Fibrocystic breasts are composed of tissue that feels lumpy or rope-like in texture. Doctors call this nodular or glandular breast tissue.
It's not at all uncommon to have fibrocystic breasts. More than half of women experience fibrocystic breast changes at some point in their lives. In fact, medical professionals have stopped using the term "fibrocystic breast disease" and now simply refer to "fibrocystic breasts" or "fibrocystic breast changes" because having fibrocystic breasts isn't really a disease. Breast changes categorized as fibrocystic are considered normal.
Although many women with fibrocystic breasts don't have symptoms, some women experience breast pain, tenderness and lumpiness â especially in the upper, outer area of the breasts. Breast symptoms tend to be most bothersome just before menstruation. Simple self-care measures can usually relieve discomfort associated with fibrocystic breasts.
Fibrocystic breasts care at Mayo Clinic
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Signs and symptoms of fibrocystic breasts may include:
Fibrocystic breast changes occur most often in women in their 20s to 50s. Rarely do postmenopausal women experience fibrocystic breast changes, unless they're on hormone therapy.
Most fibrocystic breast changes are normal. However, make an appointment with your doctor if:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
The exact cause of fibrocystic breast changes isn't known, but experts suspect that reproductive hormones â especially estrogen â play a role.
Fluctuating hormone levels during your menstrual cycle can cause breast discomfort and areas of lumpy breast tissue that feel tender, sore and swollen. Fibrocystic breast changes tend to be more bothersome before your menstrual period, and the pain and lumpiness tends to clear up or lessen once your menstrual period begins.
When examined under a microscope, fibrocystic breast tissue includes distinct components such as:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Tests to evaluate your condition may include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Vitamins and dietary supplements may lessen breast pain symptoms and severity for some women. Ask your doctor if one of these might help you â and ask about doses and any possible side effects:
Vitamin E. Early studies showed a possible beneficial effect of vitamin E on breast pain in premenstrual women who experience breast pain that fluctuates during the menstrual cycle. In one study, 200 international units (IU) of vitamin E taken twice daily for two months improved symptoms in women with cyclic breast pain. There was no additional benefit after four months.
For adults older than 18 years, pregnant women and breast-feeding women, the maximum dose of vitamin E is 1,000 milligrams daily (or 1,500 IU).
If you try a supplement for breast pain, stop taking it if you don't notice any improvement in your breast pain after a few months. Try just one supplement at a time so that you can clearly determine which one helps alleviate the pain â or not.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
You might find relief from symptoms of fibrocystic breasts through one of these home remedies:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Having fibrocystic breasts doesn't increase your risk of breast cancer.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
We respect your privacy and aim for the best website experience in compliance with local laws. Allowing cookies enables a tailored experience, while disabling them may reduce personalization. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.