Hormonal fluctuations in women during pregnancy are the most common cause for the tingling sensations in the breast. The female hormones, estrogen, and progesterone are known to surge during pregnancy in order to stimulate milk ducts. The blood flow increases to such sensitive parts of the body which eventually creates tingling feeling.
This feeling may also be experienced around the time when periods are due as the same hormones come in action then. Breast tingling is a very common symptom and women frequently experience some level of the sensation in their menstrual phase.
Although some women may be more sensitive to such sensations and may feel it more than others, it is not always something to worry about.
What Causes Tingling Breasts?
Tingly breasts and nipples are some of the earliest signs noticed in early pregnancy. Some women may feel them even before missing their period.
Most often, tingling is noticed when the female hormones are on their peak and preparing the female organ for milk production.This can happen every cycle as there is a possibility of pregnancy in each cycle but the symptoms go away as soon as the flow starts. There may be many medical reasons for the tingling sensation which should not be ignored in any case.
Medical reasons may need immediate treatment as the symptoms should not get worse if left untreated. There may be many reasons for the sensations created in breasts which are mentioned below.
The female hormones, Estrogen, and progesterone are the two main hormones that come into action during certain cycle phases. These hormones help to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle while preparing them to fall pregnant.
As soon as the pregnancy is achieved, these hormones start stimulation of the milk ducts which will be useful in the coming period. Women are likely to start feeling sensations in their breasts during their first trimester when the glands and tissues in the breast are being stretched. Breasts have numerous nerve endings which make them more sensitive to touch during this phase.
Breast infection known as Mastitis can occur after giving birth which stems from the blockage of milk ducts. This may also introduce bacteria into the breast tissues which can then cause burning sensations during breastfeeding which can be very painful.
A fungal infection known as Thrush is caused by Candida bacteria which produces sharp pain in the breast area. Nursing mothers are more likely to have such an infection as feeding makes them susceptible to bacteria entering their body through the nipple.
Candida can enter the breast through cracks on the nipples which may then cause soreness or tenderness in the breasts.
The blood vessels of the nipples get constricted because of breastfeeding which results in a condition known as Nipple Vasospasm. This condition can create burning sensations with needle-like pain in the nipples during breastfeeding. It is more likely to occur during winters or for women with a history of autoimmune disorder.
This condition is rare but still exists when breast cancer affects the nipple skin. This condition can produce tingling feeling with discharge from the nipples.
Ruptured Silicone Breast Implant
A ruptured implant can cause breast tingling as it is inappropriately done. Other symptoms of this condition may include decrease breast size, hard knots in the breast, uneven breasts, and numbness feeling in the breast.
Women may also have shingles when they notice a burning or blistering rash on their breast. The viral infection can remain dormant for decades in the body and invade the nerves at any time later. Symptoms of Shingles may include fever, fatigue, joint pain, chills, or nausea.
A mastectomy is a breast surgery that can damage nerved in the breast area which results in pain later. A post-mastectomy syndrome may have other symptoms which include numbness, itchiness, and shooting pain in the chest.
This a condition causing allergic reactions from detergents, skin creams, and soaps. The resulting skin rash can feel itchy, prickly, or swollen.
Medicines are known to alter hormone levels in the body and therefore may cause tingling feeling. Such drugs may include birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy medicines, and mental illness medicines.
Home Remedies For Breast Tingling
Breast changes may not be a cause of concern most of the times. However, if the tingling sensations persist for longer and become troublesome, you may follow some easy home remedies. Many over the counter medicines are available as pain relievers.
Moreover hot and cold compresses can also be of help in case of discomfort. Women may also opt for a comfortable bra when experiencing breast changes during pregnancy period. Dietary changes have also been linked to reducing breast tingling sensations and such changes should be made.
Differentiating between Cyclic and Non-Cyclic Symptoms
Cyclic symptoms are the ones resulting from the decrease in hormones with pregnancy, menstrual period, and menopause. On the other hand, the non-cyclic symptoms occur when breast pain is not related to the changing hormone levels.
The cyclic symptoms occur usually just before the periods are about to start and affect both the breasts. This may also cause lumps in the breasts. The symptoms may go away once the flow has arrived or on the onset of pregnancy or menopause.
Whereas the non-cyclic symptoms of breast pain are different from the cyclic symptoms and do not depend on changing levels of hormones in phases of the cycle.
Some women may have over sensitive breasts and feel tingling sensations more often during different phases of the cycle.
Whereas other women do not have such tingling feeling until there are huge hormone fluctuations. Although tingling breasts may not always be a cause of concern, it is better to consult a doctor if the pain does not go away within a couple of days or if you feel more discomfort.
The early sign of Pregnancy
While some women may rejoice the tingling feeling in their breast, some may be highly annoyed by the pain and discomfort. Little tingling is usually okay for women to bear but it can get unbearable if it exceeds the limits. It is therefore advised to take note of the symptoms and time for how long these sensations have been there.
Most often, tingling results in early pregnancy as the hormones surge all of a sudden with increased blood flow to the milk ducts. This is done in preparation of the new system taking place in your body for breastfeeding your little one.
When to See A Doctor?
Medical attention is required if the condition gets unbearable and is linked to more serious health concerns. A doctor may help you get rid of the painful condition by examining and treating the condition. Try to get immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms are noticed.
- Lumps in breast
- Discharge from Nipples
- Uneven Breast Appearance
- Severe Pain that has lasted longer than usual
- Pain that Makes Breastfeeding Difficult
When is it a Dangerous Sign?
Breast tingling can be a sign of danger if you have any other symptoms along with it. Unusual burning, rashes, or discomfort that has persisted for longer periods causing severe pain is not a good sign. You should consult a doctor as soon as possible to rule out the causes and risk factors associated with it.