An icy cold feeling isn’t a common sign of breast cancer. This symptom may arise due to poor blood circulation, your bra size could be the culprit. Wearing the wrong bra size could be uncomfortable and affect your breast’s blood flow. Repetitive movements that involve lifting or exercises that cause strain in your chest muscles may also contribute to this unusual sensation. Your hormones could also be a factor as they can alter your blood pressure and metabolism which causes different sensations in your body.
Any new or unusual sensation in the body, especially in your most sensitive parts like the breasts could ring the alarm.
As a woman myself, I can’t help but also think of some scary thoughts especially when I experience an unusual sensation on my breasts.
The worst possible imagination I could have is, “What if it’s cancer?”
An icy cold feeling on the breasts can be terrifying, especially when you’ve only noticed it. And, for whatever reason that you’re not aware of.
But, before you tremble down to your greatest fear of having breast cancer, did you think of other reasons why this icy cold feeling could be?
6 reasons for icy cold feeling in your breasts
1. An ill-fitting bra
Do you wear your perfect bra size? If you don’t then, you’re probably one of those women who wear the wrong bra size, it’s either too big or too small for you.
When you wear a tight bra, it could compress the blood vessels in your breasts resulting in poor blood circulation causing a numbness, cold sensation, and tingling feeling, just like what happens when you wear a ring on your finger that is too tight.
A bra that’s not your size can also rub on your skin resulting in irritation and sensitivity which, can eventually affect blood flow.
See if your bra fit is the culprit of this cold feeling!
Here’s what you can do:
- Check if you’re wearing a perfectly snug bra.
- Make sure it’s not too tight, and the cups fully cover most of your breasts.
- Choose a bra made from breathable and natural materials. Avoid synthetic fabrics, which can cause discomfort.
- Experiment with different styles to find your perfect fit and comfort.
2. Muscle strain
Pectoral muscle strains are common in athletes and weightlifters but, these can also happen to you.
The pectoral muscles are found in your chest. If these muscles are strained or injured, it can restrict blood flow in the area which, can cause numbness and cold sensation. It can also become painful which, may feel like it’s coming from inside your breast.
Typical household activities like raking, shoveling, or even lifting your baby can lead to a pectoral strain especially when you do these activities repetitively, over time.
Look out for other symptoms of a pectoral strain which may include the following:
- Pain in the chest or shoulder
- Weakness and difficulty moving the arm especially when lifting or reaching
- Swelling or bruising in the chest area
- Tingling sensation and numbness which may radiate from your arm to your hand
You may treat your pectoral strain at home by doing the “RICE” method:
- Rest. Stop doing any activities that aggravate the pain. Allow your muscles to recover first, before resuming to perform lighter activities.
- Ice. Apply a cold compress to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours or three times a day.
- Compression. If swelling arises, wrap the area with an elastic bandage but, make sure to wrap it properly and not too tight.
- Elevation. Consider using a recliner or keep your upper body elevated when sleeping at night.
Visit your doctor immediately if symptoms persist and become severe.
3. Period
Is it almost your time of the month?
Maybe this icy cold feeling on your breast could be a period symptom. If you’re expecting your period to come anytime now then, it’s normal to notice changes in the sensation of your breasts.
You experience hormonal changes throughout your cycle which, means that your estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the month. These can affect you physically and emotionally.
For instance, when your estrogen levels rise, it can trigger an increase in blood flow to your breast which, may cause feelings of tenderness and changes in sensation like an icy cold feeling.
If this icy cold feeling causes discomfort, you may try the following:
- Apply heat pads to your chest area.
- Increase your consumption of healthy food especially warm ones like soups and broths.
- Avoid cold drinks or beverages like alcohol and sodas.
- Minimize salt intake as it can contribute to fluid retention and may aggravate swelling.
4. Pregnancy signs
Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in your body as it prepares and tries to support your growing baby inside your womb. Most often, pregnant women easily feel colder than usual which could be due to hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and faster metabolism.
For first-time moms, pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS) could mimic pregnancy signs. Changes in your breast sensation can be an early sign of pregnancy.
Sore, swollen, cold breasts and nipples are PMS symptoms which can also be an early pregnancy sign.
So, if you missed your expected period and you experience the following early pregnancy signs such as:
- Morning sickness or nausea with or without vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Changes in food preferences or sensitivity to food smell
Take a pregnancy test to confirm the result. Make sure to visit an OB-GYN to receive proper prenatal care if you yield positive.
If pregnancy causes an icy cold feeling in your breasts, consider placing warm pads on your chest area and dressing in layers to keep you warm. If coldness persists, visit your doctor immediately.
5. Poor blood circulation
When the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to your breasts become blocked or constricted due to circulation problems, this may result in an icy cold feeling. Take note of other symptoms that may accompany this icy cold feeling such as:
- Chest pressure and discomfort
- Burning sensation
- Tightness, numbness, or tingling sensation
- Pain that may radiate to your jaw, neck, back, or arms
If you experience one or more of these symptoms along with an icy cold feeling please, visit your doctor immediately to rule out a diagnosis and receive proper medications and treatment.
6. Hormone medications
Some hormone medications can narrow the blood vessels in your breasts thus, reducing blood flow into that area which, results in an icy cold feeling.
Some can cause side effects which may include changes in your breast’s sensation causing coldness, numbness, and sensitivity.
Remember, these side effects are uncommon and may vary in different people. But, if you notice such an icy cold sensation and you believe it’s due to your hormone medications please, see your doctor.
Your doctor may change your dosage or prescribe you another set of medications. They may also suggest alternative treatments when the symptom persists.
Is it a symptom of breast cancer?
An icy cold feeling on your breasts isn’t a typical symptom of breast cancer.
Although breast cancer patients sometimes have problems with their body temperature, they either feel too cold or too hot, it usually is due to an underlying health condition. It could signal that something wrong is going on inside your body preventing it from properly regulating your temperature.
You must visit a gynecologist to rule out a diagnosis, especially if the symptom is making you anxious and stops you from normally doing your daily routine.
Below are some common symptoms of breast cancer:
- A lump or a mass that’s thickening in your breast or underarm area.
- Unusual changes in the size, shape, or texture of the skin of your breast.
- Bloody or clear nipple discharge unrelated to breastfeeding.
- Severe pain in your breast or underarm area that interferes with your normal activities.
FAQs
What is nipple vasospasm?
Vasospasm happens when the blood vessels supplying the nipple go into spasm and reduce the blood flow to the nipple.
This affects the flow of milk from the nipple. It is common to feel intense pain if this happens, particularly if the weather is cold.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5471805/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer-signs#underarm-lump
- https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-problems/nipple-vasospasm
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322832
