When it comes to the relationship of a woman with her breasts, it goes through various stages. There are many problems that can affect the breasts in women. To help you understand the basics of it all, we list here 10 common breast problems women can face after 30.

10 Common Breast Problems Women Can Face After 30

Women undergo various changes after 30 and unstable hormone levels is one of the main causes of these issues. Similarly the risk of lumps, inflammation, cracked nipples too increases after 30. Hence, it is advised for women to be more watchful about breast health after 30. Breast self-examination is encouraged and must be done as guided by your physician. Additionally, investigations and scans like x-rays, ultrasound and mammography help in screening and detecting breast problems at early stages.

Here are the 10 common breast problems women can face after 30:

#1. Breast Tenderness – These hormonal changes can cause breast problems in many women with aging. These problems include swelling, lumpiness, or tenderness in the breasts. Hormonal changes and related breast tenderness is one of the 10 common problems women can face after 30. Though these breast problems are felt mostly during, before or after the menstrual period but can stay consistent over the month too. The common cause of this problem has been attributed to the intake of the conceptive pills for hormonal treatment or hormonal replacement therapies.

#2. Cyst: Breast cyst too is one of the 10 common problems women can face after 30. It is basically during the age of the 30 to 50 years during which, the risk of cysts in the breast increases. A cyst is basically formed when some fluid gets trapped into the breast tissue. Though these cysts may seem extremely alarming, but they can go off during menopause in most women. These cysts may be soft or firm and at times can even cause pain when touched. Moreover, more than one cyst may be present at the same time and in the same breast. Such breast cysts are harmless but must be examined to rule out the possibility of breast cancer. Breast cysts, may be treated by draining them out through a needle, but there are chances that they may reappear.

#3. Fibroadenomas: Fibroadenomas are lumps of glandular and fibrous tissue, but they too are equally harmless in nature. These sorts of lumps are firm and rubbery on touch and have a smooth texture. Fibroadeomas are one of the 10 common problems women can face after 30. The formation of these lumps cannot be attributed to something specific, but they are painless in nature and are most likely to become tender before the menstrual cycle. Though harmless, this too should be most necessarily evaluated by the physician rule out cancer.

#4. Breast lumps: There are many reasons for lumps in the breast in women after 30. Hormonal changes, previous injury or scar tissue on the breast or even the insertion of silicon for cosmetic purposes can at times harden and contribute to breast lumps. These lumps can be painful in some. Breast lumps are one of the 10 common breast problems women can face after 30, hence, although harmless, they must be evaluated by the physician.

#5. Nipple leaks: The 10 common breast problems women can face after 30 are nipple leaks. These discharges cannot necessarily be the result of cancer or any other disease but it is best to have them examined. The discharge from the nipple in this case may be watery or blood stained in nature, and times only from one breast. It is only through tests that the cause of the discharge can be ascertained. The discharge after pregnancy and during breastfeeding is common, but if breast discharge continues or if there is a change in color and thickness even after breast feeding has been stopped, a medical opinion is must.

#6. Sore, cracked and itchy nipples: After breastfeeding, the mother can face problems like sore and itchy nipples. The skin around the nipples can split and pain. These changes are common when breastfeeding, but if these problems arise even when you are not breastfeeding, you must seek medical advice. Cracked and itchy nipples are amongst the 10 common breast problems women can face after 30 and must be evaluated.

#7. Inverted nipples: Inverted nipples can develop after breastfeeding. Inverted nipples are one of the 10 common breast problems women can face after 30 and are not necessarily alarming. However, it is best to get them checked, since they are an early sign of breast cancer under the nipples.

#8. Mastitis: One of the more painful problems with the breasts which may occur after the age of 30 includes the inflammation of the breasts or mastitis. It is often associated with breast feeding and develops about 2-6 weeks after giving birth. In mastitis, the breast becomes swollen, red, hot and painful. It is one of the 10 common breast problems women can face after 30. At times, mastitis can occur in women with diabetes or with poor immune systems also. It can be treated using hot or cold packs or with anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, if advised. It is best to seek medical opinion to manage mastitis effectively.

#9. Eczema: A skin problem like eczema may also occur in the breasts and lead to a yellow green to brown discharge. It could be an infection, which can further lead to filling of the duct with waste matter from cells and cause an infection or inflammation in the nipples. While eczema is one of the 10 common breast problems women can face after 30, it needs medical attention to prevent further complications.

#10. Breast cancer: A serious issue that is one of the 10 common breast problems women can face after 30, is breast cancer. Like the other cancers, breast cancer can turn quite ugly and should be detected as soon as possible. The creation of lumps in the breasts is the primary indication of this problem. Though some of the cysts or lumps may be benign, it is best to seek medical opinion and perform the necessary investigations. Keeping a healthy antioxidant rich diet is a sure way to help you avoid this problem. Breast feeding your child too can protect from this form of cancer to some extent.

Also Read:

7 Yoga Poses to Firm Up Sagging Breast

10 Common Breast Problems Women Can Face After 30