Breast pain is one of the most common breast-related symptoms women experience. It s called mastalgia in medicals. Lymph nodes can swell in response to changes in the breast. Women associate lymph node swelling with cancer, however, the lymphatic system gets turned on whenever there is a hormonal change. Lymph nodes are also designed primarily to fight off infection. It sounds like what you re experiencing is cyclic mastalgia, or breast pain related to your menstrual cycle. It s not considered cyclical mastalgia, however, unless the pain occurs for at least seven days a month, as you say yours does, and is quite severe, as it sound like yours is. I can understand your distress, since many studies find that the pain from cyclic mastalgia can interfere with sleep, work, school, social functioning, physical activity, even sexual activity. That s a lot to have to deal with for 10 days a month! Despite numerous studies, no one really knows for sure what causes cyclical mastalgia. Have you ever been evaluated for fibrocystic breasts? Pain and tenderness are common symptoms of this condition, although the most common are breast lumps (don t worry, it s not related to cancer). There s some evidence that fibrocystic breasts might be related to cyclic mastalgia. It makes sense to think that hormones are behind the regular pain, particularly since your pain is linked to your menstrual cycle, but no one has yet been able to demonstrate that connection conclusively.Another possible cause: diet. Try cutting back on dietary fat and caffeine and see if that helps. One thing you probably don t have to worry about is breast cancer. The link between cyclical mastalgia and breast cancer is very rare. And given your age, it s highly unlikely this will be a concern. However, one thing concerns me about your problem. Studies find that cyclic mastalgia typically occurs in women in their 30s or 40s; you re still in your 20s. So I think it s important that you see your health care provider for a complete physical examination. At that time, you can also talk about what you can do to relieve the pain. Possible options include: A more supportive bra. Try wearing it at night, as well. Evening primrose oil is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which may be the reason for its benefits. Pain relievers. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and even topical analgesics that you rub on the breast may help with the pain. Medications. If none of these non-prescription remedies help, talk to your healthcare provider about prescription drugs. Most are hormonal remedies, such as oral contraceptives. Only one drug has been approved specifically for the treatment of mastalgia. Called danazol (Danocrine), it s a form of the male hormone testosterone. Overall, 59 to 92 percent of women treated with this drug find relief from their pain, but they also experience significant side effects, so I only recommend this as a last resort. Finally, I urge you not to worry. I m sure between you and your health care professional, you will find out the cause of your breast and lymph node pain, and come up with a treatment that works for you. get well soon