Pre-menstrual Breast Distension: Causes, Pathology, and Treatment

Eetiology

Emotional stress, overwork, and irregular diet can all lead to pre-menstrual breast distension. These factors can cause Liver-Qi stagnation, Lung-Qi stagnation, Heart-Qi stagnation, and other imbalances in the body.

Pathology

The main pathological factors in pre-menstrual breast distension are Liver-Qi stagnation, Lung-Qi stagnation, Heart-Qi stagnation, Liver-Blood stasis, Damp-Heat, Phlegm with Qi stagnation, and Kidney- and Liver-Yin deficiency.

Liver-Qi stagnation

Liver-Qi stagnation is a common cause of breast distension, especially in the pre-menstrual phase. Symptoms include distension and discomfort in the breasts.

Lung-Qi stagnation

Lung-Qi stagnation can also affect the breasts because the Lung channel flows on the lateral side of the breast. Emotions such as worry, sadness, and grief can cause Lung-Qi stagnation and breast distension.

Heart-Qi stagnation

Fear, worry, sadness, and guilt can all cause Heart-Qi stagnation, which can lead to breast distension. The Heart and Pericardium Muscle channels flow to the lateral side of the breast.

Liver-Blood stasis

Liver-Blood stasis can cause breast lumps and tenderness. This is often accompanied by other symptoms such as irregular periods and abdominal pain.

Damp-Heat

Damp-Heat in the breasts can cause swelling, itching, and a burning sensation. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as yellow discharge from the nipples.

Phlegm with Qi stagnation

Phlegm combined with Qi stagnation can cause the breasts to become swollen, enlarged, and lumpy. This is often accompanied by a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the breasts.

Kidney- and Liver-Yin deficiency

Kidney- and Liver-Yin deficiency can lead to pre-menstrual breast distension in two ways. First, it can cause a secondary stagnation of Liver-Qi, leading to breast distension. Second, it can cause Liver-Yang rising, which can cause breast distension, pain, and burning of the skin over the breasts.

Treatment

Treatment of pre-menstrual breast distension should focus on the underlying causes and pathology. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes can all be effective in treating this