Persistent Breast Symptoms? Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs – Consult our Doctor

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.

Thank you for sharing your symptoms and concerns. Based on your description, it’s important to investigate thoroughly, as breast symptoms can have various causes, ranging from hormonal changes to more serious conditions.

Possible Causes:

1. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations, possibly related to your IUD, can cause breast pain, inflammation, or changes.

2. Fibrocystic Changes: Benign lumpy or painful breasts often linked to hormonal cycles.

3. Mastitis or Infection: Inflammation, pain, and itchiness could signal an infection or skin condition.

4. Breast Cancer: Persistent lumps, nipple changes, or asymmetry should be ruled out with imaging.

Recommendations:

1. Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Request a thorough breast exam to assess recurring symptoms.

2. Imaging Tests: Complete the recommended X-rays or mammogram and consider an ultrasound for clarity.

3. Check and Consider Removing Your IUD: Hormonal IUDs may contribute to these symptoms. Consult your gynecologist.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Track pain, itching, and other changes in a journal to help identify triggers.

5. Address Skin Conditions: Rule out eczema, dermatitis, or fungal infections causing itching.

Urgent Warning Signs:

1. Persistent or new lumps.

2. Nipple retraction, discharge, or scabbing.

3. Skin changes like redness or dimpling.

4. Worsening pain.

Being proactive is crucial. Take the next steps with imaging and professional evaluation to clarify the cause and guide treatment. Let me know if you need assistance preparing questions for your doctor.

Thanks