Going the Distance: Mastalgia in Women Runners

Among female runners in the London Marathon, one third reported breast pain.

Although physical activity in women has been associated with breast pain (mastalgia), few studies have addressed breast pain in distance runners. Investigators conducted a survey in women who registered for the 2012 London Marathon.

Among 1285 respondents, mean body-mass index (BMI) was 23 kg/m² and bra cup sizes ranged from AA to HH. Thirty-two percent of respondents reported experiencing breast pain when running. Mastalgia prevalence was directly related to cup size: Breast pain was reported by 24% of women with cup size ≤A and 51% of women with cup size ≥F. Nulliparous runners were more likely than parous runners to experience breast pain (35% vs. 28%, respectively; P<0.05). Among participants with mastalgia, 52% indicated that pain varie…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health