Severe Breast Pain advice

[Minipill]

For the last two years I've had almost constant severe breast pain particularly in my left breast. I've been to the breast clinic three times and seen a consultant who tells me it's hormonal and there's not much they can do. I've also seen my gp numerous times and all they ever do is refer me to the breast clinic who do nothing (head in hands) I've tried Tamoxifen, evening primrose oil, multi vitamins, ibroprofen gel and nothing helps. I'm not using any hormonal birth control and I'm not pregnant. Any suggestions?

[Galen70]

Hi Minipill, Who prescribed you Tamoxifen ? Have you tried taking hormonal contraception to see if this makes any difference to the pain ?

[Minipill in reply to Galen70]

Hey, I was prescribed a three month course of tamoxifen by a consultant at the breast clinic at hospital. It did help but not as much as I hoped and they wouldn't give me anymore as they felt it was unsafe to use it for breast pain for any longer than three months. My gp has recently given me three months of the contraceptive pill microgynon 30 to see if that helps although at the moment it's making it much much worse.

[Galen70 in reply to Minipill]

Ok. I would go back and switch to a low dose oestrogen pill with a different progestogen. We don't know what your breast pain reacts to , its more likely progestogens . If your symptoms are worse I would switch the chc. Have you had a full hormonal profile at any point ?

[Minipill in reply to Galen70]

No unfortunately the breast clinic and my gp all say that it's pointless checking my hormone levels because it won't show anything (I have begged them) apparently I must just have more sensitive breast tissue than most women. I asked the GP to change my pill yesterday but because I haven't finished my first strip yet she said I have to try it for at least three months before I can change it too something else : ( I actually asked for a very low dose combined pill after doing my own research and I was told I had to try something with a higher dose first which made no sense to me at all. I'm also bleeding every single day on this pill which is really rubbish but all the GP would do is prescribe me some sort of acid that begins with a t to slow the bleeding and told me to wait it out. Thanks for replying by the way, your the only one that has.

[Galen70 in reply to Minipill]

That medicine is tranexamic acid and just helps the blood clot a little. If they GP wont switch you now , I would go to a reproductive health clinic and get pills from them. How many pills/strips have you taken so far,

[Minipill in reply to Galen70]

Yeah that's what it's called I couldn't recall the name I haven't even picked it up from the pharmacy yet. I've taken 17 pills from the first strip so far. The first week I didn't notice any difference but after about the first seven pills I realised the pain was getting worse every day until I was in absolute agony, it's awful. I do have a sexual health clinic I could try or Lloyds pharmacy will prescribe pretty much any pill you want as long as you get your blood pressure checked ect by the pharmacy and it's not particularly expensive so I was considering doing that. I'm not sure what one to buy though, they have a section for very low dose combined pills so I could just pick one of those and hope for the best.

[Galen70 in reply to Minipill]

I would try loestrin 20, 20 mcgs oestradiol, and norethisterone. Or any 20mcg that doesn't have the same progestogen in it as microgynon

[Minipill in reply to Galen70]

Sounds like a plan. I'll give it a go and fingers crossed it works for me. Thanks for all your help and advice.

[Galen70 in reply to Minipill]

you are more than welcome. If all of this makes absolutely no difference, you should talk to the GP about getting some chronic pain control medication, perhaps such as amitryptiline. Or ask to be referred to a different gynaecologist with an interest in the breast. Your difficulties might lie if you are planning a pregnancy, and would have to come off hormonal methods first. Please let me know how you get on.

[Minipill in reply to Galen70]

I'll keep you posted : ) I've had three children so I definitely don't want to be pregnant again. When I'm pregnant I get absolutely no breast pain at all though which is strange but very nice. I'll keep on pushing for some results. Thank you again and contact me anytime if I can ever help you with anything.

[Galen70 in reply to Minipill]

So the oestrogen suppresses the pain. Its very unlikely then its the oestrogen in the pill, but the progestogen that caused your symptoms to flare. I think a reproductive health service will help you here, they are the experts on pill prescribing .

[Minipill in reply to Galen70]

There's a contraceptive clinic run from the local minor injuries clinic so I'll give them a call and make an appointment, fingers crossed they can help.

[Galen70 in reply to Minipill]

Sounds ideal. Best of luck just talk them through what your experiences have been Im sure they will help