What the Donguibogam describes as liver qi stagnation can be explained in modern medicine as a complex physiological response. Under stress, the body activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, releasing the stress hormone cortisol. If this process persists chronically, the balance of the autonomic nervous system is disrupted, affecting hormonal regulation as well. In particular, the delicate balance between the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone easily falters. During the menopausal transition, namely the climacteric, ovarian function gradually declines and these two hormones fluctuate considerably; a relative dominance of estrogen or rapid fluctuations can trigger fibrocystic changes in breast tissue or heighten pain sensitivity, much like rough waves disturbing calm waters.
Breast tissue responds with extreme sensitivity to hormonal changes. Elevated estrogen levels lead to the proliferation of mammary gland tissue and interstitial tissue, inducing water retention that leaves the breasts swollen, heavy, and painful. What the Donguibogam terms phlegm-fire can be linked to these inflammatory responses, edema, and the accumulation of metabolic waste. Chronic inflammation stimulates nerve endings, lowering the pain threshold and making the breasts ache more intensely even from minor stimuli. Furthermore, caffeine consumption, high-fat diets, and vitamin D deficiency are also known aggravating factors for mastalgia.
Importantly, mastalgia is not solely a hormonal issue. Emotional stress directly impacts the body's pain modulatory system. Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress alter the brain's pain perception and regulation pathways, making mastalgia feel much more severe, much like a sensitized antenna responding strongly to faint signals. Therefore, to relieve breast pain, restoring systemic balance through stress management and healthy lifestyle habits is paramount, going beyond simply regulating hormonal imbalance. However, if the pain is severe, or accompanied by a palpable lump, skin changes, or nipple discharge, consult a breast specialist for an accurate diagnosis and evaluation. Ruling out other conditions is essential. Listen to your body's delicate signals and care for them gently.
