What Does It Mean When Your Nipples Hurt?

Well, the first and most common reaction would be to assume that you might be pregnant. You should definitely take a pregnancy test.

However it might be a good idea to have your doctor perform the pregnancy test because if it is negative, they can perform a blood test (to double check the pregnancy and see if you have any kind of infections) AND they can also check for other issues. Indeed, there are bacterial or fungal infections that can cause nipple pain or sensitivity.

Sensitivity or pain in the nipples (and not the breast) can simply be related to hormonal changes as well. This is, of course, related to pregnancy, but it might occur around your menstrual period. If you have changed your diet or lifestyle it can affect hormones too. For example, progesterone (a hormone that is mostly present around the time of ovulation) causes water retention, and thus swelling. When water is retained in the breast tissue, it stretches and of course, begins to hurt.

Certain fabrics, fabric softeners, cleaners, and other chemicals can sometimes irritate your nipples too. For instance, if you usually wear a bra and then wore a shirt without a bra, the change in fabric might cause irritation. If you change laundry soap, bath soap, or even lotions, you might also experience similar problems.

Finally, sore nipples and/or breasts can be related to something called the climacteric syndrome. This is caused by a wild fluctuation of hormone levels and irregular ovary function. Also, sore nipples can be a sign of the onset of breast cancer, so anytime you feel anything that is noticeably irregular, you should consult a physician or OBGYN.

I had the same concerns about having breast cancer when I was 12. It is not breast cancer, everyone has these "balls" in their breasts and they hurt, but once your breast get bigger they will go away.

Nipple pain/tenderness can be due to pregnancy,  premenstrual syndrome, due to use of birth control pills and excessive use of caffeine. Another reason can be rubbing of clothing. If your periods are about to come in few days then it is due to premenstrual syndrome. If due date is away then wait for missing of periods and get pregnancy test. Also check your clothing.

You same thing is happening to me. I'm twelve and all of my other friends need bras and have boobs and even my friend who is like the same size as me has boobs. I have this hard pellet like thing growing behind my nipples and there EXTREMELY sensitive but it's been like that for a year and I'm not getting any boob fat. I'm worried I'll never get boobs and I'll always be self conscious. Help.

I'm 11 Years Old And I Have A Ball In My Left Boob And Now I Got This Information I Feel So Good , Thanks So Much I Can Tell My Mates Now So They don't Get Worried I'm Just Scared Of Having MY Period ! Lol Thanks

My friend is skinnier than me and got bigger boobs   and ive been getting discharge for about 3 to 4 months   when I am getting boobs and my period     and both of my boobs hurt   when I touch them

Hi! I'm 12 next year going to be 13 make sure don't push your breast or touch it so hard and I've gone my period. I tell you big boops isn't good too because when you go running you will feel and see your boops shakes!

Me 2 I'm 12 but am worried about my period cause I don't have it yet but my boobs have really really started to hurt over like the last month when will I get my period help!

I'm nine and have not started my period but my right nipple hurts to touch it and its red my mom said its growing but she said since only one is I might has lopsided breast when I and done with growing

It can be a number of things. First, it can be a hormonal imbalance. Second, if you have a menstrual cycle sometimes before or after it swelling can happen, or lastly it can be pregnancy. It helps to put a warm towel on them, or take a warm bath or shower. Always take precautions to find out what it is with process of elimination. If you are active take a pregnancy test to rule that out. If you are not pregnant, it's most likely hormones. Talk with your doctor.

I'm 11 and my nipples hurt very badly whenever I touch them.  It kinda freaks me out because it has never had that before, but some people tell me it's ok. I don't have my period yet, but I think it's all just puberty.  I am also concerned that this may be a tumor that can lead to breast cancer.

I need help I'm 12 and my boobs are sensitive both of them I asked my mom she said its just because I'm growing and stuff but also one is bigger then the other what does that mean

I'm twelve as well and I started my period two days ago. My breasts had been sore for about a year. It's only because they are growing. Congrats you're becoming a woman!!!

Me too, except I'm a 12 year-old guy and it started last year when I felt them and realized they were really hard and painful to the touch. Then the pain started to wear off to the point where it was barely feelable, but even today, my nipples feel a bit like skin wrapped over tiny circles of cardboard.