Breast tenderness in your menstrual phase

Breast tenderness is swollen, heavy, or sore breasts that are sensitive to touch. In your menstrual phase it tends to flare because estrogen and progesterone bottom out and prostaglandins rise to shed the uterine lining, which can bring on breast tenderness.

What's happening in your menstrual phase

Estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest. Energy dips and your body wants rest, warmth, and iron-rich, easy-to-digest food.

What to eat

How to move

a supportive bra and gentle upper-body mobility help more than intense chest work.

Quick relief

  • Reduce salt and caffeine, which can worsen tenderness.
  • Omega-3 and fibre support estrogen clearance.
  • A well-fitting, supportive bra reduces day-to-day soreness.

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PhaseBloom builds your meals, workouts, and skincare around your exact cycle phase, day by day.

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Frequently asked questions

Why do I get breast tenderness in my menstrual phase?

In your menstrual phase, estrogen and progesterone bottom out and prostaglandins rise to shed the uterine lining, which can bring on breast tenderness.

What should I eat for breast tenderness?

Foods that help include flaxseed, salmon, broccoli, walnuts.