Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Breast Tenderness?

queenofhearts

Recommended Posts

queenofhearts Explorer
queenofhearts
Posted

Have any of you had trouble with increased breast tenderness since going gluten-free? I've always had it in the week before my period, but since going gluten-free about 6 weeks ago, I seem to have a steadily increasing case. It's getting really uncomfortable! I'm hoping it's a temporary thing-- I know that celiac disease can affect hormones-- but ouch! Any thoughts/suggestions?

Leah

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Rikki Tikki Explorer
Rikki Tikki
Posted

Leah:

I am so glad you asked this. I have been having this problem for about six months, I mean it is really bad. There are times it feels like behind the nipple area is on fire and to go without a bra is awful. I am not pregnant and don't have those "parts", I have been to the doctor and had both a mammogram and sonogram and everything appears fine. But it is just awful. I really hope someone responds to this even if the cause is not eliac related.

queenofhearts Explorer
queenofhearts
Posted
  • Author
Leah:

I am so glad you asked this. I have been having this problem for about six months, I mean it is really bad. There are times it feels like behind the nipple area is on fire and to go without a bra is awful. I am not pregnant and don't have those "parts", I have been to the doctor and had both a mammogram and sonogram and everything appears fine. But it is just awful. I really hope someone responds to this even if the cause is not eliac related.

Are you recently Gluten-free? I'm just curious if it's a transition thing...

kbtoyssni Contributor
kbtoyssni
Posted

I don't remember having any breast tenderness, but I did grow a full cup size within a month of going gluten-free. I'm 24 so that was something I was not anticipating!

queenofhearts Explorer
queenofhearts
Posted
  • Author

WHAT!!!??? Really? I think I'm WAY too old for that to be happening (I'm 50) but I do feel that "swollen" feeling... reminds me of when I was pregnant actually, but THAT is NOT a possibility.

Leah

julified Newbie
julified
Posted

I thought it was just me! Since I went gluten free three years ago my breasts have been tender and I also went up a whole cup size.

queenofhearts Explorer
queenofhearts
Posted
  • Author
I thought it was just me! Since I went gluten free three years ago my breasts have been tender and I also went up a whole cup size.

Hmmmm... maybe what I need is a bra fitting! This never occurred to me before, but now that I think of it, when I take off my bra at the end of the day it IS a relief... How bizarre! Did you gain weight? I've gained a couple of pounds, but not enough to have made a difference, I would have thought-- but maybe it's all going to my boobs! (My husband would like that-- if I weren't always saying "Ow, that hurts!)

Leah

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


eKatherine Apprentice
eKatherine
Posted

For me, breast tenderness was always cyclical but based on excessive caffeine intake. If it got annoying, I could cut back and it would be fine in a few days. Since menopause it's still based on caffeine intake but no longer cyclical. Since I no longer do coffee, I only notice during periods of extreme tea drinking.

How's your caffeine intake? Maybe you could cut it back a bit.

queenofhearts Explorer
queenofhearts
Posted
  • Author

I do drink coffee, but always have, so that hasn't changed. I'll try cutting back & see if it helps.

Leah

Camille'sBigSister Newbie
Camille'sBigSister
Posted

Good morning, girls!

I don't know if my story will be of any help, but it might give someone an idea for further investigation.

I'm 73, and have been on HRT for a number of years. I take Estradiol, which my gyn orders for me from a compound pharmacy. A couple of years ago I was concerned because my energy level was going downhill, so I started taking a product called PhytoEstrogen by Solaray, thinking I could wean myself from Estradiol. The PhytoEstrogen is made from non-genetically modified soy, and also contains isoflavones, mexiyam, black cohosh, and dong quai. "Natural" is always better, right? Sometimes I do the dumbest things! :lol:

A month or so later my breasts got so sore and tender I couldn't stand to wear a bra. (I'm a skinny, scrawny little old woman, and my version of putting on a bra is this: Fasten on padded bra, then pull breasts up from waistline and stuff them into said bra. :lol::lol::lol: ) One day, while going through this procedure, I discovered a huge lump in my right breast. Long story short, I went to a surgeon who aspirated it, and it was nothing but a cyst.

I put two and two together, quit taking the PhytoEstrogen, and the whole problem went away. I've never admitted to a doctor what I had been taking! :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: Miss Innocent, that's me!

I'm a total beginner on the gluten-free diet, so I don't have enough experience to find a connection between it and swollen, sore breasts. I do hope my info can point someone in the right direction.

Cissie

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

Cissie--You are so funny! :D I'm so glad the lump turned out to be a cyst! Thanks for the heads-up ;)

queenofhearts Explorer
queenofhearts
Posted
  • Author

I don't take any estrogen, & I haven't added a whole lot of soy to my diet, but I suppose I could be getting a little bit more than before. I bake most of my gluten-free stuff from scratch, & haven't used any soy in the recipes I've made, but I'll check crackers & so on to see if there might be some in there.

Leah

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted

Mine got tender like they were when I was pregnant and grew. Even my 18 year old daughter who always teased me for being flat-chested noticed a difference (I was not flat-chested before kids). I did not gain weight beyond what I used to weigh (I gained the weight I lost) ... I don't think they're done judging by the way they still feel -- I hope they're not. I'm 43, so I certainly was not expecting a second puberty!!!

I think gluten-free does affect hormones -- my husband likes the other hormonal changes ;)

queenofhearts Explorer
queenofhearts
Posted
  • Author

This gluten-free thing is just one surprise after the other! This is a real doozy!

Leah

taz sharratt Enthusiast
taz sharratt
Posted
Have any of you had trouble with increased breast tenderness since going gluten-free? I've always had it in the week before my period, but since going gluten-free about 6 weeks ago, I seem to have a steadily increasing case. It's getting really uncomfortable! I'm hoping it's a temporary thing-- I know that celiac disease can affect hormones-- but ouch! Any thoughts/suggestions?

Leah

hi leah, ive been gluten-free since may this year and ive noticed my boobs being a lot more tender, its almost like when youve stopped breastfeeding and you boobs havent fed for a while and you feel all full, my youngest was 4 in november and even now i can still get milk ( colostrum) from my nipples from about 2 weeks due my period. i havent noticed a change in size just the uncomfortable feeling of it all. by the way im 33

penguin Community Regular
penguin
Posted

I had that happen for several weeks after first being gluten-free, and it really wigged me out. See, I've been on the pill since I was 15 (thank god it cures acne) and I skipped a month of it at the same time as going gluten-free. My boobs got really sore and my period was 11 days late, I think I caused record profits for the pregnancy testing industry that month! I even ran out of my office in the middle of the afternoon for a blood test! It's funny now, but not so much at the time. :rolleyes:

Anyway, the soreness continued for several more weeks, and I think it stopped 2 and a half months into being gluten-free. I don't know what that's about.

queenofhearts Explorer
queenofhearts
Posted
  • Author

Yes, that is exactly the feeling-- the full-up sensation! (No milk, but my kids are 19!)

I've just decided to go braless today (I work at home so this is an option) & see if any of the discomfort was from compression... so far it does feel a little better. Hmmm.

Leah

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted
Yes, that is exactly the feeling-- the full-up sensation! (No milk, but my kids are 19!)

I've just decided to go braless today (I work at home so this is an option) & see if any of the discomfort was from compression... so far it does feel a little better. Hmmm.

Leah

Thank goodness for cami's. I've been wearing them instead of bras lately ... just the plain ones from Old Navy. They work under almost anything.

queenofhearts Explorer
queenofhearts
Posted
  • Author
I had that happen for several weeks after first being gluten-free, and it really wigged me out. See, I've been on the pill since I was 15 (thank god it cures acne) and I skipped a month of it at the same time as going gluten-free. My boobs got really sore and my period was 11 days late, I think I caused record profits for the pregnancy testing industry that month! I even ran out of my office in the middle of the afternoon for a blood test! It's funny now, but not so much at the time. :rolleyes:

Anyway, the soreness continued for several more weeks, and I think it stopped 2 and a half months into being gluten-free. I don't know what that's about.

I'm glad my dh got that worry taken care of when he had his hernia operation! (Doc, while you're in there....)

Otherwise I would be freaking out, believe me! I can't afford 2 kids in college, gluten-free flour, new pots & pans AND a baby!!!

Leah

kbtoyssni Contributor
kbtoyssni
Posted
Hmmmm... maybe what I need is a bra fitting! This never occurred to me before, but now that I think of it, when I take off my bra at the end of the day it IS a relief... How bizarre! Did you gain weight? I've gained a couple of pounds, but not enough to have made a difference, I would have thought-- but maybe it's all going to my boobs! (My husband would like that-- if I weren't always saying "Ow, that hurts!)

Leah

I didn't gain or lose weight after going gluten-free which is why I found the whole situation so strange. I didn't make the connection to gluten until several months after. I was also one of those people who never got a period until I stopped eating gluten, so I think the hormones in my body finally evened out and I "finished" puberty.

queenofhearts Explorer
queenofhearts
Posted
  • Author

Curiouser & curiouser!

Folks, I think this is the explanation. I've been braless since this morning, & look ma, no pain! Why I didn't try this before, I don't know-- I guess it just didn't occur to me that such a thing was possible. Especially at my age! I mean, I've had pretty regular periods-- heck, I've had twins! & I'm not missing periods for menopause yet, so I thought I was pretty stable hormonally. Go figure!

Leah

Guhlia Rising Star
Guhlia
Posted

I also went up like a cup size and a half when I went gluten-free. Well, mostly in the last year. I did gain some weight, but I've dropped most of it and my chest is still larger than ever before. Interesting... Now, my breasts get SUPER sore before my period, to the point where I often question whether or not I could be pregnant. I thought I was the only one. It only started happening after I went gluten free.

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted

If we advertised this, almost every woman on the planet would go gluten-free!! ;)

marciab Enthusiast
marciab
Posted
If we advertised this, almost every woman on the planet would go gluten-free!! ;)
:lol::lol::lol:

I've been watching this to see how it turns out. I have noticed changes here too. I'm 50 and flashing (hot) like a neon sign. So, I figured it was related to peri menopause. :huh:

Rikki Tikki Explorer
Rikki Tikki
Posted

My, it was good to come home after a long day at work and laugh at the responses. I have also gone up a size, so I really don't know.

The only other thing is that leaving a bra off seems to make it worse and it only really feels better when I lay down.

I don't know what is up, just one more thing to drive me a little nuttier!

The only thing I can think of to do is have a little less caffine, I do drink diet pepsi and hate the thought of giving that up too. I haven't gained that much weight and even had someone ask me last week if I was pregnant, and that's not a possibility.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to SilkieFairy's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      2

      IBS-D vs Celiac

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that y...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Amy Barnett's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Question

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid mul...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams commented on Scott Adams's article in Multiple Sclerosis and Celiac Disease
      2

      Gluten-Free Diet Linked to Reduced Inflammation and Improved Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis (+Video)

      Better to know late than never, and it is too bad they did not test you for it earlier!
    4. Scott Adams
      0

      Koikoi Trading Inc., Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat and Sesame in FU ZHOU FISH BALL

    5. catnapt
      - catnapt replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      8

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      oh that's interesting... it's hard to say for sure but it has *seemed* like oats might be causing me some vague issues in the past few months. It's odd that I never really connect specific symptoms to foods, it's more of an all over feeling of unwellness after eating them. If it happens a few times after eating the same foods- I cut back...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,321
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    James Minton
    Newest Member
    James Minton
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that you carry HLA-DQ2.2 means celiac disease is absolutely possible, even if it’s less common than DQ2.5, and many people with DQ2.2 present later and are under-diagnosed. Your hesitation to reintroduce gluten is completely understandable — quality of life matters — and many people in your position choose to remain strictly gluten-free and treat it as medically necessary even without formal biopsy confirmation. If and when you’re ready, a physician can help you weigh options like limited gluten challenge, serology history, or documentation as “probable celiac.” What’s clear is that this wasn’t just random IBS — you identified the trigger, and your body has been very consistent in its response.
    • Scott Adams
      Question

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid multivitamin with essential nutrients in a readily absorbable form. MaryRuth's Morning Multivitamin w/ Hair Growth – Adds beauty-supporting ingredients (biotin, B vitamins), also gluten-free and easy to take. New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin and New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin Orange Mango – Fermented liquid form with extra nutrients and good tolerability if you prefer a whole-food-based formula. Nature's Plus Source Of Life Gold Liquid – Premium option with a broad spectrum of vitamins and plant-based nutrients. Floradix Epresat Adult Liquid Multivitamin – Highly rated gluten-free German-made liquid, good choice if taste and natural ingredients matter. NOW Foods Liquid Multi Tropical Orange – Budget-friendly liquid multivitamin with solid nutrient coverage.
    • catnapt
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By catnapt · Posted

      oh that's interesting... it's hard to say for sure but it has *seemed* like oats might be causing me some vague issues in the past few months. It's odd that I never really connect specific symptoms to foods, it's more of an all over feeling of unwellness after  eating them.  If it happens a few times after eating the same foods- I cut back or avoid them. for this reason I avoid dairy and eggs.  So far this has worked well for me.  oh, I have some of Bob's Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot cereal and I love it! it's hard to find but I will be looking for more.  for the next few weeks I'm going to be concentrating on whole fresh fruits and veggies and beans and nuts and seeds. I'll have to find out if grains are truly necessary in our diet. I buy brown rice pasta but only eat that maybe once a month at most. Never liked quinoa. And all the other exotic sounding grains seem to be time consuming to prepare. Something to look at later. I love beans and to me they provide the heft and calories that make me feel full for a lot longer than a big bowl of broccoli or other veggies. I can't even tolerate the plant milks right now.  I have reached out to the endo for guidance regarding calcium intake - she wants me to consume 1000mgs from food daily and I'm not able to get to more than 600mgs right now.  not supposed to use a supplement until after my next round of testing for hyperparathyroidism.   thanks again- you seem to know quite a bit about celiac.  
    • trents
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @SilkieFairy! You could also have NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity) as opposed to celiac disease. They share many of the same symptoms, especially the GI ones. There is no test for NCGS. Celiac disease must first be ruled out.
    • trents
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By trents · Posted

      Under the circumstances, your decision to have the testing done on day 14 sounds very reasonable. But I think by now you know for certain that you either have celiac disease or NCGS and either way you absolutely need to eliminate gluten from your diet. I don't think you have to have an official diagnosis of celiac disease to leverage gluten free service in hospitals or institutional care and I'm guessing your physician would be willing to grant you a diagnosis of gluten sensitivity (NCGS) even if your celiac testing comes up negative. Also, you need to be aware that oats (even gluten free oats) is a common cross reactor in the celiac community. Oat protein (avenin) is similar to gluten. You might want to look at some other gluten free hot  breakfast cereal alternatives.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.