How to Relieve Discomfort in Fibrocystic Breast Disorder

It's common to have breast pain as a woman. Fibrocystic changes are a benign condition that cause pain and tenderness, usually in both breasts among premenopausal women typically worse during the second half of the menstrual cycle and usually subsides somewhat after menstruation begins. I had this condition every month and still do even though I'm into menopause, making it harder to determine my hormonal cycle since I do not menstruate any longer. Hormones fluctuate in the body no matter what age and the breasts are sensitive to the fluctuations of estrogen throughout the years.

Having fibrocystic breast makes it more difficult to examine them monthly. There are lumps and bumps that could be cysts or fibrous tissue that make it a challenge for my physician and me. I found that having a breast ultrasound along with my yearly mammogram gave my gynecologist the best view of what was happening in my breast and why I had discomfort, sometimes once per month and other times continuous. During our discussions we talked about ways to relieve the discomfort, which I would like to share with you.

Begin by wearing a well-fitted bra. Sometimes the support is all you need. It is important if you are physically active and even wearing a bra or sports bra to bed at night helps.

Avoid caffeine. Many women are told to eliminate their coffee habit, but did you know that it's just not the caffeine, but ridding methylxanthins (chemicals found in coffee, tea, cola, cocoa and chocolate) may be the single most effective means of decreasing pain and tenderness.

Some women find vitamin A and E to be helpful. Vitamin A is believed to antagonize estrogen production and decreases the plugging of sebaceous ducts. For me vitamin E (in the form of d-alpha tocopherol) is a lifesaver, helping to balance hormone production in the body. Along with my multi-vitamin I supplement another 400 IU of vitamin E when I have breast pain. Vitamin A is one supplement that should not be taken in excess, so my high-potency multi has the full daily requirement in it. Another favorite of mine is Evening Primrose Oil, which is a type of essential fatty acid that helps decrease inflammation.

Analgesics such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin can be taken to ease the discomfort. I also find that placing a heating pad on my breast makes them feel better. Other women find ice as a good pain reliever. It may be a trial and error scenario which method feels best.

Oral contraceptives balance hormones and can suppress symptoms of fibrocystic changes giving relief to many women who take them for birth control. Discuss this matter with your physician to find the best product that will help in this malady. Other medications are available for breast pain, however because of side effects, many doctors will only give these to women when all other therapies have failed. The drug bromocriptine (Parlodel) is usually prescribed for the treatment of endometriosis, but shows effectiveness in relieving breast pain. Likewise, danazol (Danocrine) has been found to be helpful, however it takes months before this drug takes effect. Other doctors use Tamoxifen, a hormone to treat women with breast cancer, for relieving serious breast pain.

If you develop a cyst more than one centimeter in diameter, it's best to check with your doctor about having it aspirated or drained. I know women who have had this done. The procedure was painless but the cyst did fill again in time.

So far, I have been having success by following the diet and lifestyle changes above. Most importantly, I continue to have yearly diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds to monitor the fibrocystic changes.

Sources:

Personal experience and advice from my physician

Northrup, M.D., Christiane; Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom; Bantam Books, 1998

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