Fibrocystic breast condition, commonly known as fibrocystic breasts or fibrocystic changes, affects six out of ten women at some point in their lives, notes Dr. Milagros Pérez Quintanilla, gynecologic oncologist and specialist at ABC Medical Center.
This condition mainly occurs during the reproductive years, between ages 25 and 35, but can also appear between ages 45 and 50. Because it’s so common, it’s the leading reason women seek a breast evaluation.
This condition reflects normal physiological changes tied to hormonal shifts in the body, meaning it carries no risk of cancer.
Symptoms include:
- Mastalgia, also known as mastodynia: cyclical breast pain that occurs during the menstrual cycle, with varying intensity, typically starting about 10 days before the period begins.
- Breast lumps that are soft in consistency and vary in size.
- Nipple discharge, without blood.
- A noticeable change in the feel of both breasts.
Since this isn’t a disease, but rather part of the natural menstrual cycle, it can’t be cured. However, there are treatments available to help reduce or relieve symptoms.
Foods high in xanthines have been linked to fibrocystic breast changes because xanthines can cause inflammation and breast tissue, which is about 50% fat, contains receptors for this substance. Some foods that contain xanthines include black or green tea, coffee, cocoa, soda, walnuts, and peanuts, among others. Because of this, it’s recommended to avoid these foods in the days leading up to when the pain typically occurs.
Other helpful measures include applying warm compresses to the breast tissue to help reduce inflammation and wearing a supportive sports bra, which applies gentle pressure to the breast tissue and can ease discomfort.
For more severe pain, medical treatments may be used, such as progesterone-based creams or topical pain relievers, since oral pain medications haven’t proven effective for this condition; oral contraceptives may also be prescribed to lower estrogen levels. A specialist should be consulted to determine whether this type of treatment is appropriate.
Dr. Milagros Pérez notes that every woman should get to know her own body, recognize changes in her breast tissue, and tell the difference between usual cyclical pain linked to her period and a different type of pain that needs medical attention. While in some cases, symptoms of fibrocystic breast changes may go away once a woman transitions through menopause, this isn’t always the case.
Every woman should understand her body and the hormonal changes she experiences, and if she notices something that feels different from her usual pattern, she should see a doctor for an evaluation.
At ABC Medical Center’s Women’s Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
