Is your body trying to tell you something?

Tender breasts

Aching breasts is a direct result of it being that time of the month (cyclical breast pain). It is part of your menstrual pangs, and is triggered by hormone imbalances in the body. The discomfort we know all too well is often described as dull and aching, and breast tissue may also be swollen and lumpy.

Cutting down on fat in the diet, taking simple painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and wearing a good fitting support bra, can ease sore breasts. Evening primrose supplements have proved helpful to many sufferers.

Non-cyclical breast pain, on the other hand, is often described as a sharp, stabbing or burning sensation, and may be due to cramping of muscles in the chest wall, a trapped nerve, infection or inflammation.

Once infection has been ruled out, localised non-cyclical breast pain may be eased by the injection of a local anaesthetic or steroid into the painful area. If the pain is over a wider area, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen normally help.

Breast pain is not usually a sign of breast cancer, but medical examination is important to rule this out, especially when the pain is one-sided and localised.

However, it's also good to remember that sore breasts can also be a sign of pregnancy.

Lumps or bumps

While most lumps are not usually serious, you should tell your GP if you notice an unusual lump anywhere on your body. It is difficult for even a doctor to differentiate between lumps, and you may need a biopsy to examine the lump under a microscope for accurate diagnosis.

Bowel habits

You may be embarrassed to discuss your bowels, but a change in your bowel habits, i.e. going to the toilet more or less frequently than usual could mean there's something wrong with your intestines. If this continues for more than a week or so, seek medical advice - earlier, if you develop abdominal pain or notice blood or slime in your motions. Try not to feel embarrassed - your doctor is used to dealing with problems like these!

Possible causes needing treatment include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or an infection. Some more serious conditions include inflammatory bowel disease and bowel cancer.

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