Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Fibrocystic breast disease is the most common benign breast disorder, affecting around 30 per cent of premenopausal women. It is most common in women aged from 30 to 50. Symptoms are tender breasts containing lumps and benign cysts. These may be mildly uncomfortable to severely painful. Fibrocystic breast disease usually affects both breasts and worsens premenstrually. It may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Many women present themselves to their doctors with breast swelling or tender, painful breasts occurring each month before their menstrual periods. Exam by palpation may find exquisitely tender lumps in the breast with almost 100-percent certainty that the problem is due to fibrocystic breasts, the doctor is aware of the liability of overlooking any breast lump and therefore often orders a mammogram (especially painful in this condition). Mammogram readings are often couched in terms of caution and the advice to rule out potential underlying cancer. (Cancer lumps in breasts are rarely if ever painful) fibrocystic breasts were most often a sign of estrogen dominance; relatively high estrogen and low progesterone. In my experience, using natural progesterone routinely solves the problem.

A trial of Vitamin E and avoiding caffeine and other methyl xanthines (coffee, tea, colas, chocolate) may have little or no result. Attempts at needle aspiration of the cyst are often bungled, sometimes causing painful bruising, and lead to a referral to a surgeon predisposed to surgery, who brings up the prospect of cancer and advises surgical removal of the offending cyst/tumor. If "merely" a cyst is found (and removed), the patient is supposed to feel grateful. She usually receives no other medical treatment for her cysts other than a suggestion to try warm packs and put up with her painful monthly experiences.

Fibrocystic breast disease, for many women, is very treatable and preventable. For years, doctors have recommended that women avoid caffeine, high fat diets and so on, and even to take drugs with strong side effects. In some cases this helps, in others it doesn't. However, recent research has offered new hope because it has shown a strong connection between the wearing of bras and benign fibrocystic lumps, cysts and pain. For example, Dr. Gregory Heigh of Florida has found that over 90% of women with fibrocystic changes find improvement when they stop wearing their brassieres. This exciting new "treatment" has NO side effects, costs nothing, and is something that women try for themselves by making a personal and ALL-NATURAL clothing choice. After this introductory section, this article is comprised of six case histories written by women who found relief of fibrocystic by going bra-free.

Fibrocystic breast disease may be due to imbalances in female sex hormones, specifically an increase in the estrogen to progesterone ratio. Prolactin, the milk release hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, may also play a role. Oral contraceptives relieve the symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease in most women, and diuretic drugs may also be effective.

Your physician may be able to make a diagnosis by doing a breast exam, however, other methods of diagnosing fibrocystic breast disease include mammography (x-ray of breasts) and ultrasound study of breasts. Another frequently used technique is needle aspiration, in which a needle is inserted into the "lump “and fluid aspirated and sent to the lab.

Avoid diets rich in proteins and fats instead concentrate on a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetable. Also drink plenty of water and avoid drinks with high caffeine contents. A diet high in fiber and unrefined foods, and low in saturated fat and salt, plays a role in reducing the symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease. Soy foods may also be beneficial as they contain high levels of estrogen-like compounds and may improve hormonal balance. Regular consumption of oily fish, which contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, may also be useful. Caffeine, theophylline and theobromine; which are found in coffee, tea, cola and chocolate; may play a role in stimulating overproduction of fibrous tissue and cyst fluid, and should be avoided. Obesity may also exacerbate fibrocystic breast disease.

Treat yourself to a good massage sauna sessions as this helps the body to relax.

There are no restrictions on activity in this condition, as some people believe. Avoid activities that may cause trauma to the breasts. Besides having an active life style is a must for over all betterment of mind and body.