Fibrocystic breast is also known as fibrocystic breast disease. However, it is not a disease, but it is an abnormal change in the breast’s appearance. It is a benign or noncancerous condition. One can experience tenderness or lumpiness of the breast. Most of the time, patients can feel pain in the breast’s upper, outer area. You don’t have to panic because the fibrocystic breast is not dangerous or harmful. However, it may cause an uncomfortable feeling in most women. According to some experts, the age of women in the United States experiencing fibrocystic breast is between 20-50 years old.
Signs and Symptoms
Some of the fibrocystic breast symptoms are like a normal change that you may notice in your breast. It can happen when the monthly menstrual period starts. Some signs are sore breasts, breast lumps, breast tenderness, and pain. Other symptoms are green or dark brown non-bloody discharge, and breast changes similar in both breasts. Also, some may feel pain or discomfort under your arms. Although it’s a typical symptom, there is some point that you need to see a doctor.
What are the factors that you need to consider a doctor visit? You may see a doctor when you find your breast lump thickening, worsening breast pain, and sore breasts. Furthermore, if the breast changes continue right after your menstrual period, you need to see a doctor.
Clinical Examinations
The first thing that the doctors will do is perform a physical breast exam. Furthermore, some tests may run during your physical breast exams. For instance, mammograms, breast ultrasound are some. Others may also request for MRI to better look at your breast. Breast ultrasound will help to find some abnormalities. However, when the doctor sees a cyst’s unusual appearance, they may request for biopsy to check if it is cancerous.
With the advancement of technology, it is possible to treat fibrocystic breast. Doctors are using medications, heat, hormones, supplements, and a supportive bra. Doctors may give different drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to decrease discomfort. You can do it at home by applying a warm compress in the breast to ease the pain. Moreover, there are also hormone therapy treatments to balance the levels and reduce pain. Some other supplements can decrease pain and discomfort.
1. Hormonal Changes
One of the causes of the fibrocystic breast is the hormonal changes during her monthly cycle. During the monthly menstrual cycle, many changes can happen. For instance, the breast may feel tenderness or lumpiness and pain during the monthly cycle. If you notice, these are also symptoms of the fibrocystic breast.
There are two essential hormones in the body that causes fibrocystic breast like estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone are the most important hormones that affect breast tissues by forcing them to grow and multiply.
2. Hormonal Changes
Aside from estrogen and progesterone, there is another hormone that can cause fibrocystic breasts. Thyroid hormones, prolactin, growth factor, and insulin are major hormones outside the breast tissue that can cause fibrocystic breasts. There are signals released from these hormones going to the neighboring breast cells. These signals from the hormones can cause symptoms of fibrocystic breast condition.
3. Caffeine
The fibrocystic breast can develop because of too much caffeine intake. Caffeine can contribute to symptoms of fibrocystic breast condition. However, no proven evidence that caffeine can increases the risk of fibrocystic breast. There are some studies on caffeine and this breast condition. However, only a few link caffeine in drinks such as tea, chocolate, and soft drinks to the fibrocystic breast.
Some doctors may advise patients to stay away from eating and drinking foods high in caffeine. Aside from diet changes, lifestyle changes are important in promoting a healthy body. Having an active lifestyle can help in average hormone production in the body.
In case you find something odd around your breast area, it is better to visit a doctor. Because early detection means you can start the best treatment for your condition.
