Overview
Many women describe a tingling sensation in their breasts, especially around their periods, early in pregnancy, or if they are breastfeeding or taking drugs with hormones. The feeling, which can be in one breast or both, can resemble “pins and needles” on the skin or have burning characteristics. Some also refer to it as a “zinging” pain. It may be localized to the nipples or be felt in the fleshy areas of the breast.
The tingling is rarely associated with breast cancer, but you should get checked out immediately if the feeling interrupts your normal activities or you experience any of the following breast cancer warning signs:
- a lump
- changes to breast skin, such as dimpling around the nipple
- nipple discharge
- discoloration on the breast
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, tender, swollen, or even tingly breasts and nipples are some of the earliest signs of pregnancy, occurring even before a period is missed. Breastfeeding moms also report tingling nipples.
Hormonal fluctuations
Estrogen and progesterone, the female hormones that surge during pregnancy, help stimulate milk ducts and increase blood flow to the breasts, producing tingling sensations. The feeling is most pronounced in the first trimester, as breast glands and tissues are first stretched. Breasts are full of nerve endings and may also feel warmer, fuller, and more sensitive to the touch.
Mastitis
Mastitis is a breast infection that can occur in breastfeeding women, usually in the first six to eight weeks after giving birth. The infection stems from stagnant milk clogging a duct or from bacteria that is introduced into the breast through a crack in the nipple. In can produce a tingling or burning sensation during feedings, and even when not nursing. Other symptoms are:
- fever
- warm, red, or swollen breast
- fatigue
Thrush
Thrush is a fungal infection caused by candida and can produce sharp, burning pain in one or both breasts of a nursing mom. Thrush often occurs after you’ve taken antibiotics (which can disrupt the body’s delicate balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria) or when the candida enters the breast through cracks on the nipples or skin. It can also produce:
- shiny and flaky nipples and areola (the darkened area around the nipple)
- sore, tender breast lumps
Let-down reflex
Many nursing women feel a tingling in the breast when the baby latches on and begins to suck, causing milk to flow or “let down.”
Nipple vasospasm
This is a condition in which the blood vessels of the nipple constrict in response to breastfeeding. It can produce a burning, needle-like pain during and between feedings. It’s more likely to occur:
- in cold weather
- with a baby who doesn’t latch properly
- in women who have Raynaud’s phenomenon, an autoimmune disorder; in addition to the constriction and pain, a woman might notice a temporary blanching of her nipples
While breast tingling is often associated with hormonal issues, it can have other causes as well.
Paget disease of the breast
This rare type of breast cancer affects the skin of the nipple and areola and can produce:
- tingling, flaky, itchy, flattened nipples
- nipple discharge
Ruptured silicone breast implant
One of the symptoms of a ruptured implant, as reported by the Food and Drug Administration, is breast tingling. Other signs are:
- decreased size of breasts
- numbness in breast
- uneven appearance of breast
- hard knots in breast
Shingles
If you notice a burning, blistering rash on your breast, chances are you have shingles. This is a viral infection (caused by the same virus that produces chickenpox) that can lie dormant in your body for decades. The infection invades the sensory nerves of the skin and, in addition to pain, tingling, and a rash, can cause:
- fever
- fatigue
- joint pain
- chills
- nausea
Breast surgery
In some cases, surgery on a breast (for example, a mastectomy or lumpectomy) can damage nerves in the area, resulting in pain or tingling in the chest wall. According to the American Cancer Society, up to
- numbness
- itchiness
- shooting pain that can start in the chest wall and travel to the armpit and arm
Costochondritis
This is an inflammation of the cartilage that attaches a rib to the breastbone. The pain, which comes from the chest wall and not the breast, is often described as sharp. Arthritis and physical strain might be to blame. The pain of costochondritis often occurs on the left side and intensifies with deep breathing or coughing.
Medications
Because they can affect levels of circulating hormones (which, in turn, can affect breast tenderness and sensitivity), certain medications may make the breasts feel tingly. These drugs include:
- birth control pills
- hormone replacement therapy (used to reduce the side effects of menopause)
- medications used to treat some mental illnesses
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to skin creams, soaps, or laundry detergent that can produce a rash that leaves your skin feeling:
- prickly
- itchy
- swollen
- uncomfortable
Breast pain (called mastalgia) generally falls into two categories. Cyclic breast pain is caused by the normal rise and fall of your sex hormones (namely estrogen and progesterone) that occurs with your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and even the onset of menopause. The other type of pain is breast pain that is unrelated to hormones, called noncyclic breast pain. Knowing the difference between the two is important in terms of treatment.
Cyclic symptoms
- usually begin a few days before your period starts
- occur in both breasts
- produce a dull, heavy, achy pain
- can cause breast lumps
- diminish once your flow begins and during pregnancy and menopause
- occur even if you aren’t having your period
- often affect just one breast
- can feel tight or burning
- may be related to an event or injury
Noncyclic symptoms
If you don’t notice any breast changes like lumps or skin changes, and if your pain is intermittent or mild, you can try managing the discomfort at home. Remedies include:
- over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain relievers
- hot and cold compresses
- support bra
- dietary changes (some women report less breast tenderness when they reduce their intake of salt and caffeine)
- supplements (studies conflict, but according to a 2010 study, some women find relief with vitamin E and evening primrose oil)
Ask your doctor for recommendations and guidelines before trying home remedies.
Seek medical attention if you notice breast changes such as:
- lumps
- skin dimpling
- nipple discharge
- uneven appearance in breasts
- severe, long-lasting pain that interferes with your normal activities
- pain related to breastfeeding that is making feeding difficult
Breast tingling is a common sensation, especially in women who are menstruating, newly pregnant or breastfeeding. In most cases the cause is not serious and is often linked to normal hormonal fluctuations. But don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor if the pain is intense, unrelated to hormonal events or is accompanied by other breast changes.