Noticing Perimenopause Symptoms - Armpit Pain?

12 years ago

Hi all,

This is my first time posting to this forum. I am turning 40 in a few months and have been noticing some changes that are likely related to perimenopause (i.e. decreased libido, heavier periods, increased anxiety). I've talked to my doctor (gp) and she says I'm too young to be entering perimenopause with which I don't agree. I have an appt with my gyn in a few weeks and I hope to have more of an informative discussion then. Until then, I've been a little concerned with another symptom I've been having for the past month - a sore and aching armpit. It sounds so strange - it feels like a cross between irritation and a pulled muscle in my right armpit. Feels swollen though isn't swollen. Feels irritated though no redness or bumps. No swollen lymph nodes and bloodwork was all normal. Doc sent me for a (3D) mammogram and ultrasound and all was normal. I even went to a breast surgeon for a second opinion and her breast exam and review of the films indicated no concern. I'm exploring the possibility it could be a muscle strain and met with an orthopaedist who thinks it could be that or perhaps pain radiating from a cervical disc herniation. I'm taking oral steroids and starting pt in two weeks which I hope will help. I did read that armpit and breast pain could be a symptom of perimenopause and I was wondering if anyone out there has experienced something similar and what helped or didn't. I'm getting a little worried and am just hoping this goes away soon. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Featured Answer

HU-647997376

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I am so thankful this thread is still going! I have struggled to understand what the armpit pain is too. I had assumed it was hormonal and related to peri but can’t figure out why it’s so pronounced in just one armpit (my left). I went to my doc yesterday afternoon as the thought of going through the weekend worrying about it was too daunting. All I really need it to have anything terrible ruled out. It all started for me about 4-5 months ago but I have had full blown peri symptoms since 2016 when the first significant episode/symptoms put me in the ER with what I was convinced was a heartattack. Got dismissed with GAD (general anxiety disorder).......I have never had an anxious moment in my life up until that point but have spent the last two years battling with it. The most challenging part of all this is the viscous cycle. You become SO acutely tuned in to every ache, pain, twinge and immediately scour the web for answers (how I discovered this thread, as I’m sure all of you did too) and bingo, it triggers the worry and the anxiety kicks in which in turn exacerbates and seems to magnify the symptoms. I had a mammo and ultrasound back in April and all came back clear but I can’t seem to get any answers on this dull aching, tenderness. As the first post said, it’s like swollen lymph nodes with no swelling, a muscle strain with no injury. I have even had to stop wearing supportive bras as I feel they cut into me and cause the tenderness and pain to increase. Why just the left? So strange. The other odd thing is if I press on the top of my ribs under my armpit, they are extremely tender and sore and even when I stop pressing, they remain sore for quite some time! The ONLY thing I can attribute this too is peri and hormones. My doc yesterday was baffled. Literally baffled. Thinks it’s muscular skeletal and is sending me for X rays next week. I really do think it’s hormone related like all this other crazy sh!@!?*#t !!!! So tired of it. I’m 49 and just wanting some relief. Truly the hardest thing is how the symptoms trigger the fear and doom and the (nonsensical) thoughts that I have a terminal illness and I’m going to die. THATS the most debilitating part. I am sure you’d agree....just tell me it’s something harmless and give me knowledge of what it is and I can deal with it. It’s not knowing.!!! Knowledge really is power with all of this. Just knowing that these bizarre and seemingly unrelated and random symptoms are all harmless and are related to my hormones shifting and I’m not going to drop dead tomorrow and I’ll be fine. Thanks for listening to me ramble on!!! It helps to know I am not the only one out there. And so thankful that this thread has revived. I search (armpit pain and peri) and this thread showed up a few months ago for me and I just revisited it and was so pleased to see there are recent posted and not just the original 2014 ones. Wishing you all Healing thoughts prayers and ANSWERS!!!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (107)

Courtney
7 years ago
So my blood work came back normal and so did Xrays. I just have to wait untill next Friday to get ABUS and if that comes back clear. I’m still going to have no idea what is wrong. I was wondering if anyone knows what test you would ask for to see if you have a hormonal imbalance?
Patricia Lacerda
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hi ladies,

I had this armpit pain (left) in my early 20’s and it was consistent with a mammogram showing dense breast tissue, much worse in left breast radiating to left armpit. I’m 2 years postmenopause (53) and the pain came back with a vengeance. I had all perimenopause symptoms you could possibly imagine.

I think it has something to do with fluctuations in estrogen and dense breast tissue. I’m not on HRT, still having hot flushes, weight gain, bloating, high cholesterol and triglycerides, borderline pre diabetic and sometimes high uric acid, which points to metabolic syndrome. All blood tests were normal before perimenopause.

Dense breast tissue is rich in glandular and connective tissue. Connective tissue diseases can be triggered by menopause and low estrogen levels.
Related Discussions
Ladies, please tell me about your peri-menopause
Q
Comments (42)
I think (hope) doctors today have the mindset of sparing what organs they can. I've read/heard arguments on both sides of the story. Here's some info from the wall street journal health journal: Cutting Less More doctors are challenging the convention of removing the cervix during a hysterectomy. Here's why: * Pap smears have sharply reduced the incidence of cervical cancer. * Sparing the cervix reduces the risk of bladder damage. * Some doctors say it may improve sexual function. Some 600,000 hysterectomies are performed in the U.S. every year, making it the second-most common women's surgery after Caesarean section. It is done to remove cancers of the uterus or cervix, or more commonly to treat a painful condition called endometriosis or because of noncancerous uterine growths called fibroids. Prior to 1940, nearly all hysterectomies preserved the cervix because it was easier and safer given the lack of antibiotics and blood banks. But by the 1960s, removing the cervix, viewed as a cancer preventative at a time when Pap smears were still fairly new, became standard. Now the tide appears to be turning. In 2006, 9.7% of U.S. inpatient hysterectomies, which account for more than 90% of the procedures, preserved the cervix, compared with just 1.7% a decade earlier, according to federal data. ------- Just sharing that info, not saying they are right. It's something anyone considering a hysterectomy should think about. I'm just thankful that we have alternatives to an actual hysterectomy these days. tina
...See More
Upper arm pain
Q
Comments (61)
I see that no one has mentioned carrying a purse(probably heavy) with a strap over your shoulder, some switch sides often as they can feel it getting heavy. I always had it on my right shoulder, no more & even after about 5 yrs of not doing it some movements make my shoulder ache. Last Christmas I was cleaning house & lifting things when my left arm went limp, I do mean limp. I couldn't hold a pencil. Hurt no matter how I moved it with my right arm. Ended up sitting for several days with arm on pillow on my lap to make it tolerable. Nights were a nightmare. I had a little pillow smaller than a sofa pillow & put my arm on that at night & used heating pad(before bed), then later Ben Gay, &Tylenol to finally get some sleep. Each time it would get somewhat better & I could get my hair up in ponytail(I'm in my early 70's) & think I was getting better when I would reach up or back & it would start in again & I'd be sitting doing nothing but going through pile of magazines to see if anything I wanted to cut out before I got rid of them. I was really forced to do almost nothing as it would just hang there, sharp pain which I am pretty sure means it's a pinched nerve but if adjusted it on pillow pain would go away. Gradually it has gotten much better but have to be very careful & now I tend to get warning if reaching will start getting pain so I have to stop. Never taken a statin drug, long past menopause so I attribute it to overworked use as was caretaker for both parents & now that they are gone trying to get my house & yard in order. So if you can't sleep grab a pillow to see if it might help by raising arm or laying arm across it, try different pillows from small to larger. Use heating pad for 30 minutes or so at a time. Try different creams or Capsaicin .1% cream but it will burn like crazy & don't get it in your eyes(flush them with lot of water if you do) & be careful what you do & lot of times it will get better on it's own. As for bras fasten the back closure when you have it around in front & then get it around to back & put arms through & up. LOL Hope everyone gets some relief!
...See More
Those with any 'intestinal' cancers: what were your symptoms?
Q
Comments (3)
Hi wifey, Are your periods normal? Of course you should have all the tests run that you need to have, but I just want to tell you about my experience. In l995 I had the flu really bad, and then pneumonia. I never really got my energy back again. A couple months later, I started having strange GI symptoms.......a little pain, with incredible fullness and tightness in my upper abdomen. I developed IBS, and GERD. Then I developed fibromyalgia, with sleeping problems, horrendous fatigue, thinking problems. I also began perimenopause, which added to the nightmare. I slept upright in a chair for 7 months because my adbomen was so full and tight, I felt I couldn't breath. At various points, I really thought I had a fatal disease. I saw at least a dozen doctors and had tons of tests. All my tests were normal. Here it is 11 years later, and I'm feeling better, but still have GI problems, fatigue, etc. I guess what I'm saying to you is that after you have some tests run (and agnespuffin is right......be sure to have your ovaries checked out), you may feel like poop, but there may be nothing life-threatening involved. I've come across alot of women who have incredible fatigue and GI problems as they go through perimenopause. I know you're only 35.....but sometimes it starts that early. Never under-estimate the power of those female hormones!! I think the Shingles really took it out of you, and it may take a few months to feel better. Those viruses can cause lots of problems. Have you travelled anywhere, where you could have picked up something?? What kind of ulcer test did you have? I'm having a flare-up of my IBS right now, and I can tell you that it feels horrible. It feels like my entire GI tract is swollen. I guess I'm telling you these things so that (after you have some tests that will probably be normal), you understand that there can be "functional" GI problems that won't show up on most tests. Perhaps the shingles caused a problem for your GI tract. Were you on antibiotics? I think you should start eating lots of yogurt, and taking a probiotic (acidophilus), and cut back on your sugars and carbs. It sounds like the flora in your GI tract might be overrun with the bad stuff. Please try not to get too frightened. I know how easy it is to think that we have cancer, when we feel so bad.......but that's not usually what's going on. Just go through some tests (and see your OB/GYN), and then I suggest you read up on conditions like IBS and fibromyalgia, and yeast over-growth. You may have to learn to customize your own treatment, in order to feel better. You might also keep a diary of the foods you eat and what sets you off. Good luck Wifey!
...See More
Coming Unraveled: Chemical imbalance, or perimenopause?
Q
Comments (5)
Hello Fay-Lisa, You've been through so much, you should get a medal for staying as strong as you have and being able to maintain your job and relationship. You are absolutely NOT insane or anything close to it. Many people have that moment in life (or several) in which they feel like they have *had* it. They may not use markers to vent their frustration/anger/anxiety/depression but they do all kinds of other things -- eat too much, drink too much, have affairs, spend too much, leave their families, withdraw completely and so on. First things first, you are doing the right thing by getting all the physical tests out of the way. My first thought after reading everything you've been through is that you might need to see an endocrinologist to have your thyroid and hormone levels thoroughly checked (forgive me if you said you have already done then). If all the tests turn out to be in the normal range, then it's time to consider other possibilities. You may have some kind of chemical imbalance which might be helped with the right kind of medication. This process is most definitely trial and error, and I certainly understand your frustration with the various medications and their respective side effects. I don't like taking them either, but they do have their place as part of an overall approach to tackling and managing symptoms. One suggestion I have is for you to find a *good* therapist -- someone who is very experienced and has training in working with people who may have emotional damage from childhood. You mentioned in your post some unkind things your mother said to you when you were young. I imagine there's a lot more where that came from. Was there alcoholism in your family of origin? Are there others in the family or extended family who have struggled with mental health issues? One psychiatrist I consulted with asked me what kinds of mental health issues there were in my family (I, too, was struggling with terrible depression and panic attacks/anxiety). When I told him there were family members with bi-polar, extreme anxiety, schizophrenia, alcoholism and chronic depression, he said, "well, what did you expect?" The truth is most families have members who cope with these illnesses. A psychologist said that each of us has a collection of genes that contribute to our personalities and temperaments. We just have to work on doing the best with what we've got. You sound like a very self aware, strong person. Please please please do not be so hard on yourself. I am an easy going, peaceful person usually-- but when I have gone through difficult times in my life the anxiety and depression caused me to behave in ways I'm not proud of -- angry, irritated, crying, throwing things, hiding, having major panic attacks where I felt outside of my own body. That's called disassociation and it can happen when anxiety and depression go on for too long without proper treatment. In addition to all this, there is the real possibility that you are now in perimenopause and many of your current symptoms may have been caused or made worse by it. I think I've had every symptom in the "34 symptoms of menopause" list." I've always dealt with anxiety and depression, but this was so deep and dark -- I'm thankful to God that I finally found a competent therapist, the right medication and inner strength to choose to believe in myself and stop condemning myself. This is a choice you can make too and I hope you will. It sounds like you're a caring, compassion, intelligent and very sensitive person. Those are gifts worth celebrating!! It's so easy to slip into that groove of basing your self worth on your job. I'm a decade older than you, and I'm here to tell you, the quality, richness and success of your life is not about what you do to earn money to support yourself. It's about your relationships and your experiences. What do you do to relax and have fun? Fulfilling life experiences don't have to cost a lot of money. You don't have to have a lot of friends, but you do need a support system you can turn to for a listening ear and encouragement. There are many ways you can cultivate loyal, kind and supportive friends. You deserve to have people in your life in addition to your wonderful boyfriend who care about you and will treat you like the amazing person you are. Life goes by so quickly. Take each day as it comes and don't worry so much about the future. As the saying goes, we only live 24 hours at a time. And if I'm having a really bad spell, I take it about an hour at a time : ) Be good to yourself. You might find yoga relaxing or some other kind of exercise class. You might also find a support group beneficial -- it's always comforting to know you're in good company when it comes to dealing with life's difficulties. Think about what makes you the happiest and resolve to pursue these things. Don't ever let anyone make you feel "less than" about anything -- whether it's your job, appearance, hobbies, friends -- all these belong to *you* and if someone doesn't have something supportive or helpful to say to you, tune it out!!! It took me years to learn how to do this, but I am happy to say, it can be done!! Keep posting and let us know how you're doing. I am interested in finding out what the test results will show. But no matter what, cherish yourself and look for the positive things that happen each day -- even the smallest good things matter. God bless you and good luck with your appointments next week!!
...See More
nataliecomer
7 years ago
Thanks Patricia! This is good info! I have dense breast tissue as well and still have the ongoing pain etc. The perimenopause/menopause symptoms are no joke and I only wish more healthcare providers took it seriously.
Patricia Lacerda
7 years ago
Hi Natalie,

I’ve just read an article where they have found an increased amount of pro inflammatory markers (cytokines) in perimenopause women with dense breast tissue. They haven’t found differences in estrogen blood levels but they present the hypothesis that cytokines may induce aromathase to produce estradiol locally (micro environment).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5087296/

If this is the case, anti inflammatory drugs could work for the pain!
Sabrina Shields-Cook
7 years ago
Thank goodness for you ladies! I have been having panic attacks all day over this armpit pain. Mine is primarily left armpit, but both armpits are red. Anyone else have redness? I’ve been having multiple strange symptoms for about 18 months. I’m about to turn 40. The worst is the medical anxiety. Every symptom leads me to the conclusion that I have cancer. Oh! Like several others, this also started for me after switching to Schmitt’s!! I stopped it weeks ago but still have symptoms.
Patricia Lacerda
7 years ago
Hi Sabrina,

I don’t have redness. Yours sounds like a hypersensitive reaction. Stop using everything and see if redness goes away. If you’re entering perimenopause, be prepared for a lot of weird symptoms. You will think you’re dying or losing your mind. Good luck!
Sabrina Shields-Cook
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
It doesn’t seem to be an allergy or dermatitis. The pain is deep in the armpit and radiates to my elbow and shoulder. I’ve also had heart palpitations, hot flashes, groin pain, and multiple UTIs after never having had a single one in my life. My (male) doctor has been perplexed, but I’m starting to wonder if it could all be perimenopause. I know I am young. My mom started menopause early, but she died five years ago so I can’t go to her for advice.
Patricia Lacerda
7 years ago
Oh, that’s why it’s important to know all symptoms! It looks like perimenopause and it can start as early as mid 30’s. Watch your diet, weight gain, decrease caffeine, sugars and alcohol.
Ainslie Gordon
7 years ago
Me too! Turning 40 in six months. Been to the doctors in December and they seem to not be worried about it. Going to the doctors again next month for my annual appointments. My armpit hurts between ovulation and my period. Then stops and starts back up again.
Julieanne Weir
7 years ago
Mine seems to be constant., and strays to the ribs and around back ( that’s not constant though .. bloody menopause lol.
Patricia Lacerda
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I have remembered that when I had these symptoms back in my fertile days, my gynae did prescribe me starflower oil (herbal drug) and it worked!

Edited: starflower oil is sold as a supplement in some countries.
Julieanne Weir
7 years ago
Thanks , there are a few supplements i can’t take , but I will check this one out.
Patricia Lacerda
7 years ago
Hi Julieanne,

Yes, check the leaflet before you buy it. By the way, it’s not sold OTC over here (Brazil), it’s not a supplement, it’s a herbal drug.
Julieanne Weir
7 years ago
Thanks Patricia, I will check with my GP , and Thank you.
Patricia Lacerda
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
You’re welcome. Hope it helps!
Bonnie Mary
7 years ago
Ty so much everyone. Definitely the fear factor. What a relief to read others experiencing the same things. whewww.
Courtney
7 years ago
Hello ladies, I’m back! I had the ultrasound done and the radiologist said I have breast cysts. He won’t confirm that they are the reason I’m having armpit pain and rib pain with some shoulder pain. So I’m still here losing my mind feeling like something else is going on. This site definetly helps me cope. I just wish I could get an actual disgnosis. The shoulder pain might be from all the stress over this but idk #stillfeelinglost
Patricia Lacerda
7 years ago
Hi, many women have breast cysts and don’t have armpit pain, unless there‘s breast tissue in the armpit area. I only have pain in my left armpit and mammogram shows dense breast tissue, including armpit.
Courtney
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I have very dense breasts. I was told that after the mammo. I’ve had a mammo and 2 ultrasounds. All they could tell me was that I had 3 cysts and they would like me to come back in 6 months. I just wish the feeling would go away. They do get a little worse before my period but they mainly stay the same all month.
Courtney
7 years ago
Mine is also only on the left side.
Patricia Lacerda
7 years ago
Hi Courtney,

That’s interesting. Maybe we could set a poll. It could be just coincidence but who knows? My left breast is bigger than the right one.
nataliecomer
7 years ago
Mine are pretty much the same.... but my armpit pain is on the right side.
Patricia Lacerda
7 years ago
Thanks Natalie, poll canceled

: D
Courtney
7 years ago
My left is bigger
HU-156563693
7 years ago
My left is bigger too!
Belinda Metcalfe
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hi Everybody, I've been having armpit discomfort for about four weeks now. It started with a shooting pain in my left armpit and after that has stayed a dull ache which feels like I've shaved and left them sore but no redness, no lumps and it also goes into my right arm pit. It isn't painful as such, just annoying like a burning feeling. my right breast hurt like mad a few days ago, it was awful, really shooting pain and went all through the breast. I never know if that is coming from where my gallbladder was ( I had keyhole surgery October 2017) and somedays it's still sore and did wonder if the pain was after I had a scoop of ice cream and it shot into my breast. About 5 years ago I got diagnosed with a small breast cyst and didn't know it was there. Things improved but I think it might be back as it feels tender when pressed on, but no lumps.

I have been to the hospital and a doctor twice in a few weeks, they can't feel any raised lymph nodes, feel any lumps and don't feel the need for a full blood test

I am 58 this year and went through menopause about 8-10 years ago. It's really worrying me.

The only change I made was a roll on deodorant which I bought about 3 months ago, but haven't used that for about 5 weeks and the armpit thing came on a month ago.

I'm going to ask for a mammogram although I had one January 2018.
Belinda Metcalfe
7 years ago
Well at last the armpit thing seems to have disappeared over the last few days. Really odd
Elizabeth York
7 years ago
Hi Belinda that’s good to hear. I’ve booked in to see the doctor as I’ve had the same weird achey pain in left armpit for a month now. No lumps as far as I can feel.
HU-38118944
7 years ago
I'm almost 43 and just the past year have been noticing some weird "menopausal" symptoms.

The first was hot flashes all of a sudden...all day off and on but worse at night.

Headaches, low libido, dry and brittle hair and nails, irritability and horrible social anxiety!

Now, yesterday, I noticed a soreness in my left armpit I've never experienced before. I kept trying to think back if I did something yesterday that would have made it sore and I can't think of anything!!

Now after reading this thread it fits....I did have bloodwork done about 6 weeks ago with my Gyno and he said I'm definitely in perimenopause....YES at only 42!! He put me on Progesterone pills at night and occasional estrogen Vag cream when needed for dryness. I've only been taking this about a week now. Not sure if this sparked the soreness or if it's just "that time of month"?

I had an ablation done about 2 years ago so i dont experience a "cycle" anymore but still get the other monthly symptoms like headache, tiredness, low libido and facial acne..etc. so I know that IF I were to actually have a cycle it would be right around that time !

I've also started having horrible facial acne especially around my jawline. I've NEVER had acne my entire life and now it seems to spark up worse when I'm experiencing my perimenopause symptoms the worst.
Patricia Lacerda
7 years ago
Hi there,

Sorry you're having so many symptoms, same thing has happened to me in my early 40's. Why did you have the ablation?

The acne is a sign of high testosterone when compared to lower estrogen levels. It's very common when estrogen levels fluctuate madly during perimenopause.
Rhea Young
7 years ago
Hi all. I'm 37 years old. Not sure if Im' having perimenopause, but my mom did go through menopause in her 30's. This thread is a relief. I've had on and off armpit weirdness for the past 8 months. At first it was a fullness on the right side. The doctor ordered an armpit ultrasound which came out fine. Then, four months later, there was pain which lasted a few weeks, then stopped. Then it came back again like a month ago. Sort of a deep pain in the armpit, especially when I move or pick something up. It went away for a week or two, then came back. Now I'm not sure if I'm imagning things because it feels more like an irritation. If I push deep, deep inside the armpit, I do feel like I feel a little lump that moves around. My husband keeps telling me it's nothing but I can't help but jump to cancer in my mind. My dad died of cancer last year and I've been quite a bit of a hypochondriac since he started battling it. I've had 4 breast ultrasounds which have all come back normal. (Last one was a year ago.) But I keep convincing myself of breast cancer, and it's always on the right side. I mentioned it at my OBGYN visit two months ago. He said he didn't feel anything concerning. It's comforting to know others also have this mysterious sensation. Sometimes I wonder if my mind is exacerbating it.
Belinda Metcalfe
7 years ago
Now I am wondering if my arm pit ache is due to me wither wearing a Bra which I can't seem to get the right fit. I might have a bit of Costochronditis which is inflammation of the chest as the other day I could hardly move without the rib cage and bone in the sternum hurting. I gtot measured for a bra thursday at M&S and all was well, The day after I wore it, but had to take it off after a few hours, it was pressing wear my gallbladder had been removed and was so sore. That area has been sore again after 20 months of having it removed. Once I took my bra off the ache went into my armpits again, I massaged them a bit and it went. So maybe it's a combination of wearing a bra and cos I'm overweight with fatty arm pits which were getting trapped making my lymph nodes sore.
HU-260310365
7 years ago
So grateful to find this thread! I have the left underarm pain for 24/7 for the past 6 months or so. It is similar, tho more so, to the pain I used to get monthly. No lumps or swelling, feels kinda bruisy, pain moves around a bit day to day and I also have the tenderness right underneath the left breast by my ribs. I am assuming it is hormonal, but I had decided it was cancer and was pretty nervous awaiting my imaging and mammo appt. this past week and found these messages last Sunday. My tests were all fine yesterday so I'm going to try an anti-inflammatory and see if it helps. But so reassuring to hear from others when my doctor, at my annual exam, pretty much blew me off. I had a period about 7 months last year but nothing since January, so I'm assuming perimenopause. Thanks so much for sharing your symptoms and confirming it is legit!
Julieanne Weir
7 years ago
Yes it’s legit.. I’ve had it for about a year off and on. I also get a bruised feeling on the ribs below my breasts circling all around .. have it at present , but not there all the time. It’s a nightmare this menopause isn’t it. Lol.
Belinda Metcalfe
7 years ago
I use Organic castor oil which I buy from ebay and rub it on the breast, or stomach near where the liver is and put a hot water bottle over the top of my night dress, do this three or four times a week for a few weeks, really helps. Leave the hot water bottle on for at least 30 mins to an hour, really helps with inflammation. I'm also trying to reduce gluten to see if that helps
Julieanne Weir
7 years ago
I’ll definitely give that a try , I have some organic castor oil. Thank you.
Belinda Metcalfe
7 years ago
Castor oil is great for allsorts. Bit greasy I know, but I put on directly on the skin, cover it up with old nightie and water bottle on top or a heat bag. I found the info on youtube and definetly helps with the soreness. I haven't tried it in the armpits though, lol.

Don't do it 7 days a week, only 3 or four for a few weeks, then maybe once a twice a month if needed.
Belinda Metcalfe
7 years ago
Don't know what my excuse is then as I finished menopause many years ago.
tonyabrooks306
7 years ago
Well, as of a day or so ago, around July 7, 2019, my right side of my breast has been driving me up a wall with dull twinges. Sighs. I am finished with my cycle just a day or so ago. Hormones are a PITA!
HU-240453046
7 years ago
Hello! I am 44 years old. Not sure I am in peri menopause yet. I also have tenderness in my armpit with no lumps or redness. It is on my left side. It has been happening on and off for sometime now. Possibly over a year. Strange as others say..I noticed it after I started using Schmidt’s deodorant. I probably used 2 sticks before thinking it might be related to the deodorant. I quit using and did not use any for a long while. I still have the feeling there sometimes though. However the other day I put some Schmidt’s on and it seem to be more of a pronounced pain than before. I always thought it had something to do with my bra. My breast are uneven. My left size is almost a cup size larger(the side where it is on). I do sometimes have pain in that breast. But usually not in the other I have also wondered if it is hormone related too. Because seems to be more irritating during ovulation and before/during period.

I was glad to see your post and all the responses from everyone feeling the same. Was starting to worry. I made an appointment with my doctor just to be sure. Last time I was there I mentioned it and during breast exam they felt in that area but didn’t feel anything. So they acted like it was no reason for concern. I have yet to have a mammogram.
kimberlynn1975
6 years ago
oh dear lord ! thank you for this .. I have been worried sick for 2 weeks with this horrible armpit boob swelling feeling .. its intense and sucks.. getting checked anyway..thanks for all the comments .. bra no bra it hurts .. Im going to be 44 in a month. (sips burbon) ahhhhh
nataliecomer
6 years ago
Hang in there kimberlynn1975...I feel your pain! Try not to stress and worry yourself! Prayers going up!
HU-764043559
6 years ago
Hello everyone,

I too have been experiencing all of the above and have spent countless hours and days worrying and scouring the internet for answers. I was overjoyed to stumble upon you all here and learn that I am not alone or losing my mind.

A little info about me.... I am a 45 year old woman who started peri & menopause early!! I started at age 38/39 and had no clue what on earth was going on with me. The usual menopausal symptoms were downright awful but like the rest of you, I suffered through the whole time thinking “ok new symptom, dying again of some mysterious illness or I seriously need my head checked.” Fast forward.... I had my last menstrual cycle right after my 44th birthday (so over a year now) and I have to say the menopausal symptoms have lessened overall thankfully.

Then SUDDENLY, about 2 months ago, just when I thought the worst was behind me, my body introduces to me, a new scary “oh no I’m dying again” symptom. THE ARMPIT ACHE!! I had just finished my routine physical, pap, mammogram, breast ultrasound, had bloodwork and urine tests done as well.... all came back normal. I was so relieved!!! However, my armpit ache started right after that, within a few days, which threw me for a loop. I thought ok maybe I strained a muscle working out?? Maybe I’m feeling after effects from the Mammogram “trauma”??? No clue and of course, panic starts to set in!! Over the course of 2 weeks, the ache in my armpit (right side for me) became an ache in the right shoulder, ache in my right breast and some days the ache even extended all the way down my right arm.

It really is terrifying and consuming when you don’t know what’s going on or why and the Doctors can’t find anything either. So I started experimenting with different things to hopefully find a remedy or at least some peace of mind.

Fast forward again..... long story short.... I accidentally stumbled upon a video on YouTube regarding Magnesium deficiency and it’s symptoms and I thought hmmmm, could it be my issue?? So I started taking Magnesium supplements and within 24 hours, my armpit ache started to disappear!! I have been taking the Magnesium faithfully every day for a few weeks now and I can say the ache is 95% gone and most days I don’t even remember having it at all. I don’t know if it’s merely a coincidence or if the magnesium really helped but I felt compelled to share my findings with you all in the hopes that it may help you as well.

Side note, I had just started taking other supplements approx 2 weeks before the aching started so I thought perhaps they too may have been the culprit so I stopped taking them completely. (Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin C). 1 week later, I started Magnesium which I had never taken before!! Just to clarify.

Together, we will get through this.

Anita
nataliecomer
6 years ago
Hi Anita ~ Your post sounds so familiar!! Glad you have found something that is giving you some relief! Thanks for sharing your experience and magnesium info....I actually have some at home and will give it a try.

Glad you found this thread too!!!

Take care!
nataliecomer
6 years ago
Heading in for my annual mammogram this morning - still have the weird pain. Praying all will be well..for all of us!
E White
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Hello girls, I am 43 and was just told by my Obgyn that I am menopausal. 5 days ago I started having left armpit pain and it’s so painful. Taking corticosteroids. Mammogram and exams all normal just the strangest thing. Side affects are real. And so is early menopause. I’m blessed I had my children young ❤️ Relax and enjoy life girls. Menopause is a condition not a disease. All women have to go through it let’s just get it done ✅
Karen Shelly
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I am having the same armpit pain that started in one armpit and went to both. I took some Magnesium as Anita suggested and it helped with other symptoms, but my right armpit is still sore. I’m really panicked. I have irregular periods, but was put on the Nuvaring. I was 6 days late refilling my Nuvaring and this is when the armpit pain started. It is more of like a sore, bruised feeling deep in the armpit. I am 35, have weight gain, facial hairs, and I’m loosing hair. Is this periomentopause?
Anissa Buffy Moore-Hodgson
6 years ago
Hi ya, I am 47 and have been having this armpit pain with increasing frequency and intensity for at least the last two years. I'm fairly sure it got worse after the mammogram too. Having said that I am not getting any younger lol. After the Mammogram I noticed an almost immediate development in skin issues. I asked my mother how she responded to mammograms and she said she'd never had one as she was warned off them by a nurse who said the mammogram can actually cause issues because of the radiation and your sensitive hormonal state. Funny how they don't mention this (or maybe I just didn't take it in from nerves) . After learning this I was recalled for another one (fibrocystic breasts it turns out) so insisted they do the less invasive ultrasound as they use both to be thorough anyway. I totally get the freaking out thing. I have ectopic heart beats and high cholesterol. Even when within my healthy weight range my cholesterol is only just within normal and that's a high normal. That coupled with the costochondritis and fibrocystic breast pain, Meant I have been to the ER a few times not knowing what was going on. Despite all my symptoms I have low to normal blood pressure and have never had alcohol or smoked so they fob you off alot just on those risk factors alone. A women Doctor acquaintence of ours said as GPs they really don't know much about perimenopause/menopause at all, I'm guessing because it's so individualised making it varying degrees of normal. So keep at them and if you have no quality of life let that be the first thing you tell the GP. So grateful for the chance to be heard.
Gemma Brice
6 years ago
OH MY GOD!!!! This thread!!!! I could kiss all of you ladies!!!

I'm 31 next year and I've been experiencing this strange armpit pain in my left arm for about 7/8 weeks along with 4 weeks of awful left breast pain (which thankfully has seemed to of subsided) but I'm left with this armpit twinge! I can only describe it as though someone is plucking under my underarm like a guitar, it hurts for all of a few seconds and then goes until it happens again! then I have tingles running down my arms through to my fingers every now and again.

I went to the doctor who said it was Nerve Inflammation and put me on 50mg of Pregablin, this hasn't worked at all.

I've had two breast examinations, of which they have ruled out the potential of Cancer. Which I can honestly tell you, I've never had anxiety like it! I'm exactly the same as a few of you who have said every symptom makes you think your dying and going to have this awful terminal diagnosis!

The problem with Googling anything about Armpits is it leads you straight to Breast Cancer and the more you read, the more you convince yourself!

But no swollen lymphnodes, no redness or swelling. Its so bizarre!
Ive switched deodrant from Soft & Gentle (which I've used for years with no problems!) to Dove - but it hasn't made a difference.

My bloods came back fine all except my ESR levels which said there's about 30% inflammation in my body somewhere, so possibly an infection? but I'm due to have my bloods taken again on the 6th of Jan.

I had a full thyroidectomy in April 2017 but my levels seem to be okay. however I was told that the breast pain could be down to hormones changing.

Now I started my periods at 10 years old, so the topic of going through perimenopause early has been mentioned to me.

But I feel like I'm going crazy at the moment, no-one really understands me! So thank you ladies, thank you so much - please keep me updated xxx
Amanda McKinney
6 years ago
These comments have been so helpful! I’m 33... I started getting left armpit aches about a year ago. I wouldn’t say they are constant, but they are always coming back! Just the left side too. My cycle is still pretty regular, but my Mom and Grandmother both went through menopause at 30. Anything armpit related is so scary!

Noticing Perimenopause Symptoms - Armpit Pain?

Comments (107)

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US