Top of the page

Breast Changes

A breast change is any change in the breast from what is usual for a particular woman. Many women experience a variation in breast size or tenderness during their menstrual cycle, usually caused by changes in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Breast changes are common before menopause and during pregnancy and include:

  • Breast pain.
  • Breast lumps.
  • Nipple changes and discharge.
  • Changes in the skin, shape, or size of a breast.
  • Signs of a breast infection, such as redness, swelling, and tenderness.

Current as of: May 1, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology