Most women develop breast pain at some stage in life. In most cases it is mild and occurs just before periods. In some cases it is more severe. Breast pain is not usually an early symptom of breast cancer However, see your doctor if you have any concerns. Breast pain is classed as either:
- cyclical breast pain - where the pain is worse before a period, or
- non-cyclical breast pain - where the pain is not related to periods.

Typically, the pain affects both breasts. It is usually worst in the upper and outer part of the breast. It tends to develop from about mid-cycle onwards, and is usually worse for 3-7 days before a period. If you have cyclical mastalgia your breasts may also become larger, tender and slightly lumpy in the week or so before a period.Quality of life for some women can be affected. Physical activity such as jogging can make the pain worse. Such things as hugging children and sexual activity can be painful.

This type of breast pain is more common in women over 40. The pain often stems from the chest wall under the breast rather than the breast itself. The cause is often not clear. Muscular problems of the chest wall account for some cases. Infection is a cause in a small number of cases. As there are various causes it is best to see a doctor for assessment.

If you have breast pain, you are probably worrying that it might be breast cancer. This is very unlikely. Breast pain is very common - about 70% of women have it at some time. Doctors at the Edinburgh Breast Unit have looked at the medical records of more than 8500 women who attended the Unit simply because of breast pain. They found that less than 3% of these women - whose breast pain was probably quite severe - had breast cancer. And breast cancer is very, very unlikely if your only symptom is pain that varies with the menstrual cycle and both breasts are affected

dates back over 2500 years. Derived from the berries of the chaste tree (Vitex Agnus Castus), this useful phytomedicine. The chaste tree is native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Its berries have long been used for a variety of abnormalities including mastalgia, and menstrual abnormalities. Chasteberry has been shown to inhibit prolactin secretion by competitively binding to dopamine receptors. Chasteberry may be an effective treatment option for breast pain and premenstrual syndrome. To date, clinical trials have found that treatment with chasteberry has been well tolerated with minimal side effects

The extract acts on the pituitary gland to balance hormonal fluctuations, so is helpful in the treatment breastpain,, menopause (particularly the relief of hot flushes), polycystic ovaries and some other causes of infertility,and loss of libido. It is also effective in stimulating lactation in nursing mothers.
Dopamine inhibits secretion of prolactin. Agents and drugs that interfere with dopamine secretion or receptor binding lead to enhanced secretion of prolactin
For women who are not pregnant, high prolactin levels is associated with breast pain and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as bloating, cramps, irritability, and mood swings.

Although chaste tree berries are not believed to contain female hormones, their effect on dopamine may also affect the balance of female hormones in the body. By acting on the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, chemicals in chaste tree berries may change the amounts of estrogen and progesterone in the body. Therefore, for women, chaste tree berry may help to relieve hot flashes and breastpains. .They also help to treat acne for some individuals - especially women whose acne seems to be associated with their menstrual cycles

Chaste tree berries contain active chemicals that affect dopamine levels in the body. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that carries messages from nerve cells to other cells.

Here are some possible treatments for breast pain:

- Wearing a support bra
- Taking an over-the-counter pain medicine
- Taking danazol (brand name: Danocrine) -- for severe pain
- Avoiding caffeine
- Using less salt
- Taking vitamin E or vitamin B6
- Taking a "water-pill" (a diuretic)

According to my experiences is Chasteberry (Agnucastom) the most effective drug for cyclical breast pain for women in any age.

MUDr. Jan Hynek