Medically reviewed by Dr Amit Shah, a leading gynaecologist and co-founder of Harley St. clinic Fertility Plus.
If you're trying to get pregnant, you might be tracking your cycle with apps and using ovulation calculators to pinpoint your most fertile days. But did you know your body might give you its own signals that you're ovulating? Recognising these signs can make it easier to catch that perfect time to conceive.
Ovulation happens when your ovary releases an egg, usually once a month, and this egg is only viable for about 24 hours. If sperm meets the egg during this time, it could lead to pregnancy. For many women, ovulation typically occurs about 10 to 16 days before your next period. If you have a regular 28-day cycle, you’ll likely ovulate around day 14, but this can vary depending on your cycle length.Understanding and tracking your ovulation is crucial because it's when you’re most fertile. If you’re noticing sore breasts or other changes around this time, it could be a sign that you're ovulating.
We talked with Dr. Amit Shah, leading gynaecologist and co-founder of Harley St. clinic Fertility Plus to find out more about breast pain during ovulation.
What are the effects of ovulation on your body?
Ovulation symptoms can include:
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Changes to vaginal discharge
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Light bleeding or spotting
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Increased sex drive/ libido
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Sore nipples and breasts
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Abdominal pain or cramps
While it's helpful to take note of these symptoms to help work out when you're ovulating, signs can vary and may be side effects of other things, so it's worth monitoring these alongside something like an ovulation test kit.
How common is breast pain during ovulation?
Breasts, especially nipples, can feel tender and sore around ovulation due to hormonal changes when the egg is released from the ovary. The extent of discomfort can vary from mild to severe depending on the individual.
How is breast pain related to ovulation?
It's common for women to experience some degree of breast pain during ovulation. Breast tenderness around ovulation often indicate an increase in oestrogen and a sign that the body is most fertile. If ovulation doesn't occur (anovulation), the hormonal imbalance between progesterone and oestrogen can also cause sore breasts.
What are the causes of breast pain during ovulation
Hormonal changes during ovulation typically cause sore nipples and tender breasts. Before ovulation, elevated oestrogen levels can stimulate breast tissue, leading to pain. After ovulation, as oestrogen levels drop and progesterone levels rise, breast pain can also occur.
Dr. Amit explains, “Breast pain around the middle of the menstrual cycle is often associated with ovulation. This pain, known as mastalgia, is linked to the hormonal changes during this phase. The surge in oestrogen followed by an increase in progesterone can cause tenderness or pain in the breasts.
This type of pain is typically cyclical, appearing at the same time each cycle, and is a common symptom for many women experiencing normal hormonal fluctuations.”
Breast pain ovulation symptoms
If you experience the following symptoms around the middle of your menstrual cycle (approximately day 14), you might be experiencing ovulation-related breast pain:
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Breast sensitivity and tenderness
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Nipple sensitivity
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Swollen and heavy breasts
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Underarm sensitivity and tenderness
If these symptoms persist, are new, or are severe, it’s important to seek medical advice. It’s usually nothing serious, but consulting a healthcare professional is always wise.
How to help sore boobs?
If you're struggling with sore breasts due to ovulation, the NHS recommends taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain. Applying a pain-relief gel can also help. Make sure you wear a well-fitted bra during the day and a soft one while you sleep. Though some people use vitamin E or evening primrose oil, there's not much evidence that these really help. If the pain doesn’t go away with these remedies or if you think you might be pregnant (as breast tenderness can also be an early sign of pregnancy), it's a good idea to check in with your GP.
How long do your breasts stay sore after ovulation?
Breast pain usually begins around the time progesterone levels peak, about a week before menstruation. In a typical 28-day cycle, breast pain might occur around day 21. As hormone levels decrease, the pain should subside.
What else can cause breast pain?
While breast pain can be related to ovulation, other factors to consider include:
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Pregnancy: Breast tenderness or swelling can be an early sign of pregnancy, along with symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and a missed period.
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Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding pain is common, especially at the start, due to issues like latching, positioning, a blocked duct, or mastitis.
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Menstrual cycle: Tender breasts or nipples can occur in the lead-up to your period.
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Skin problems: Conditions like eczema can cause dry, irritated skin, potentially resulting in sore breasts.
How to distinguish breast pain from pregnancy or ovulation
Breast pain can occur for different reasons, and distinguishing between ovulation-related and pregnancy-related pain can be tricky. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Breast pain during ovulation:
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Timing: Tenderness and swelling often occur during the latter part of ovulation.
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Intensity: The pain can range from mild to severe, peaking just before ovulation.
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Feel: Breasts may feel lumpy, dense, and tender.
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Duration: Symptoms usually improve after ovulation ends.
Breast pain during pregnancy:
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Timing: Soreness, tenderness, and a fuller, heavier feeling in the breasts typically occur 1-2 weeks after conception.
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Duration: These symptoms last longer than ovulation-related pain.
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Hormones: Unlike during ovulation, progesterone levels continue to rise throughout pregnancy.
Dr. Amit explains, “It can be challenging to distinguish between breast pain due to ovulation and early pregnancy, as both can present similar symptoms. However, breast pain associated with pregnancy tends to be more persistent and not tied to the menstrual cycle. It often accompanies other symptoms like missed periods, nausea, and fatigue. On the other hand, ovulation-related pain is generally more predictable, occurring mid-cycle, and may come with additional ovulation signs such as mild abdominal cramping and changes in cervical mucus.”
Gynecologist-approved tips for managing ovulation-related breast pain
Dr. Amit recommends several lifestyle changes and treatments for managing breast pain associated with ovulation.
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Dietary adjustments, such as reducing caffeine and fat intake, might help alleviate symptoms.
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Wearing a well-fitted, supportive bra can provide relief.
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Warm or cold compresses can offer comfort.
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Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can be effective, but should be used as directed.
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Vitamins and supplements, such as vitamin E, vitamin B6, or evening primrose oil, may offer relief, though their effectiveness can vary.
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Regular exercise and stress reduction techniques are also recommended to help manage symptoms.
When to seek medical advice
“While cyclical breast pain related to ovulation is usually not a cause for concern, certain symptoms warrant further investigation. Persistent or worsening pain, particularly if it doesn’t follow a cyclical pattern, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider,” Dr. Amit warns.
He adds, “Similarly, the presence of a localised lump, unusual nipple discharge, or noticeable changes in the skin or appearance of the breasts should prompt medical attention. These symptoms could indicate conditions that require further assessment.”
About the expert
Dr Amit Shah is a leading gynaecologist and co-founder of Harley St. clinic Fertility Plus. He is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. After 25 years of commitment to the NHS, Dr. Shah now works exclusively privately and remains involved with research and development of science. He has a major interest in treating egg donor IVF, surrogacy, and sperm donation treatments in addition to fertility treatments and fertility-preserving surgeries, including the treatment of endometriosis and assisted conception and egg freezing.
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK. You can follow her on Instagram.