Treatment for Breast Tenderness Due to Fibroid Cysts

Causes for fibrocystic breasts include fluid-filled cysts within the breast tissue, fibrosis, or an overgrowth of cells that line the milk ducts. Fibroid cysts are not cancerous but often cause breast tenderness and lumps. There are remedies to help women relieve breast tenderness associated with fibroid cysts.

Medications

Treat mild breast tenderness with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. Take one to two ibuprofen every six to 12 hours to relieve breast tenderness. If breast tenderness is severe enough, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills. Birth control pills lower hormone levels that are associated with changes of fibroid cystic breasts. Discuss whether oral contraceptives are right for you with your physician.

Support Bras

Wear a supportive bra. Support bras hold the breasts up and help keep breast tissue from moving around. The best way to find a great support bra is to get measured and fitted by a professional at a high-end department or lingerie store. Wear a sports bra while exercising and sleeping to help keep movement to a minimum. This also helps with breast tenderness.

Change in Diet

Limit or avoid caffeine because this helps reduce breast tenderness. Decrease fat intake to less than 20 percent as suggested by the Mayo Clinic. Eat vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage. According to Women's Health UK, they increase estrogen which helps reduce symptoms associated with fibrocystic breasts.

Heating Pad or Cold Compresses

Heating Pads are used to help alleviate breast tenderness associated with fibroid cysts. The heat from a heating pad helps relax breast tissue and eases tenderness. Lay back or propped up on pillows. Place a sheet over your bare breasts and apply a heating pad on a low setting for about 15 to 20 minutes. Cold compresses can also help with breast tenderness. Use a sheet or wrap the breasts with an Ace Bandage. Place an ice pack on top of the sheet on both breasts. If using an Ace Bandage, wrap the breasts a couple of times. Place the ice packs on the Ace Bandage and continue to wrap the breasts with the Ace Bandage two more times so that the ice packs are held in place. The ice packs should stay on the breasts for about 15 to 20 minutes. If the ice packs become too cold to handle, take them off for a couple of minutes and then place them back on the breasts.