Menopause Forum - My Breasts Get So Big a Week Before My Period

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Q: My Breasts Get So Big a Week Before My Period - Help!!!

asked by: Oonagh on July 21st, 2006

New User

Hello everyone! I'm new here, and it looks like a fascinating site!

I hope someone can help me...I'm 45, and in the early stages of menopause - over the last 18 months, my periods have become totally irregular (sometimes 2 a month) and a lot heavier.

On top of that, my pmt symptoms have steadily grown worse, and the thing I find most uncomfortable are my breasts - normally i'm a 32c but a week before my period, they suddenly get huge and sore and puffy - and I feel almost as pneumatic as dolly parton! I really hate it when they get like this, I feel so uncomfortable and depressed. And with my weird more frequent periods, I feel like this most of the time now. Is there some way of preventing this? Should I take diuretics or some kind of hormone (maybe a form of the pill?)

please help...Thanks in advance.

Replies(8)

DianaJJ

replied on July 24th, 2006

Experienced User

Hi,

I think the problem is fluid retention. I posted a new topic on edema because I have a similar problem. When you're hormones are out of balance it causes more water to be stored in the body.

I find that eating lower sodium foods helps quite a bit. You might try this especially before your periods. Calicium, herbs and other natural remedies can be used also to rid the body of extra fluid but I wouldn't use strong diuretics or hormones. Do you use natural progesterone? Sometime estrogen dominance can cause edema.

Hope that helps.

Dj

Oonagh

replied on July 27th, 2006

New User

Oedema

Hi dj,

many thanks for your reply and your ideas on oedema.
I don't take natural progesterone at all, which rules that out as a possible cause, but it sounds as though i'll have to cut back on sodium, as you suggested - this may be tricky as I have an insatiable "salt tooth," and I know I overindulge in sodium-rich foods.
I went to the naturopath and got some dandelion tea, too, which is supposed to be a good natural diuretic, so we'll see if these make some difference.

Cheers,

oonagh.

DianaJJ

replied on July 27th, 2006

Experienced User

Hi again,

i think that cutting down the sodium will really make a difference. What I meant about the progesterone cream is that it helps with the swelling. When you have too much estrogen and not enough progesterone it causes you to retain water. If you use progesterone cream it helps balance your hormones and relieves many of your perimenopausal symptoms. It even helps to regulate your cycles. I use a product called pro-gest and it works really well.

Let us know how you're doing.

Dj

Oonagh

replied on July 27th, 2006

New User

Fluid Retention

Hi dj,

thanks for explaining the progesterone/oestrogen issue, and how the imbalance can cause such problems for women. Where do you buy progesterone cream from? Do you need a prescription, or is it an over-the-counter product? I feel very keen to get some - it sounds like it has plenty of advantages - and if it can help regulate irregular periods, that'd be a bonus! Are there any side-effects, though? Is it quite safe for everyone to use? So many questions...Sorry!

Cheers,
oonagh.

DianaJJ

replied on July 28th, 2006

Experienced User

Hi oonagh,

the progesterone cream I use is pro-gest and I get it at a health food store but you can buy it online also.

If you shop around you can find a better price.

I've done quite a bit of research and there doesn't seem to be any side effects. You take it like you would birth control pills....You take a 7 day break every month and that's when you usually have your period. It really seems to work for most women and has helped with many of my menopausal symptoms.

Dj

Oonagh

replied on July 29th, 2006

New User

Progesterone Cream

Hi dj,

thanks for the info on the progesterone cream. I'll visit my health shop tomorrow - I hope they stock the brand you mentioned, but if not, hopefully there's an australian version that's just as effective! I'm looking forward to giving it a try, and i'll let you know how everything goes. It sounds like there are many benefits from using it - does it also help regulate mood swings? Fingers crossed - I feel like a crotchetty old woman a lot of the time these days! :x

how do you use the cream - I mean, where exactly do you apply it? No doubt there will be instructions included...But just in case there aren't...

Cheers,
oonagh.

DianaJJ

replied on July 31st, 2006

Experienced User

Hi oonagh,

i really think that progesterone cream works for mood swings also. I'm sure it will have instruction in the package but with the pro-gest you use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon twice daily on different area of the body and rotate the site (don't use it in the same place all the time). The places that you use it is inside of arms, stomach, chest, legs etc. It's very easy to use.

Don't get discouraged if it doesn't work right away....It takes while to reach optimum levels in your body. It might even take 2 or 3 months before you see maximum results.

Let me know how you're doing.

Dj

tandrews85

replied on November 24th, 2008

New User

breast concern

I am concrened that my breasts are growing uncontrollably hugh and i know for a fact that i am not pregnant. I just got over my period last week and wondering if anyone has any advice to why this happens. I mean they feel heavy but not sore and are popping out of my bra.Please advise

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