hi, i’m 17 almost 18

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing!

Please don't google symptoms - you'll get answers from pregnancy to cancer to heart failure to stroke to dementia- every possibility is mentioned so it tends to cause more worry than reassurance.

We cannot diagnose your pain for you, only give you a guide. You may have strained this area of your body and have sore muscles. When I took up power-walking about three weeks ago, my armpits were really sore - I still haven't figured that one out.

You may be having breast pain connected to your menstrual cycle- have you seen a connection there? This pain is normal and caused by hormones. The pain generally happens 10 days before your period and can last for up to ten days. When your period comes, the pain stops. This kind of cyclical breast pain is called mastalgia and is common. I never had it as a teen but it started in my 20s. I still get it before my period now and I am 49! Caffeine can make it worse.

Talk to your doctor if possible about this pain. Meanwhile, a warm pack and massage should help.

Best,
Susan