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Burning in the breast
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Burning in the mammary gland can accompany both physiological changes caused by monthly cycles and pathological changes in this organ.
With the exception of injuries, almost all pathologies of the mammary glands, in which there are complaints of burning in the mammary gland, have a hormonal etiology and arise due to disturbances in the optimal ratio of the production of such female sex hormones as estrogen, progesterone and prolactin. And specialists define them as dyshormonal diseases of the mammary glands.
[ Causes burning sensation in the breast
So, the key causes of burning in the mammary gland are dyshormonal diseases of the mammary glands. In other words, various mastopathies, including a wide range of diffuse and nodular fibrocystic benign neoplasms that arise as a result of the proliferation of cells of the tissue structures of the organ.
A burning sensation in the mammary gland is typical for mastopathy, when seals and cysts (cavities) appear in the breast tissue, which can be felt during examination. As a rule, before and during menstruation, these formations increase in size (under the influence of the same sex hormones), and it is during such periods that women can feel a burning sensation in the left mammary gland or a burning sensation in the right mammary gland.
With significant sizes of seals and large cysts, there may be not only symptoms of burning in the mammary gland, but also nagging pain in the gland, local redness of the skin, swelling and soreness of the lymph nodes in the armpit area, and an increase in overall body temperature.
Mammologists note that the most direct relationship to the disruption of the hormonal balance in a woman's body - the excess of estrogen production and the lack of progesterone - are pathologies of the ovaries, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, and pituitary gland. And this is, in fact, a problem of the entire endocrine system, which, with the help of various signaling chemicals called hormones, must clearly regulate all biochemical processes in all tissues and target organs.
A burning sensation in the mammary gland area means that the effect of hormones on this organ and its tissues is abnormal.
Where does it hurt?
Diagnostics burning sensation in the breast
The methods used to diagnose burning in the mammary gland (i.e. to establish the causes of this symptom) include collecting anamnesis, examination and palpation of the mammary glands, and a complete gynecological examination of the patient (to identify pathologies of the uterus and appendages).
A biochemical blood test is mandatory to determine the level of hormones. To determine the cause of the burning sensation in the mammary gland, an X-ray examination of the mammary gland (mammography) and an ultrasound examination (ultrasound) are extremely important.
An aspiration biopsy followed by a histological examination of the tissue sample taken makes it possible to verify the benign nature of a particular dyshormonal disease of the mammary glands.
What do need to examine?
Who to contact?
Treatment burning sensation in the breast
A specialist can prescribe treatment for burning in the mammary gland only on the basis of an examination. After all, symptomatic treatment is considered ineffective in hormone-dependent pathologies, and complex therapy of fibrocystic neoplasia is necessary here.
In order to normalize the hormonal background, drugs containing hormones can be prescribed. In addition to hormonal oral contraceptives, the burning sensation in the mammary gland can be relieved by such drugs as Duphaston, Utrozhestan, Danazol, etc.
Duphaston (a synthetic analogue of progesterone, in 10 mg tablets) is used by doctors for a deficiency of this hormone and related menstrual cycle disorders, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis and other pathologies. The dosage and duration of Duphaston intake is determined by the doctor; this drug is contraindicated in liver diseases. Its side effects include headache, metrorrhagia (uterine bleeding), allergic skin reactions.
The active substance of the drug Utrozhestan (capsules of 100 or 200 mg) is the hormone of the corpus luteum of the ovary, progesterone. This drug is used for deficiency of this hormone in the body and associated fibrocystic mastopathy. The standard daily dose is 200 mg (taken twice a day, morning and evening) - for 10 days (in the second phase of the menstrual cycle). The drug may have side effects: bleeding between periods and headaches.
The antigonadotropic drug Danazol (synonyms - Danoval, Danokrin, Cyclomeni, etc.) is an inhibitor of the production of hormones of the anterior pituitary gland, which stimulate the work of the sex glands. It is used in gynecology for the treatment of PMS and dyshormonal diseases of the mammary glands. Danazol capsules (0.1 and 0.2 g) are taken orally - 0.2-0.8 g per day (2-4 times). The dosage is determined by the doctor depending on the specific diagnosis. The drug can have side effects that manifest themselves in the form of headaches, nausea, skin rashes, acne, alopecia or excessive hair growth on the face.
In the treatment of burning in the mammary gland, drugs based on medicinal plants are also used. For example, Mastodinone, which is considered a homeopathic remedy against mastopathy, contains only plant components. Experts say that Mastodinone reduces the content of prolactin in the blood and helps restore normal hormonal levels. The drug is prescribed 30 drops or one tablet twice a day (morning and evening), the minimum duration of treatment is three months. Side effects in the form of stomach pain and headache, nausea, weight gain, acne and skin itching are not excluded.
Also, if there is a burning sensation in the mammary gland area, it is recommended to take vitamin complexes containing vitamins A, C, E and B vitamins.
Prevention
Prevention of burning in the mammary gland is prevention of those diseases that manifest themselves with such a symptom. Firstly, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the mammary glands (regularly examine them), especially if neoplasms in the mammary glands are typical for women in your family. It is imperative to treat diseases of the genital area, refuse intense tanning (natural and in a solarium), take a shower instead of a bath. It is useful to keep your weight normal, eat right, avoid constipation.
Regular visits to the gynecologist also relate to measures to prevent the development of pathological formations in the breast and prevent burning in the mammary gland. Do not forget that problems with the adrenal glands, thyroid and pancreas also lead to hormonal imbalance in the body. Therefore, if you have such problems, you need to see an endocrinologist.
Forecast
The prognosis of burning in the mammary gland - in the presence of fibrocystic benign neoplasms - depends on many factors. Every woman should understand that both breast pain and burning in the mammary gland should not be left without attention and timely medical care.