Why Are My Breasts Sore After Ovulation?

Am I Pregnant

Obie Editorial Team

Is it normal to have sore breasts and tingling after ovulation?

Many women normally experience sore or tender breasts right after they ovulate and until they get their next period. Some of these women may turn out to be pregnant while many others will get their period and are not pregnant.

There are several possible reasons for breasts to be sore after ovulation:

Normal ovulation

Sore breasts after ovulation usually come from the progesterone hormone and are a very good sign that you have ovulated. With each day after ovulation, your progesterone increases until you either get your period (it then goes down) or you are pregnant (it then goes up).

Pregnancy

Sore breasts may also be an early indication of pregnancy, especially if it happens well beyond 12 days after ovulation. When trying to conceive (TTC), you should monitor yourself for ovulation. If you experience sore breasts beyond 15 days post ovulation, then chances are pretty good that you are pregnant, but do a pregnancy test to find out for sure.

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Hormone imbalance with anovulation

When you don't ovulate (anovulation) there is often a hormone imbalance between progesterone (low) and estrogen (high). High estrogen and low progesterone can also lead to sore breasts.