Question for women...

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LATeagno
LATeagno Posts: 620 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I once heard a news story about how losing weight (for women) can cause hormones to be released into the blood stream that wouldn't have otherwise been there. Since hormones are comprised of fatty substances, basically, they're said to stick around in your body fat. When your body burns your stored fat, all of those stored hormones get released as well.

I heard this news story several years ago, but remembered it today as I was pondering a weird problem that I have been having: my breasts have been aching nearly all the time.

It started about three months ago. At first I thought i might be pregnant (that's usually a telltale sign for me), but the tests say I'm not, and I'm really vigilant about my birth control pill taking. I've been on the same pill since February of 2009 as well, so I don't think it's that. It's also Lo-Loestrin, which is an ultra low-dose pill.

Has anyone else experienced this? I'm thinking maybe I have estrogen built up in my tissues. My poor boobs are achy nearly all the time. I spoke to my doctor and had an exam, but he said it's probably just a side effect of the pill. I disagree for the reasons stated above.

Has any woman who was lost a lot of weight (who was obese prior) had this issue? It's so very annoying.

Replies

  • daryls
    daryls Posts: 260
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    I have months when my breasts hurt more than other months. It doesn't seem to be around a certain TOM either....

    Possibly try some other types of breast supports? I changed to non-underwire, more "lock and load" style tops (with built-in bras) and that seems to help with some of the discomfort.

    If it doesn't go away - I'd go in and see your doctor again.....

    Oh yeah....my doctor said my breasts are more "cystic" than most women and that may be related to some of my discomfort...
  • lthomas42
    lthomas42 Posts: 73 Member
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    Honestly it could be psychosematic. A couple years ago now a doctor found a lump in my breast and until I saw a specialist my breast ACHED constantly. The moment I got the all clear that I actually just have lumpy boobs and was totally fine, the pain started to go away.

    There are tons of side effects to weight gain and weight loss though, so it could be the case, or maybe something caused by the pill you're on mixing with the hormones. You may want to try a hormone free alternative, such as an IUD. Hormonal birth control is less effective the more you weigh! Scary huh? They don't tell you that on the box.

    If you're concerned, talk to your doctor. It could be something totally unrelated. Who knows, but a medical professional is your best bet.
  • lthomas42
    lthomas42 Posts: 73 Member
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    Oh, and if your doctor doesn't listen, don't be afraid to seek out a new doctor and get one who will listen to your concerns fully. I had to learn that the hard way.
  • livinginwoods
    livinginwoods Posts: 562 Member
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    I keep taking pregnancy tests because all of a sudden, today was one of them, my breasts especially my nipples hurt and I get dizzy and feel like I am going to throw up. MY husband and my old doctor told me it was all in my head because I want a baby so bad but I don't believe them. I think it is like what you mentioned. My new doctor (whom I love) asked me to record the days I feel like this, date, time, symptoms etc. So we shall see what is really going on.
  • CMmrsfloyd
    CMmrsfloyd Posts: 2,383 Member
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    This may sound odd, but how's your caffeine intake? Some women are sensitive to it and can suffer breast pain if they get too much.

    I also did a quick Googling and found a WebMD article that said some women get relief by adding a magnesium supplement to their routine.
  • LATeagno
    LATeagno Posts: 620 Member
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    This may sound odd, but how's your caffeine intake? Some women are sensitive to it and can suffer breast pain if they get too much.

    I also did a quick Googling and found a WebMD article that said some women get relief by adding a magnesium supplement to their routine.


    Nah, that doesn't sound odd. I've heard that too. That said, my caffeine intake is pretty low. I have a cup of coffee on most mornings, and no more than one diet soda throughout the day. :(
  • calderst
    calderst Posts: 222 Member
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    This may sound odd, but how's your caffeine intake? Some women are sensitive to it and can suffer breast pain if they get too much.

    I'm cystic and caffeine makes mine extra achey. Also, have you increased your exercise regimen? The wrong sports bra for the type of movement I'm doing can make mine ultra-senstitive/achey too.
  • ranewell
    ranewell Posts: 621 Member
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    Interesting info!! About a couple of months ago, I could have SWORN I was pregnant. I'm on the pill, so my periods are consistent...but I skipped a period and my breasts were so sore!!!!!! I took 2 tests and my gyno gave me a test, all negative. Sooo, that may explain what was goin on!
  • MaraDiaz
    MaraDiaz Posts: 4,604 Member
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    There are foods that can mimic estrogen but they usually leave your system quickly. Soy is one. Unfortunately, there are pollutants that mimic estrogen and will stay in your body for a long time. What I don't know is if these mimickers, called xenoestrogens, are stored in your fat and then released if you lose weight. It might be worth looking into.
  • Scorpioangel
    Scorpioangel Posts: 951 Member
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    I am not sure what is up but I have unfortunately thought I was pregnant a few times and was disappointed :( I have a one day period if that (lately this has been going on for maybe 3 months now) and have dizziness and get nauseous :(
  • Its4CJ
    Its4CJ Posts: 14
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    Something else to look into... I know I am young, but when I first started menopause, my breasts hurt 10x more than before. I had very irregular periods, so I don't know if that was some of it. But you might be starting menopause. Especially if you have had health issues. Just something to think about.
  • Amber82479
    Amber82479 Posts: 629 Member
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    I actually had this problem a while back and discovered (for me) it was related to my caffeine intake. I was trying to stay away from Diet Coke, so I added a second 16 ounce cup of coffee to my daily routine. For months I couldn't figure out why my breasts were so tender and painful, until a friend who is a physicians assistant suggested cutting my caffeine. Within 48 hours I felt much better and haven't had an issue since. Hope this helps you!
  • meli_medina
    meli_medina Posts: 594 Member
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    Something else to look into... I know I am young, but when I first started menopause, my breasts hurt 10x more than before. I had very irregular periods, so I don't know if that was some of it. But you might be starting menopause. Especially if you have had health issues. Just something to think about.

    You are 28 and are in menopause? :noway: I have heard of women in their late 30s and early 40s going into early menopause, but have never met a 28 year old woman with that condition.
  • debussyschild
    debussyschild Posts: 804 Member
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    I did some reading to respond somewhat intelligibly to this thread. Only certain hormones are derived from lipids i.e. fats. Estrogen is one of them. White adipose tissue (fat cells) actually produce estrogen. Not sure if they STORE it, but they produce it. Hormones are essentially chemicals produced by cells to send messages for other cells to do certain things like create protein, grow, and other stuff. If anything, burning fat cells should reduce your body's overall estrogen levels?? Thoughts??
  • Aviendha_RJ
    Aviendha_RJ Posts: 600 Member
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    If I lose weight too fast, I get dizzy spells. By too fast, I mean more than 2lbs in a week. Also, I find that with pressure, my breasts ache. Eg: I'm a stomach sleeper from stress? I'm out of work, & it's exams at school, so I'm super stressed. If I sleep on my stomach, I wake up with achy breasts. If my bf hugs me too hard, my breasts hurt.

    My bf is a gym-rat Cop, who is totally into physical fitness. He says it's a side effect of your body getting used to you being at a new weight. It doesn't know how to react, so it goes haywire for a bit. It's ok, it'll go away when your weight stabolizes.
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
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    . If anything, burning fat cells should reduce your body's overall estrogen levels?? Thoughts??

    I had this happen to me back around March/April. I had been watching my diet and was doing Zumba. I thought I was going into menopause. My breasts hurt almost constantly for 2-3 months (and not from friction or rubbing, not that kind of hurt). You get PMS when your estrogen is on the decrease, just going into your cycle, the decreased female hormones is what causes menstruation. I slacked off on the diet and exercise and the problem went away. (though I didn't know at the time that was the cause, I pieced that together later).

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