Caffeine and Breast Pain

Most women experience breast pain at some time during their lives. And although we are often told that dangerous conditions such as most types of breast cancer are not typically painful, breast pain can still be quite unnerving. When women start experiencing breast pain, often the first thing we think of is cancer, regardless of what we have read or have been told. Even when the information comes straight from the mouths of our physicians, it is difficult to keep from equating breast pain with a frightening condition like cancer. I know for myself, I did not believe it either until I heard it from my physician, who also just happened to be a breast cancer survivor.

During that particular exam, one of the very first questions my physician asked me was whether or not caffeine was a part of my diet. Well between my chocolate addiction and my Pepsi cravings, I had to answer yes. She explained that caffeine is an extremely common cause of breast pain. And when I subsequently removed all caffeine from my diet, I experienced no more breast pain.

Breast pain occurs with the intake of caffeine because caffeine contains a chemical known as methyxanthine. Methylxanthine causes dilation of blood vessels. The dilation, although microscopic, causes swelling, and the swelling of these blood vessels causes discomfort.

Although caffeine is found in obvious products such as coffee, it is also present in some items that you may not be aware of. For example, there is as much caffeine in one Excedrin tablet as there is in a cup of coffee! In fact, the reason Excedrin tablets probably feels so effective to many people is because it is supplying their caffeine "fix". Chances are you are aware of many of the other sources of caffeine, such as tea, energy drinks, and chocolate.