rule, fibroadenomas are painless masses. Most of the time, the patient notices a firm area by chance while bathing or getting dressed. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If the fibroadenoma is in a very rapid growth phase or if its blood supply has increased, it may push against the surrounding tissue and cause pain. In addition, because they are sensitive to hormones during menstrual periods, their size may increase by a few millimeters, and mild aching pain may be felt during these periods.<\/p>\n<p>When such masses are detected in young patients, our approach is generally follow-up. However, if the mass grows significantly, changes shape, or causes serious pain and anxiety in the patient, surgical removal (excision) may be considered.<\/p>\n<p>The characteristics of fibroadenomas are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rubbery consistency<\/li>\n<li>Mobile structure<\/li>\n<li>Smooth borders<\/li>\n<li>Usually painless<\/li>\n<li>Slow growth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Symptoms_Do_Inflammation_and_Infections_Cause\"><\/span>What Symptoms Do Inflammation and Infections Cause?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Inflammation of the breast tissue, namely mastitis, is generally associated with breastfeeding mothers, but it is also a condition that we may encounter outside the breastfeeding period. Pain caused by infection follows a much different and more pronounced course than other types of breast pain. In this case, visible and palpable symptoms accompanying the pain are prominent.<\/p>\n<p>The main culprit in non-lactational mastitis is usually smoking. Smoking may cause damage and chronic inflammation in the tissue behind the milk ducts (periductal mastitis). This creates a suitable environment for bacteria to multiply. When infection develops, redness appears on the breast skin, along with a marked increase in temperature in that area and severe throbbing pain. If the infection collects at one point and forms an abscess, the pain may become unbearable, and systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, and weakness begin. In this situation, antibiotic treatment alone is insufficient, and the abscess must be drained.<\/p>\n<p>Symptoms of infection are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Redness of the skin<\/li>\n<li>Regional increase in temperature<\/li>\n<li>Throbbing pain<\/li>\n<li>High fever<\/li>\n<li>Weakness<\/li>\n<li>Purulent discharge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Could_the_Pain_Be_Coming_from_Outside_the_Breast\"><\/span>Could the Pain Be Coming from Outside the Breast?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>During the detailed examination of patients who apply to our outpatient clinic with a complaint of breast pain, we sometimes determine that the problem is not actually in the breast itself. The rib cage, ribs, muscles, and joints are located immediately beneath the breast tissue, and pain originating from these structures may be perceived by the patient as breast pain. We call this &#8220;referred pain.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In particular, the condition known as &#8220;Tietze Syndrome&#8221; or costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage points where the ribs join the breastbone (sternum). Because the pain corresponds exactly to the inner part of the breast, the patient becomes concerned. However, during the examination, if we press these bony junction points with our finger and the patient says, &#8220;That is exactly where it hurts,&#8221; we understand that the problem is in the skeletal system rather than the breast tissue. Similarly, cervical disc hernias, shoulder joint problems, or injuries to the chest muscles caused by sports or heavy lifting may also cause pain that radiates to the breast.<\/p>\n<p>Another interesting condition is Mondor&#8217;s Disease. This is inflammation of the superficial veins over the breast or extending toward the armpit. The patient says that she can feel a hard structure like a string or cord and that this structure is very painful. When she raises her arm, this cord pulls on the skin. Although it may appear alarming, it is a benign condition and usually resolves on its own.<\/p>\n<p>Sources of pain outside the breast are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rib inflammation<\/li>\n<li>Muscle injuries<\/li>\n<li>Cervical disc hernia<\/li>\n<li>Mondor&#8217;s disease<\/li>\n<li>Shoulder problems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Diet_and_Lifestyle_Trigger_Pain\"><\/span>Do Diet and Lifestyle Trigger Pain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The effects of the foods and beverages we consume and our daily habits on breast health are much greater than we assume. In particular, the dietary pattern brought by modern life is one of the leading factors that trigger breast pain. Substances called methylxanthine derivatives lower the pain threshold by causing the blood vessels in the breast tissue to dilate and altering cellular metabolism. The foods containing the highest amounts of these substances are coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. In many of our patients, simply limiting coffee consumption significantly reduces the pain.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, a high-fat diet affects estrogen metabolism in the body, causing the breasts to become more sensitive to hormones. A diet rich in saturated fats and poor in fiber also increases water retention in the body, creating a basis for edema and swelling. Salt consumption is also one of the most important factors that increases edema.<\/p>\n<p>The stress factor is also very important in this equation. During periods of intense stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness, the stress hormones secreted by the body intensify the perception of pain. In particular, the fear of &#8220;Could I have cancer?&#8221; (cancerophobia) causes the existing pain to be felt much more intensely in the brain.<\/p>\n<p>Foods that require attention are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Coffee<\/li>\n<li>Strong tea<\/li>\n<li>Chocolate<\/li>\n<li>Carbonated beverages<\/li>\n<li>Fatty foods<\/li>\n<li>Excessive salt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Imaging_Methods_Are_Used_for_Diagnosis\"><\/span>Which Imaging Methods Are Used for Diagnosis?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>After listening to our patient&#8217;s complaints and performing the examination, we use radiological tests to confirm the diagnosis and visualize the structure of the breast. The method we choose is determined according to the patient&#8217;s age and the structure of the breast tissue. This is a personalized algorithm.<\/p>\n<p>In women under the age of 40, breast tissue is generally dense. There are more milk glands and connective tissue and less fatty tissue. At this density, mammography rays cannot sufficiently illuminate the tissue, and details may be lost. In addition, young tissue is more sensitive to radiation. Therefore, in symptomatic women under the age of 40, the first method we prefer is Breast Ultrasonography (USG). Ultrasound works with sound waves, does not contain radiation, and shows the internal structure of the mass causing the pain, particularly whether it is cystic or solid, extremely well.<\/p>\n<p>In women aged 40 and over, breast tissue begins to become fattier with age, and the risk of breast cancer statistically increases. Therefore, the gold standard method in this age group is Mammography. Mammography is the most effective screening tool for showing very early calcifications and structural distortions in the breast. We generally use mammography and ultrasound together to maximize diagnostic accuracy. In very special situations or in high-risk patients, we may also use Breast MRI.<\/p>\n<p>The imaging methods used are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Breast Ultrasonography<\/li>\n<li>Digital Mammography<\/li>\n<li>Breast MRI<\/li>\n<li>Color Doppler<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Natural_Methods_Other_Than_Medication_Are_Helpful\"><\/span>Which Natural Methods Other Than Medication Are Helpful?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the vast majority of our patients suffering from breast pain, medication is actually not necessary. The most effective treatment is learning, as a result of the examination and tests performed, that &#8220;there is nothing to be afraid of.&#8221; This sense of reassurance reduces stress hormones and breaks the perception of pain. However, there are some mechanical and natural methods that we apply to improve quality of life:<\/p>\n<p>The most important of these is the use of the correct bra. There are suspensory ligaments called Cooper&#8217;s ligaments that carry the weight of the breast. Choosing the wrong bra, wearing unsupported or overly loose bras, causes these ligaments to stretch throughout the day and leads to chronic pain. The use of wireless sports bras with wide straps that fully support the breast from below and the sides mechanically reduces this burden and provides significant relief in 70% of patients.<\/p>\n<p>Herbal supplements are also frequently used as supportive options in general surgical practice. In particular, Chaste Tree (Vitex Agnus-Castus) and Evening Primrose Oil are supplements whose effectiveness has been demonstrated in scientific studies. Evening primrose oil repairs the cell wall through the special fatty acids it contains, balancing the breast&#8217;s excessive response to hormones. Chaste tree, on the other hand, has a balancing effect on the hormone prolactin. Regular and long-term use (at least 3 months) is required to observe the effects of these supplements.<\/p>\n<p>The recommended natural approaches are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sports bra<\/li>\n<li>Chaste tree extract<\/li>\n<li>Evening primrose oil<\/li>\n<li>Vitamin E<\/li>\n<li>Vitamin B6<\/li>\n<li>Warm compress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_Which_Situations_Is_Treatment_or_Biopsy_Required\"><\/span>In Which Situations Is Treatment or Biopsy Required?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Breast pain itself is not a reason for surgery. Surgery is not performed for pain. Surgical or interventional procedures are considered only when we detect a specific underlying pathology that requires treatment. For example, as mentioned above, large and tense fluid-filled cysts can be drained with a simple needle. This procedure is both diagnostic and therapeutic.<\/p>\n<p>If imaging reveals a suspicious area, a mass with irregular borders, or clustered calcifications, then a biopsy is required. The decision to perform a biopsy is made according to the BI-RADS scoring in the radiology report. BI-RADS scores of 4 and above are suspicious and must be examined by taking a tissue sample. Fibroadenomas that have been proven to be benign are surgically removed only if they become very large or create an aesthetic deformity. Very rarely, in cases of pain that does not respond to medication and makes the patient&#8217;s life unbearable, if the breast size is very large, breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) may be considered as a permanent solution both to reduce the burden and relieve the pain.<\/p>\n<p>Situations requiring an interventional procedure are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Large cysts<\/li>\n<li>Suspicious masses<\/li>\n<li>Growing fibroadenomas<\/li>\n<li>Breast abscesses<\/li>\n<li>Gigantomastia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Should_I_Urgently_Consult_a_General_Surgeon\"><\/span>When Should I Urgently Consult a General Surgeon?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although breast pain is common and generally a benign process, some symptoms are urgent warning signals sent to us by the body. If the nature of the pain changes or physical findings are added, it is necessary to consult a specialist without delay. It is vitally important for every woman to know these signs, which we physicians describe as &#8220;alarm findings,&#8221; and to recognize her own body. Avoiding the doctor out of fear of cancer is the biggest mistake that can be made, because early diagnosis is our most powerful weapon in breast diseases.<\/p>\n<p>Alarm findings that require attention are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A palpable hard mass<\/li>\n<li>Nipple retraction<\/li>\n<li>Bloody nipple discharge<\/li>\n<li>Orange-peel appearance<\/li>\n<li>Axillary swellings<\/li>\n<li>Non-healing wounds<\/li>\n<li>Distortion of the breast shape<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The primary cause of breast pain and swelling in women is the biological response of breast tissue to periodic changes in reproductive hormones. Defined as mastalgia in the medical literature, this condition particularly results from tissue edema and the dilation of milk ducts that develop as progesterone levels rise during the second half of the [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3187,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3188","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3188","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3188"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3188\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3203,"href":"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3188\/revisions\/3203"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3188"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3188"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ebruayvazoglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3188"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}