Sensitive nipples after ovulation: What does it mean?

Changes in the way your boobs and nipples look and feel throughout the month can be confusing and uncomfortable. However, it’s not uncommon to experience breast pain or nipple sensitivity at different points in your cycle. You may be able to attribute this to hormone changes. 

Knowing what can be considered typical and when pain or sensitivity might be something to worry about can be difficult. So, here’s everything you need to know about breast pain and nipple sensitivity, particularly after ovulation.

Key takeaways

• Breast tenderness and nipple sensitivity are listed as some of the most common signs of premenstrual syndrome (often referred to as PMS). However, you might also notice a change in the way your nipples feel after ovulation. This is usually because of hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle.
• The hormones estrogen and progesterone are fundamental during your cycle. They trigger events like your period starting and ovulation. However, they can also cause your breast tissue to swell, which may lead to nipple sensitivity. 
• Breastfeeding, pregnancy, infection, and irritation are some of the other reasons why you might notice changes in the way your nipples feel. 
• If you’re at all worried about changes to the way your nipples or breasts look or feel, then it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor.

Is it normal for nipples to be sensitive after ovulation?

Before we dig into whether it’s normal for your nipples to be sensitive after ovulation, it’s helpful to understand what ovulation actually is. Put simply, ovulation is the point in your menstrual cycle when one of your ovaries releases an egg. After it leaves your ovary, the egg moves down one of your uterine (or fallopian) tubes. It can remain there for 12 to 24 hours. If you have unprotected sex around this time, then a sperm may fertilize the egg, and you might become pregnant. If this doesn’t happen, then it will disintegrate. 

While it can differ from person to person and throughout your lifetime, ovulation will usually happen around 14 days before your next period. This means that if you have an average cycle of 28 days, you will ovulate midway through, around day 14. In reality, we all have slightly different cycle lengths — meaning the exact day of ovulation varies. Just know that if your cycle is between 21 and 35 days long, then it’s considered typical. You can understand your cycle better and estimate when you might ovulate using an app like Flo.

Just after ovulation, your progesterone levels rise. Dr. Jenna Beckham, obstetrician, gynecologist, and complex family planning specialist at WakeMed Health and Hospitals, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, North Carolina, US, explains: “For some people, estrogen may stimulate breast tissue and cause breast pain before ovulation. After ovulation, estrogen levels drop, and progesterone levels rise. In some people, the increase in progesterone may trigger breast pain or sore nipples. It is variable for different people.”

Breast pain and nipple sensitivity caused by hormonal changes can be known as cyclical breast pain. It might feel like a dull or heavy ache, and your nipples may feel sensitive to the touch. Studies have shown that more than two-thirds of women experience breast pain at some point, so if you’ve noticed changes in the way your boobs or nipples feel, you’re not alone.

Are sore nipples a sign of pregnancy? 

Your body undergoes a lot of changes during early pregnancy, and two you might notice are breast tenderness and sore nipples. As your hormones increase during the early stages of pregnancy, your nipples may become larger, darker, and sore. 

“Breast pain in early pregnancy is thought to be related to the increase in estrogen and progesterone that result in enlargement of the breasts’ milk ducts and glands,” explains Dr. Beckham. Research has found that over 75% of pregnant women experience this symptom during the 1st trimester.

It’s also worth noting that breast pain and nipple sensitivity can be caused by lots of other things, so it’s not a surefire sign of pregnancy. If you think you might be expecting, then the best thing to do is wait until you’ve missed your period and take a pregnancy test. It can also be helpful to familiarize yourself with the other signs of pregnancy.

Other signs of pregnancy

Breast tenderness and nipple sensitivity are just two symptoms of early pregnancy, and not everyone who is pregnant will experience these signs. No two pregnancies are the same, after all. However, other signs of pregnancy to look out for include: 

• Missing a period
• Needing to pee more often
• Feeling very tired 
• Feeling nauseous or vomiting (this is sometimes called morning sickness, but you can experience pregnancy sickness at any point in the day) 
• Changing food habits (you might crave strange food combinations or have aversions to foods and drinks you normally like) 
• Experiencing heartburn and indigestion 
• Feeling bloated and gassy 

You can learn more about the different signs and symptoms linked to early pregnancy using an app like Flo.

What else causes sensitive nipples and breast pain? 

While changes in your hormone levels might be the cause of your sensitive nipples, they aren’t the only reason why you might notice a change in the way your nipples look and feel. Noncyclic breast pain describes sensitivity and pain that isn’t connected to your menstrual cycle and can include: 

• Injury to your boobs from being hit or struck with force
• Inflammation caused by friction from your clothing, especially if you run a lot (watch out for “joggers’ nipples”)
• A rash or itchy nipples, which could be an allergic reaction to a new detergent, soap, or perfume 
• Breastfeeding, which can cause cracked or sore nipples
• Certain medicines, including some antidepressants and birth control

In most cases, breast pain and sensitive nipples aren’t anything to worry about. Still, there are a few things to look out for. Speak to your doctor if:

• One or both of your boobs or nipples have changed shape.
• The skin on your breast has become dimpled, like orange peel.
• You have breast pain and also have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery.
• You have found a lump in your boob.
• You have a rash around your nipple, or it has sunk into your breast. You might also notice blood or discharge too. 
• If your breasts are red, hot, or swollen.

Some of these symptoms — like nipple discharge and red, hot, or swollen boobs — can happen if you’re breastfeeding, but getting a checkup is always a good idea. While finding a lump in your breast can be scary, the best and safest thing to do is to see your doctor.

How to care for sensitive nipples or tender breasts

Cyclical breast pain and nipple sensitivity aren’t just a symptom of your menstrual cycle that you need to put up with. There are some things you can do to ease your discomfort at home.  

Lifestyle changes 

While the treatment for cyclical breast and nipple sensitivity can depend on your age and lifestyle, there are some things you can do at home to try to prevent it. These include: 

• Switching up your diet so you’re eating less fats 
• Taking vitamin E supplements 
• Cutting out caffeine

It’s a good idea to consult your doctor before making any diet or lifestyle changes. They’ll be able to guide you through the best next steps. 

Medicine 

If your sensitivity and soreness are linked to your cycle, then your doctor may prescribe you medication to try and ease your symptoms. It’s crucial to speak to your doctor before starting any new medication. 

Treat yourself to a new bra 

If you notice that your nipples feel particularly sensitive at different points in your cycle, then opt for wearing a soft, supportive bra and loose-fitting clothing.

Ask your partner to be gentle 

Sensitive nipples don’t need to stop you from being intimate with your partner. Just ask them to be gentle when touching your chest. 

Try a cold compress or warm shower 

You might find that the stark coldness or warmth of the water soothes some of your aches or sensitivity. 

Try a petroleum-based ointment while jogging

If you’re a runner and notice that that’s the source of your sensitive nipples, then apply a petroleum-based ointment before you go out for your run and wear a properly fitted sports bra. It may not sound glamorous, but it can be a solution. 

If your breast pain and nipple sensitivity persist, then you should reach out to your doctor.