 |
 |
|
|
|
|
DESCRIPTION
A common condition of the female breast is characterized usually by nonmalignant lumps and pain. It is estimated that more than 50 percent of adult females have fibrocystic disease of the breast. It can affect females from puberty to around age 50 (about 20% of pre-menopausal women have the disorder). It is most common in women of childbearing age. Fibrocystic breasts affect more than half of all women between the ages of 30 and 50. It often disappears after menopause (unless estrogen-replacement therapy [ERT] is used). Since it is so common, it is no longer considered a disease, and is usually not a cause for concern.
Understanding Fibrocystic Breast Disease
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
It is characterized by the presence of round lumps in the breast that move freely and are either firm or soft.
- Lumps are usually in both breasts. Solitary lumps may occur, but multiple lumps are common.
- Lumps offer resistance when pressed with fingertips; they may be tender.
- Generalized breast pain, especially just before menstrual periods. Signs of fibrocystic breasts include tenderness, a sense of fullness or a dull ache in both breasts just prior and during menstruation. Increased sensitivity or a burning sensation are also common. The pain associated with fibrocystic breasts varies from woman to woman, ranging from very mild discomfort to significant pain.
- Lumps often enlarge before menstrual periods and shrink afterward.
- Lumps come in different sizes. When the lumps are relatively large and near the surface, they can be moved freely within the breast. Breast cysts may change in size, but they are benign. A cyst is tender and moves freely - it feels like an eyeball behind the lid. In contrast, a cancerous growth usually does not move freely, is most often not tender, and does not go away.
- Lumps deep within the breast may be indistinguishable from breast cancer.
- Nipple discharge.
- Most cysts are harmless. In fact, the normal structure of the breasts has a lumpy texture. However, this does not mean that any lumps should be disregarded. Each woman should be familiar with the normal feel of and cyclical changes in her breasts so that she can easily detect any lumps. Ideally she should check her breasts weekly, and if any new lumps become apparent between menstrual cycles, she should consult her health care provider promptly.
CAUSES
Generally the causes for fibrocystic disease of the breast is unknown, but probably are related to estrogen and other hormones produced by the ovaries, a hormonal imbalance and abnormal production of breast milk brought about by high estrogen levels of the hormone estrogen. Fibrocystic breasts are caused by monthly changes in levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body.
It may possibly be caused or related to dietary fat intake.
Normally, fluids from breast tissues are collected and transported out of the breasts by means of the lymphatic system. However, if there is more fluid than the system can cope with, small spaces in the breasts may fill with fluid. Fibrous tissue surrounds them and thickens like a scar, forming cysts. Many breast cysts swell before and during menstruation, and the resulting pressure causes pain.
Cysts may even beget more cysts. A breast lump pressing against a milk gland can stimulate production of the pituitary hormone, prolactin, which in turn results in milk secretion. The milk-producing glands may multiply and carry milk into the supporting fibrous tissue, causing further cyst formation.
Thyroid function is important in fibrocystic disease; iodine deficiency can cause an under-active thyroid and has also been linked to fibrocystic disease. See Hypothyroidism for more information.
RISK
Unknown.
Some studies indicate that drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes are associated with a higher incidence and greater extent of fibrocystic breast disease. Other studies have failed to show them as risk factors.
According to research done by Dr. John Peter Minton of the Department of Surgery at Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, women who eliminate caffeine-containing substances from their diets have a high rate of success of eliminating cysts.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Until research is conclusive, avoid smoking and drinking caffeinated beverages. This includes soda, coffee, non-herbal teas and chocolate, which can increase the incidence of fibrocystic breasts. Also avoid alcohol, cooking oils, animal products, fried foods, salt, sugar, and tobacco. Exercise has been shown to decrease breast tenderness, so commit to a moderate exercise regimen.
Monthly breast self-examination to check breasts for lumps and changes in lumps after diagnosis. Every woman should become familiar with the normal feel of her breasts and should conduct monthly (or weekly) breast self-examination. Report any changes, such as a suspicious lump or bump found in the breast to your health care provider as soon as possible.
Routine mammogram studies are usually recommended.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Women with fibrocystic breast changes continue to have breast lumps that appear and dissolve; some remain permanently. They do not jeopardize you health.
Some cysts can be aspirated (removing the fluid with a hollow needle) in a health care provider's office, causing the lump to disappear. If the lump does not disappear completely after aspiration, it may be cancerous and should be diagnosed by biopsy and microscopic analysis.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Rarely, some lumps appear benign, but are cancerous. Diagnostic studies, including biopsy, are often necessary to rule out malignancy.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Diagnostic tests include mammogram, ultrasonograph (useful for distinguishing cystic from solid lesions) and surgical diagnostic procedures such as biopsy or cyst aspiration.
Examine your breasts carefully each month just prior to or at the onset of menstruation. Report any changes in lumps that have been diagnosed previously.
Visit your health care provider at least every year for a breast exam or other studies, such as mammograms after the age of 50. If you have a family history of cancer, more frequent examinations may be recommended.
Cold compresses may be helpful for relieving discomfort or pain.
Wear a well-fitting, supportive bra (day and night).
Sometimes, excision of benign tumors or fat necrosis lesions is recommended.
Don't smoke.
MEDICATION
Symptomatic treatment with oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and pain relievers, such as aspirin (e.g., BayerŽ), acetaminophen (TylenolŽ), and ibuprofen (e.g., AdvilŽ), may be recommended.
For pain, spironolactone and vitamin B-6 or iodine (kelp tablets) may be recommended.
A mild diuretic for 7 to 10 days before menses may help some women.
For more severe symptoms, danazol or bromocriptine may be prescribed. The drug danocrine (Danazol), a hormone, acts through the pituitary gland, reducing the function of the ovaries. This in turn decreases the amount of estrogen in the breast, shrinking the lumps. Danocrine is not effective for all women, but about 60 percent notice results within a few weeks. Many report less pain or tenderness. The drug may have some unpleasant side effects, however. It should be used only if other suggestions for treatment have failed to give the desired results.
There is some evidence that vitamin E may be beneficial.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions. Avoid activities that may cause trauma to the breasts. Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: Exercise may decrease breast tenderness. In one study, women who ran 45 miles per menstrual cycle reported less breast tenderness as well as improvement in other symptoms, such as anxiety.
DIET
Dietary changes that may be helpful:
- Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Eat more raw foods, including seeds, nuts, and grains. Be sure nuts have not been subjected to heat. Include in your diet three or more servings daily of apples, bananas, grapes, grapefruit, raw nuts, seeds, fresh vegetables, and yogurt. Whole grains and beans should also be an important part of the diet. Consider following an Estrogen Reduction Diet.
- Include in the diet foods that are high in germanium, such as garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and onions. Germanium helps to improve tissue oxygenation at the cellular level.
- Avoid beverages and do not consume any substances that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea (except herbal teas), some soft drinks (colas) or chocolate. Some, but not all studies have found that women with FBD drink more coffee than women without the disease and are implicated in fibrocystic disease. Eliminating caffeine for less than six months does not appear to be effective at reducing symptoms of FBD. However, long-term and complete avoidance of caffeine does reduce symptoms of FBD. Some women are more sensitive to effects of caffeine than others, so benefits of restricting caffeine are likely to vary from woman to woman. Caffeine is found in coffee, black tea, green tea, cola drinks, chocolate, and many over-the-counter drugs. A decrease in breast tenderness can take six months or more to occur after caffeine is eliminated. Breast lumpiness may not go away, but the pain often decreases.
- Avoid fatty and fried foods. Animal products (especially meats and animal fats), cooking oils from supermarket shelves, and fried foods are to be eliminated from the diet. FBD has been linked to excess estrogen. When women with FBD were put on a low-fat diet, their estrogen levels decreased. After three to six months, the pain and lumpiness also decreased. The link between dietary fat and symptoms appears to be most strongly related to saturated fat. Foods high in saturated fat include meat and dairy products. Fish, nonfat dairy, and tofu are possible replacements.
- Avoid alcohol, salt, sugar, tobacco, and all white flour products.
HERBS
Since many women with FBD and cyclical breast tenderness also suffer from PMS, there is often an overlap in herbal recommendations for these two conditions despite a lack of research dealing directly with FBD.
In one double-blind trial, a liquid preparation containing 32.4 mg of vitex and homeopathic ingredients was found to successfully reduce breast tenderness associated with the menstrual cycle (e.g. cyclic mastalgia). Vitex is thought to reduce breast tenderness at menses because of its ability to reduce elevated levels of the hormone, prolactin.
Health care providers typically suggest 40 drops of a liquid, concentrated vitex extract or 35-40 mg of the equivalent dried, powdered extract to be taken once per day in the morning with some liquid. Vitex should be taken for at least three menstrual cycles to determine efficacy.
The following herbs are good for fibrocystic disease of the breasts:
- Echinacea.
- Goldenseal.
- Mullein.
- Pau d'arco.
- Red clover.
- Squawvine.
Caution: Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, as it may disturb normal intestinal flora. Do not use it during pregnancy, and use it with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
Use poke root or sage poultices to relieve breast inflammation and soreness. See Using A Poultice for more information. Note: Poke root is recommended for external use only.
Be sure to research and check any side effects, interactions, or contraindications for herbs before taking them.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful include:
- Evening primrose oil (EPO) has reduced symptoms of FBD, though only slightly. EPO normalizes blood levels of fatty acids in women with FBD. Many health care providers recommend a dose of 3 grams (3,000 mg) per day of EPO for at least six months to alleviate symptoms of FBD.
- Vitamin E supplements. A dose of 200-600 IU of vitamin E per day, taken for several months, may help reduce symptoms of FBD. Many women take 400 IU of vitamin E for three months to see if it helps.
- Vitamin B-6 may help reduce symptoms. Since vitamin B6 supplementation is effective for relieving the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), in addition to breast tenderness, women should discuss the use of vitamin B-6 with their health care provider.
- Kelp. Some health care providers use iodine to treat FBD symptoms. In animals, iodine deficiency can cause the equivalent of FBD. What appears to be the most effective form is diatomic iodine - is not readily available, however. Some people are sensitive to iodine and high amounts can interfere with thyroid function. Therefore, supplemental iodine should only be taken with the guidance of a health care practitioner. Kelp is a rich source of natural iodine and other essential minerals.
FIBROCYSTIC BREAST SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for fibrocystic breasts, a condition wherein non-cancerous cysts appear in the breast tissue.
Vitex Fruit (Chaste tree), 400mg - 100 Caps
Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) or Chaste tree is a woman's dietary supplement, traditionally used for menstrual difficulties. Vitex has been heavily researched in Europe. It is widely used to promote overall health and balance in a woman's life. It is a traditional herbal supplement for women. To ensure optimum daily dosage, each capsule contains 400mg Vitex agnus-castus in a base of millet. Recommendation: Take one capsule two to three times daily for eight to twelve weeks. Thereafter take one capsule daily. Vitex works slowly so it is best if used long term. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.Femaprin Vitex Chaste Tree Berry Extract, Pharmaceutical Grade
Chaste Tree Berry extract with Vitamin B-6 to help alleviate the symptoms and mood changes associated with pre menstrual syndrome (PMS).Chaste Tree Berry ( Vitex agnus castus ) Powder - 4 oz. Bulk
Chaste Tree Berry is ancient in European tradition for hemorrhage. The whole Chaste Tree Berry fruit is medicinally active. Vitex causes the pituitary gland to produce luteinizing hormone. This increases progesterone production and helps regulate a woman's cycle. Vitex also keeps prolactin secretion in check.Chaste Tree Berry / Vitex Tincture, Fertility and Herbal PMS
(Chaste Berry) works mainly through the pituitary gland. Take 6-12 drops in liquid or under the tongue, 1-3 times per day.CoQ10, Vegetarian Coenzyme, NOW Foods 30mg - 60 Vcaps
A coenzyme for several key steps in the production of energy within each cell, and an antioxidant important in its clinical effects. It is these two properties make CoQ10 one of the best supplements available today.Kelp Seaweed Norwegian, NOW Foods 100% Natural acophyllum nodosum, 550mg - 250 Caps
Norwegian Kelp seaweed contains nearly thirty minerals which nourish the glands, especially the thyroid and pituitary. Kelp, also known as seaweed, grows in the rich ocean beds, far below surface pollution levels.Evening Primrose Oil By Nancy L. Morse
This Book explains how Evening Primrose works in the body to both prevent ailments and maintain health.Vitamin E, d-alpha tocopherol 400 IU - 100 Softgels
Vitamin E has potent antioxidant activity, supplies oxygen to the blood, aids in strengthening capillary walls, and plays a beneficial role in cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention, anti-aging benefits, circulation, wound-healing, immune function, nervous system function, PMS, hot flushes, diabetes, vascular disease, eye health, tissue repair, athletic performance, leg cramps, skin and hair health, and alleviating fatigue.Echinacea Herb, Nature's Way 400mg - 180 Caps
Echinacea herb supports the Immune System and promotes general well-being in cold and flu season. Echinacea grows wild in the midwest, and was used by Plains Indians more than any other herb.Echinacea with Goldenseal Root, Nature's Way 450mg - 100 Caps
Echinacea purpurea supports the immune system. We have combined Echinacea with a special blend of traditional herbs to help support a healthy lifestyle.Goldenseal Herb, Nature's Way 400mg - 180 Caps
Golden seal is used both internally and externally to help the body fight infections with its nutritional properties. It helps the body soothe inflammations of the mucous membranes and balance their function. This herb especially nourishes the liver, glandular and respiratory systems. Golden seal helps cleanse the system of foreign organisms.Pau D'Arco (Purple Lapacho), Inner Bark 545mg - 180 Caps
Pau d'arco is a South American herb which helps strengthen and nourish the body's defense system. A healthy immune system is a key in fighting diseases and infections.Red Clover Blossom & Herb, 500mg - 100 Caps
In Europe Red Clover is widely cultivated and used as a tonic and a salad herb. Herbalists have long prized Red Clover for it's traditional use as a blood purifier and it's isoflavones that offer great medicinal potential.PMS Formula w/ 5HTP & Vitamin B-6 - 100 Caps
This formula represents the powerful synergy of current scientific research and traditional herbal medicine.Mammo Guard (Breast Health Assurance), 500mg - 60 Caps
This product is to ensure mammary and lymphatic systems health, including herbs that Chinese used to relieve symptoms of breast hyperplasia, cancer, lumps, acute, cystic, and suppurative mastitis, fibrocystic mass of breast, inflammation and breast cellulitis, etc., at their early stage of occurrence.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
Any of the following occurs:You have undiagnosed lumps in the breast.
You detect a change in a lump, or new lumps appear.
Nipple discharge appears.
You have not had a breast exam in 2 or more years.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
NOTE: Bulk herbs are available through Mountain Rose Herbs and Nutritional Supplements are available through Herbal Remedies. To find supplements not listed above, click on the links below:
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils A-B
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Kits
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
MoonDragon's Health Index Page
Press your "back" button to return to the last page.
