CONDITION: Fibrocystic Breast Disease

DESCRIPTION:
Thirty percent of American women have fibrocystic breast disease, a benign condition characterized by round lumps that move freely within the breast tissue. The lumps are usually tender to touch, with increasing tenderness as menstruation approaches.

How does fibrocystic breast disease develop?
The cause of fibrocystic changes is related to the way breast tissue responds to monthly changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone, female hormones produced by the ovaries during a woman's reproductive years. Each month during a menstrual cycle, the breast tissue swells and returns to normal. Hormonal stimulation of the breast tissue causes the milk glands and ducts to enlarge and the breasts to retain water. Dietary factors, including consumption of caffeine, excessive saturated fats and salts, also may increase the risk of developing fibrocystic breast disease.

In addition, with female-related conditions, an estradiol excess (which can occur by taking oral contraceptives or other synthetic forms of estrogen) often is found to be part of the patient's physiology. Knowing that the development of the disease may be closely linked to this factor, natural medicine practioners always address this excess in treating fibrocystic breast disease.

What are the symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease?
Symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, typically peak just before each menstrual period, and improve immediately after menstruation. These symptoms include a dense, irregular and bumpy consistency in the breast tissue; breast discomfort that is persistent or that occurs off and on; breasts that feel "full"; dull, heavy pain and tenderness in the breast area; premenstrual tenderness and swelling; and nipple sensation and changes.

Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease but they do not address the root of the problem. Discover why we believe that natural medicine treatments are the best way to treat fibrocystic breast disease.

Learn about the treatments for Fibrocystic Breast Disease