Breast tenderness is a perfectly normal side effect of estrogen therapy--particularly in postmenopausal women who have not been exposed to estrogen for many years. It should settle down within 2-3 months of therapy. Other causes of breast tenderness can include excessive use of caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate; fibrocystic breast problem, which actually tends to get less after menopause; engorgement with milk, which can be seen in post menopausal women with thyroid problem, with the use of tranquilizers and other medications, and with pituitary (brain) tumors; blood clots in the veins of the breast; and long standing problems of breast. Any patient considering estrogen replacement therapy should always have a thorough breast exam and an annual mammogram prior to therapy. If the breasts are sensitive, all caffeine products should be stopped. If the tenderness persists for, you should contact your health care provider. It may be necessary to lower the estrogen dose for several months to allow your body to adjust to these mild side effects. Once the side effects disappear, the dosage should be gradually increased until adequate blood levels exist to achieve maximal therapeutic benefit.

There is tenderness and discomfort in the breast.

As such there are no preventions but to follow a diet that is not rich in fats.

Breast tenderness is a common characteristic of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy. If caused by PMS, the tenderness may occur regularly every month; if associated with early pregnancy, missed periods and a positive home pregnancy test will reveal that. The cause is generally the natural cycles of your reproductive hormones, which are estrogen and progesterone. They signal the milk-producing glands in the breast to grow and areas around them to expand with blood and other fluids to nourish the cells. This can result in stretched nerve fibers and a sense of discomfort. Then there are fibrocystic changes, which include lumps and cysts.

Many women, who have not ovulated in a long time have not experienced such symptoms for a while, are surprised at the subtle and sometimes annoying signs of ovulation. Breast tenderness is often the first symptom of pregnancy but would not occur before the missed period. Diagnostic tests: A mammogram is usually performed if the woman is over 40 years old. If a lump is found that is not clearly benign, a breast biopsy may be necessary. After seeing your health care provider: You may want to add a diagnosis related to premenstrual breast tenderness to your personal medical record. You may also want to note if there are any lumps, if you had a mammogram or biopsy, and any recommendations your provider made for treating this symptom.

Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet, including more raw foods. Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Do not eat nuts, which have been heated. 

For breast tenderness, apply vitamin E on the area, and be sure to include enough essential fatty acids in the diet (5 gm, 3 times a day). Flaxseed oil, sunflower seed oil, or wheat germ oil are best. 

It is important to stay stress free in any problem as it only makes the condition worse. Having a healthy mind and a positive approach greatly assist to reduce any problem.

Breast & Balance is a dietary supplement which contains vitamin E that shows its favorable effects on free cellular damage of cells and also on long standing problems. ^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9} Breast & Balance Lotion contains evening prime rose oil that exhibits its positive effects on breast tenderness and long standing problems of breast. ^{5, 9} Breast Health with Maitake Bio-Beta Glucan is a food supplement that contains a herb maitake that has wholesome effects on immune and breast health. ^{10, 11} Nutra. Breast is dietary supplement that contains essential minerals selenium and chromium. Selenium exhibits its wholesome effects on free cellular damage and long standing problems related to breast. ^{1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 12, 13}

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.