Fibrocystic breast disease &
breast pain

Disclaimer: This article is only intended for general information. The various pieces of information in it have been gathered from the world wide web. 007b.com DOES NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY INFORMATION IN THE ARTICLE. The article and the information in it is not intended for diagnosis nor to be used as a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care. 007b.com shall have no liability for direct or indirect, special, or consequential damages relating in any way to the use of information below, or resulting from any defects or failure in this information.

What is fibrocystic breast disease?

In Western countries, a large percentage of women experience benign but often painful cysts and lumps in their breasts. Their breasts feel lumpy, "ropy", or "granular", as if full of little nodules. Some women can even feel the presence of larger cysts.

These cysts occur when a breast duct becomes blocked, and then fills up with fluid like a balloon filled with water. The area surrounding the blocked duct then has a tendency to form scar tissue, and that is the fibrous component of the fibrocystic disease.

This generalized breast lumpiness is known by several names, including fibrocystic breast condition, fibrous breasts, fibrocystic breast disease, fibrocystic changes and benign breast disease. There even exist several types of fibrocystic breast condition.

Unfortunately, many women and even doctors think that fibrocystic breast disease is a "normal" condition for women. However, large, palpable cysts have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, not to mention the pain the women experience, so women need to be concerned about pain and cysts in their breasts and not let it go on thinking it is "normal".

An easy experiment to reduce pain: take your bra off!

Fortunately there is an easy solution that works for many women in reducing breast pain and fibrocystic lumps: many women have found that by wearing undergarments less restrictive than bras (camisoles, tank tops, etc.) they can dramatically reduce or eliminate fibrocystic cysts and pain. Medical anthropologists Sydney Singer and Soma Grismaijer, and also Dr. Gregory Heigh, have found that around 90% of fibrocystic patients improve when they quit wearing bras. Singer and Grismajer are authors of a study of over 4000 women that found that women who do not wear bras have a much lower risk of breast cancer ("Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras" Avery Press, 1995).

In this link you can read some case histories of how women who got help from fibrocystic cysts and pain by taking off their bra.

Massage

There is some evidence that simple breast massage can help. This would make sense, as similar to not wearing bras, you can improve the lymph flow within breasts by massaging.

Iodine

There exist studies that link low iodine levels to fibrocystic breast disease. Also, there is evidence that the low breast cancer rates in Japan are due to their high iodine intake (form seafood). It is not only our thyroid that needs iodine -- breast tissue (and other glands) do as well. Increasing your iodine intake is definitely something worthwhile as it can help breast pain and fibrocystic breast changes.

What about diet?

Besides making sure you have enough iodine in your diet, you can also consider eating a high-fiber diet that emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts. Omega-3 fats and vitamin E can also be helpful.

One study studied a high dose vitamin A in women who did not get help for their breast pain from eliminating caffeine, and 80% of them had a dramatic reduction in the pain level. It is safer to get vitamin A from consuming betacarotene, since high doses of vitamin A can be toxic. Vegetables that are bright red, orange, yellow, or dark green contain high amounts of betacarotene.

The British study bra-freedom as a treatment

In year 2000, two breast surgeons started a study including 100 women at two breast clinics (all of whom had breast pain) and found that over half of the premenopausal women with pain found relief when they quit wearing bras for three months. For some the pain relief was very dramatic, changing their lifes. When they resumed bra wearing for the last three months of the study, the pain returned. Besides the pain data, the doctors also showed video thermography footage that dramatically demonstrated the heat build-up from bra wearing, and they discussed the possible connections with cancer causation.

They also made a documentary film that was shown on nationwide television in Britain. You can read a partial trascript of the documentary concerning bra wearing and breast pain.

Natural progesterone treatment

Doctor John Lee has treated many patients with fibrocystic breasts with natural progesterone. He argues that the cause for the pain and cysts and lumps is an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone - either too much estrogen or too little progesterone, or both - and that environmental estrogens cause this, or at least make the situation worse.

This condition is called estrogen dominance. It may be worth your while to try natural progesterone therapy alongside with avoiding foreign estrogen-like chemicals to treat breast pain and fibrocystic breasts.

Breastfeeding lowers risk

And, if you can, breastfeed! One study found that lack of breastfeeding was a risk factor for having post-menopausal breast pain and fibrocystic changes. Breastfeeding definitely lowers the risk of breast cancer: it reduces the time your body is exposed to high estrogen levels as occur during the mestrual cycle (and probably through some other mechanisms as well).

Scientific stuff

Treatment of benign breast disease with vitamin A. Prev Med. 1984 Sep;13(5):549-54. In this study, 9 out of 12 patients greatly benefited from a high dose of vitamin A.

Risk of breast cancer in women with palpable breast cysts: a prospective study. Edinburgh Breast Group. Lancet. 1999 May 22;353(9166):1742-5.
Women with breast cysts diagnosed mainly or exclusively by aspiration are at a higher risk of breast cancer.

Intracystic epidermal growth factor level is predictive of breast-cancer risk in women with gross cystic disease of the breast. Int J Cancer. 2001 Jul 20;95(4):260-5.
Women affected by gross cystic disease of the breast have an increased risk of breast cancer.

Adolescent diet and incidence of proliferative benign breast disease. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2003 Nov;12(11 Pt 1):1159-67. This study found that the intake of vegetable fat, vitamin E, and fiber during teen years were inversely associated with risk of proliferative benign breast disease.

Dietary and reproductive factors associated with benign breast disease in Mexican women. Nutr Cancer. 2002;43(2):133-40. Consumption of citrus fruit, non-citrus fruit, dairy products, and food sources of lignans were associated with lower risk of benign breast disease. (Lignans are found most abundantly in flaxseed; wheat bran, rye, buckwheat, millet, soy beans and oats have small amounts.)

Mastalgia: a 3 year Australian study. Aust N Z J Surg. 1994 May;64(5):329-31. Lack of previous breast feeding and low levels of regular physical exercise were identified as two significant factors in the history of those attending the [mastalgia] clinic.

Disclaimer: All information on this page is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

fibrocystic improve

relief from pain

Other people's comments

The following comments are from various visitors to www.007b.com. 007 Breasts is not necessarily endorsing everything written in the comments. The comments and opinions below belong to the commenters who made them. The comments are posted here because they might further help and encourage men and women who visit this website; however 007 Breasts is NOT responsible for the comments nor for any loss or damage caused by reading them.

MY FIBROUS BREAST EXPERIMENT:
My breasts get very hot to the point of making miserable. I was told as a teen I had fibrous breasts. It was really depressing seeing my breast looking like a bag of grapes.
So, I started aggressively cooling my breasts with damp towel. I wrapped each breast in its own towel. I also placed damp towels under my arms as breast tissue extends to the armpit.
Well, when completely cooled, my breast weren't lumpy anymore.

Betty

Breast pain: Look at medications. Ambien, Sonata, Digoxin can cause breast pain. Any med that causes gynecomastia in men can exacerbate breast pain in this condition. Tagamet, Verapimil, Cardizem are among these. The PDR lists Ambien & Sonata possible side effects: breast pain. They can also cause bladder infections, yeast infections. I have had this pain since mid-2007. Some foods make it worse. Thank you for further suggestions. Have you tried eliminatting cheese, spices, especially Mexican food? Anything with peppers. I have had cysts surgically removed but the surgeon didn't take all of them. I have eliminated many foods, so many I've lost 30 pounds. I cannot wear a bra. The pain becomes excruciating.

Barbara, 36

I have had major breast cysts for as long as I can remember. I remember finding my first one at around age 12. I've had them aspirated, but they always just come back, so I don't bother any more. I had one doctor prescribe a drop of Lugol's Iodine every day (in juice or herbal tea) and that really helps. My current OB/GYN prescribes it for me also, but does so without knowing why or how it works. It definitely makes the cysts smaller. I'm now 51 and have discovered, through trial and error, that the cysts increase in size and discomfort when I have caffeine, alcohol, any citrus fruit, vinegar, or use antiperspirants. Since I started menopause, the cysts have become less, probably due to the drop in estrogen. I always had an increase in discomfort during my period. My body is extremely sensitive to all of these things, and has become more so with age. I used to be able to eat citrus fruit and vinegar, but can't touch them now. I've never heard of this anywhere else. Doctors look at me like I'm strange when I tell them about the citrus. Since I went through a round of fertility treatments in my late 30s, I have become more sensitive all over my body and can get swollen ankles and discomfort in all the areas that I associate with lymph glands or ovaries if I "cheat" with any of my list of forbidden foods. I'd be very interested to know if this citrus problem is more wide-spread than just myself and possibly one aunt. I don't believe it's ever been studied.

Dianne Torrey

I have always had breast pain, especially during PMS time. My mother was diagnosed with fibrocystic breast tissue, and had major pain as well. For me, just going up or down stairs hurt, even while wearing a bra.

I was recently told about Borage Oil as a dietary supplement to help relieve this pain. I've been on it for a while now, and am quite pleased with the results! Of course it's not absolutely perfect, but stairs don't bother me at all anymore.

Sylvan

My mother had her right breast removed when she was 32 years old in 1976. She was not given a mammogram or biopsy. She doesn't even remember being told why she had it removed. In 1997 she requested to get her medical files. SHE WAS DENIED!!! Ten years later (2007), she finally managed to get them. The diagnosis was, "Fibrocystic Disease". She remembers being in severe pain at the time. I ask, "If her breast was removed, shouldn't she have been given chemotherapy? and, Why wasn't she given a mammogram or biopsy beforehand?" For everyone that has been diagnosed with this disease, or are experiencing a lot of pain in their breast, please do not take no for an answer, seek out however many doctors that you need to and please, please, make sure you have all the facts before amputation is given. It's your God-given right.
By the way, on my mothers medical papers it also states that it was benign.

Marie Young

Can anyone please tell me if it is possible to have fibro cystic breast disease due to fibromyalgia?

Brandy Fair

Very informative. I like the fact that there is a website that calms my fears an lets me know that it might possibly not be breast cancer. Thank you very much.
Lashay

I really appriaciated Cindy's story. I was a b-cup before I got pregnant with my first son, I grew all the way to an e-cup. I went back down to a b-cup. I have a small frame, 110lbs. I had a total hystorectomy when I was twenty because of fiber cysts, I also have them in my breasts, when I don't where a bra they get worse, I also have the discharge, the doctors just say it's normal, because they don't know what to say. I have tried other HRT (hormone replacement therapy) however that does not work for me. Recently my breasts have started growing I am now a c-cup, I also have been getting mammogram's on a regular basis for the past 10 years. However I am going to take Cindy's advice and try the shelf bra thanks

Stacey Nelson

I am a woman diagnosed with fibrocystic & the information I gained was for a paper I am doing. Some of the "treatment" methods I was familar with (vit. E & avoid Caff.) however, the looser under garments was the exact opposite as to what my physician had & has been telling me. I am going to give it a try. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP & WEALTH OF INFORMATION!

cathy acevedo

What about women that there breasts are not the same size they can't walk around with no bras on. I would feel ridiculous walk around one flopping the other point out. What can you offer me?

I realize many women are so used to the constriction of bras that they are not feeling comfortable with any movement their breasts might make.

But, really, breasts are supposed to move around when you run or move around quickly - how could they not? It's perfectly normal.

And while you're walking, they are not usually flopping that much. The movement comes more if you run or move around quickly.

So just do whatever you are comfortable with, try it out. Try go bra free a home first to see how it feels, to get used to it.

You could also try a somewhat tight tank top instead of bras - that restricts their movement some.

If you don't like it at all, use bras. It's not a life/death issue as long as your bras aren't too tight.

I AM 43 YEARS OLD GET PAIN AT THE SIDE OF MY LEFT BREAST WHICH RADIATES AROUND THE RIB CAGE ON THE SAME SIDE. I SOMETIME GET THE PAIN ON BOTH SIDES AROUND MY CYCLE BUT THE LEFT PERSISTS. IT FEELS LIKE BURNING SORENESS.I HAVE STOPPED WEARING A BRA RECENTLY AS THIS HELPS SLIGHTLY NOT SURE WHAT TO TRY NEXT.

JANE

I felt a lump in my breast and had a biopsy. The doctors didn't know what it was, so they did surgery and removed it. Turns out it was fibrocystic. It didn't cause pain, but I'm better now. I just hope it doesnt reoccur.

ieesha

I found your article very interesting. I was told I have a lot cysts in my breasts. Suffer from a strong pain. At the same time, the doctor told me, it is normal and I should not worry. But, I am getting contradictory opinions about the Fibrocystic breast disease and don't know what to think about it.

Aneta

I think that not wearing a bra may help. But how do you expect a descent woman to walk aroud with out a bra on? I know that I would not feel comfortble like that. I am sure that many other women would not as well.

Britney Schaalma

please read Why Wear Bras? for more discussion about being bra-free and about bra alternatives.

I have had Fibrocystic breasts for 25 years. I have had fluid removed and biopys done. I have had severe pain and constant growth. One cyst was the size of a golf ball. I have had 4 or 5 that size since that time. At one point I was with a tech that counted 50 cysts in one breast during a sonagram.

It was suggested to me that I should stop wearing bras. When I found out I had this problem, I was a comfortable B cup. When the recommendation was made I was a full C cup. I figured out quickly that as long as the cysts kept growing, so would I.

I had to find some way to keep my growing breasts from reaching my navel. Bras are painful at times and confining, being without them seems to encourage growth. Everything relaxes and things appear bigger.

Anyway, I began looking for a comfortable bra that I could live with. To the shock of my husband and mother, I started wearing shelf bras. They allow me to maintain some form of support while not squeezing my poor breasts into continually shrinking bras.

I am now a full DD cup and growing. I have fluids removed regularly but have not had pain in a long time wearing these bras. I find the Chopper Shelf Bra to be the most supportive and comfortable.

I can't help the looks I get from the lack of covering my breasts so nipples and such do not show, but I got over that years ago. I do what I can to be modest and comfortable, but honestly do not care anymore. My health is more important than the social cops out there.

I am looking at surgery one of these days if the cysts do not quit filling with fliud, but until then I am going to keep doing what I am doing, it works.

Cindy

Female breast as a taboo

Breast health

| |

Breastfeeding

Baring breasts in public

Fibrocystic breast disease &breast pain