Breast pain can be cyclic or noncyclic. Cyclic means that the pain occurs on a regular pattern. Noncyclic means that the pain is constant, or that there's not a regular pattern. Each type of breast pain has distinct characteristics. 
Breast pain characteristics


Cyclic breast pain
Noncyclic breast pain






Clearly related to the menstrual cycle and changing hormone levels
Described as dull, heavy or aching
Often accompanied by breast swelling, fullness or lumpiness
Usually affects both breasts, particularly the upper, outer portions, and can radiate to the underarm
Intensifies during the two weeks leading up to the start of the menstrual period, then eases up afterward
More likely to affect people in their 20s and 30s, as well as people in their 40s who are transitioning to menopause




Unrelated to the menstrual cycle
Described as tight, burning, stabbing or aching sensation
Constant or intermittent
Usually affects one breast, in a localized area, but may spread more diffusely across the breast
In women, most likely to occur after menopause




 Breast pain characteristics 

Cyclic breast pain
Noncyclic breast pain

 
Cyclic breast pain
Noncyclic breast pain
 Cyclic breast pain Noncyclic breast pain 



Clearly related to the menstrual cycle and changing hormone levels
Described as dull, heavy or aching
Often accompanied by breast swelling, fullness or lumpiness
Usually affects both breasts, particularly the upper, outer portions, and can radiate to the underarm
Intensifies during the two weeks leading up to the start of the menstrual period, then eases up afterward
More likely to affect people in their 20s and 30s, as well as people in their 40s who are transitioning to menopause




Unrelated to the menstrual cycle
Described as tight, burning, stabbing or aching sensation
Constant or intermittent
Usually affects one breast, in a localized area, but may spread more diffusely across the breast
In women, most likely to occur after menopause



 


Clearly related to the menstrual cycle and changing hormone levels
Described as dull, heavy or aching
Often accompanied by breast swelling, fullness or lumpiness
Usually affects both breasts, particularly the upper, outer portions, and can radiate to the underarm
Intensifies during the two weeks leading up to the start of the menstrual period, then eases up afterward
More likely to affect people in their 20s and 30s, as well as people in their 40s who are transitioning to menopause




Unrelated to the menstrual cycle
Described as tight, burning, stabbing or aching sensation
Constant or intermittent
Usually affects one breast, in a localized area, but may spread more diffusely across the breast
In women, most likely to occur after menopause


 

Clearly related to the menstrual cycle and changing hormone levels
Described as dull, heavy or aching
Often accompanied by breast swelling, fullness or lumpiness
Usually affects both breasts, particularly the upper, outer portions, and can radiate to the underarm
Intensifies during the two weeks leading up to the start of the menstrual period, then eases up afterward
More likely to affect people in their 20s and 30s, as well as people in their 40s who are transitioning to menopause

 
Clearly related to the menstrual cycle and changing hormone levels
Described as dull, heavy or aching
Often accompanied by breast swelling, fullness or lumpiness
Usually affects both breasts, particularly the upper, outer portions, and can radiate to the underarm
Intensifies during the two weeks leading up to the start of the menstrual period, then eases up afterward
More likely to affect people in their 20s and 30s, as well as people in their 40s who are transitioning to menopause
