The pain is thought to be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle or by breast tissue changes. Your physician can suggest options to relieve the pain. Oral supplements of evening primrose oil reduce pain for about half of the women with breast pain related to hormonal changes. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and ketoprofen may provide relief. Your doctor may suggest a change in amount of estrogen you take.
Some women have side effects including nausea, menstrual changes, headaches and weight gain.
Colorectal Cancer A recent study adds to the growing evidence that hormone replacement therapy may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in women beyond menopause, according to the April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. The study involved 7,000 women who ranged in age from mid 40s to nearly 100. The risk of getting colorectal cancer was one-third less for women who were taking hormone replacement therapy, compared to study participants who never used hormones. Mayo Clinic physicians say that this study and others like it provide another reason for women beyond menopause to consider the health benefits of taking hormone replacement therapy.