Ask The Doctor: Breast Pain a... Health Article

Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Question:

Can caffeine make a woman's breasts hurt?

Answer:

Caffeine has been suggested as a cause for breast pain, but there is little scientific information to support the implication. Breast pain occurs in many women, is usually mild and transient, and does not disrupt lifestyle. It is only rarely a sign of serious breast disease.

Breast pain is most often due to hormone stimulation of the breast tissue during the menstrual cycle or with hormone pill use. In these cases, the discomfort is diffuse and affects both breasts. Another cause of generalized pain is strain on the supporting tissues, as often seen in women with large breasts. When breast pain is localized to one area of a breast or is associated with redness or fever, an infection or a skin condition may be present.

A careful examination of the breasts to exclude disease is important when persistent pain occurs. If no specific condition is found, then treatment is with mild pain medications and local comfort treatments such as warm compresses or ice packs. A good supporting bra should be worn. Patients may try to modify their diet by avoiding caffeine to see if any benefit is noted. However, if none is observed, there is no reason to restrict caffeine use.