| | | | Other Names | | | Breast Cancer, Mammogram, Mammograms, Breastcare, Breast Care, Fibroid
Breasts, Fibrocystic Breast Disease, Breast lump, Breast Lumps, Breast
lumpiness, Lump in Breast, Breast Cyst, Breast Cysts.
View products
| | | Fibrocystic Breast Disease - Also known as: Breast Tenderness,
Cyclic Mastalgia, Cyst (Breast), Mastalgia (Cyclic).
Fibrocystic
breast disease (FBD) is a term given to a very common group of benign
conditions affecting the breast in younger women.
What are the
symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease? Both breasts become tender or
painful and lumpy, and these symptoms vary at different times in the
menstrual cycle. Despite the fact that signs and symptoms of FBD appear to
be quite distinct from textbook signs and symptoms of breast cancer, any
lump in the breast should be diagnosed by a doctor to rule out the
possibility of cancer.
Conventional treatment options: All women,
including those with FBD, are encouraged to examine their breasts monthly
and have regular medical evaluations, including mammograms after the age
of 50. Symptomatic treatment with oral contraceptives (birth control
pills) and pain relievers, such as aspirin (e.g., Bayer), acetaminophen
(Tylenol), and ibuprofen (e.g., Advil), may be
recommended.
Dietary changes that may be helpful: Some,1 2 but not
all3 4 studies have found that women with FBD drink more coffee than women
without the disease. Eliminating caffeine for less than six months does
not appear to be effective at reducing symptoms of FBD.5 6 However,
long-term and complete avoidance of caffeine does reduce symptoms of FBD.7
8 Some women are more sensitive to effects of caffeine than others, so
benefits of restricting caffeine are likely to vary from woman to woman.
Caffeine is found in coffee, black tea, green tea, cola drinks, chocolate,
and many over-the-counter drugs. A decrease in breast tenderness can take
six months or more to occur after caffeine is eliminated. Breast lumpiness
may not go away, but the pain often decreases.
FBD has been linked
to excess estrogen. When women with FBD were put on a low-fat diet, their
estrogen levels decreased.9 10 After three to six months, the pain and
lumpiness also decreased.11 12 The link between dietary fat and symptoms
appears to be most strongly related to saturated fat.13 Foods high in
saturated fat include meat and dairy products. Fish, nonfat dairy, and
tofu are possible replacements.
Lifestyle changes that may be
helpful: Exercise may decrease breast tenderness. In one study, women who
ran 45 miles per menstrual cycle reported less breast tenderness as well
as improvement in other symptoms, such as anxiety.14
Nutritional
supplements that may be helpful: In double-blind research, evening
primrose oil (EPO) has reduced symptoms of FBD,15 16 though only
slightly.17 One group of researchers reported that EPO normalizes blood
levels of fatty acids in women with FBD.18 However, even these scientists
had difficulty linking the improvement in lab tests with an actual
reduction in symptoms. Nonetheless, most reports continue to show at least
some reduction in symptoms resulting from EPO supplementation.19 20 Based
on this research, many doctors recommend a trial of 3 grams per day of EPO
for at least six months to alleviate symptoms of FBD.
While several
studies report that 200-600 IU of vitamin E per day, taken for several
months, reduces symptoms of FBD,21 22 most double-blind trials have found
that vitamin E does not relieve FBD symptoms.23 24 Nonetheless, many women
take 400 IU of vitamin E for three months to see if it helps.
As
with vitamin E, the effectiveness of vitamin B6 remains uncertain. Some,25
but not all,26 studies find that B6 supplementation reduces symptoms.
Since vitamin B6 supplementation is effective for relieving the symptoms
of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), in addition to breast tenderness, women
should discuss the use of vitamin B6 with their healthcare
provider.
Some doctors use iodine to treat FBD symptoms. In
animals, iodine deficiency can cause the equivalent of FBD.27 What appears
to be the most effective form-diatomic iodine28 -is not readily available,
however. Some people are sensitive to iodine and high amounts can
interfere with thyroid function. Therefore, supplemental iodine should
only be taken with the guidance of a healthcare practitioner.
Are
there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual supplement
for information about any side effects or interactions.
Herbs that
may be helpful: Since many women with FBD and cyclical breast tenderness
also suffer from PMS, there is often an overlap in herbal recommendations
for these two conditions despite a lack of research dealing directly with
FBD.
In one double-blind trial, a liquid preparation containing
32.4 mg of vitex and homeopathic ingredients was found to successfully
reduce breast tenderness associated with the menstrual cycle (e.g. cyclic
mastalgia).29 Vitex is thought to reduce breast tenderness at menses
because of its ability to reduce elevated levels of the hormone,
prolactin.30
Doctors typically suggest 40 drops of a liquid,
concentrated vitex extract or 35-40 mg of the equivalent dried, powdered
extract to be taken once per day in the morning with some liquid. Vitex
should be taken for at least three menstrual cycles to determine
efficacy.
Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the
individual herb for information about any side effects or
interactions.
References:
1. Marshall JM, Graham S,
Swanson M. Caffeine consumption and benign breast disease: a case-control
comparison. Am J Publ Health 1982;72(6):610-2.
2. Lubin F, Ron E,
Wax Y, et al. A case-control study of caffeine and methylxanthines in
benign breast disease. JAMA 1985;253(16):2388-92.
3. Boyle CA,
Berkowitz GS, LiVoisi VA, et al. Caffeine consumption and fibrocystic
breast disease: a case-control epidemiologic study. J Natl Cancer Inst
1984;72:1015-9.
4. Vecchia C, Franceschi S, Parazzini F, et al.
Benign breast disease and consumption of beverages containing
methylxanthines. J Natl Cancer Inst 1985;74:995-1000.
5. Ernster
VL, Mason L, Goodson WH, et al. Effects of a caffeine-free diet on benign
breast disease: a randomized trial. Surgery 1982;91:263.
6. Allen
S, Froberg DG. The effect of decreased caffeine consumption on benign
proliferative breast disease: a randomized clinical trial. Surgery
1987;101:720-30.
7. Minton JP, Foecking MK, Webster DJT, Matthew
RH. Caffeine, cyclic nucleotides, and breast disease. Surgery
1979;86:105-8.
8. Minton JP, Abou-Issa H, Reiches N, et al.
Clinical and biochemical studies on methylxanthine-related fibrocystic
breast disease. Surgery 1981;90:299-304.
9. Rose DP, Boyar AP,
Cohen C, Strong LE. Effect of a low-fat diet on hormone levels in women
with cystic breast disease. I. Serum steroids and gonadotropins. J Natl
Cancer Inst 1987;78:623-6.
10. Woods MN, Gorbach S, Longcope C, et
al. Low-fat, high-fiber diet and serum estrone sulfate in premenopausal
women. Am J Clin Nutr 1989;49:1179-83.
11. Rose DP, Boyar A, Haley
N, et al. Low fat diet in fibrocystic disease of the breast with cyclic
mastalgia: a feasibility study. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;41(4):856
[abstract].
12. Boyd NF, McGuire V, Shannon P, et al. Effect of a
low-fat high-carbohydrate diet on symptoms of cyclical mastopathy. Lancet
1988;ii:128-32.
13. Lubin F, Wax Y, Ron E, et al. Nutritional
factors associated with benign breast disease etiology: a case-control
study. Am J Clin Nutr 1989;50:551-6.
14. Prior JC, Vigna Y,
Sciarretta D, et al. Conditioning exercise decreases premenstrual
symptoms: a prospective, controlled 6-month trial. Fertil Steril
1987;47(3):402-8.
15. Mansel RE, Pye JK, Hughes LE. Effects of
Essential fatty acids on cyclical mastalgia and noncyclical breast
disorders. In Omega-6 essential fatty acids: Pathophysiology and roles in
clinical medicine. New York: Alan R Liss, 1990, 557-66.
16. Preece
PE, Hanslip JI, Gilbert L, et al. Evening primrose oil (EFAMOL) for
mastalgia. In: Clinical Uses of Essential Fatty Acids, ed. DF Horrobin,
Montreal: Eden Press, 1982, 147-54.
17. Mansel RE, Harrison BJ,
Melhuish J, et al. A randomized trial of dietary intervention with
essential fatty acids in patients with categorized cysts. Ann NY Acad Sci
1990;586:288-94.
18. Gateley CA, Maddox PR, Pritchard GA, et al.
Plasma fatty acid profiles in benign breast disorders. Br J Surg
1992;79:407-9.
19. Harding C, Harvey J, Kirkman R, Bundred N.
Hormone replacement therapy-induced mastalgia responds to evening primrose
oil. Br J Surg 1996;83(Suppl 1):24 [abstract # Breast 012].
20. Pye
JK, Mansel RE, Hughes LE. Clinical experience of drug treatments for
mastalgia. Lancet 1985;ii:373-7.
21. Abrams AA. Use of vitamin E in
chronic cystic mastitis. N Engl J Med 1965;272(20):1080-1.
22.
London RS, Sundaram GS, Schultz M, et al. Endocrine parameters and
alpha-tocopherol therapy of patients with mammary dysplasia. Cancer Res
1981;41:3811-3.
23. Ernster VL, Goodson WH, Hunt TK, et al. Vitamin
E and benign breast "disease": a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
Surgery 1985;97:490-4.
24. London RS, Sundaram GS, Murphy L, et al.
The effect of vitamin E on mammary dysplasia: a double-blind study. Obstet
Gynecol 1985;65:104-6.
25. Brush MG, Perry M. Pyridoxine and the
premenstrual syndrome. Lancet 1985;i:1399.
26. Smallwood J, Ah-Kye
D, Taylor I. Vitamin B6 in the treatment of pre-menstrual mastalgia. Br J
Clin Pract 1986;40:532-3.
27. Krouse TB, Eskin BA, Mobini J.
Age-related changes resembling fibrocystic disease in iodine-blocked rat
breasts. Arch Pathol Lab Med 1979;103:631-4.
28. Ghent WR, Eskin
BA, Low DA, Hill L. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the
breast. Can J Surg 1993;36:453-60.
29. Halaska M, Beles P, Gorkow
C, Sieder C. Treatment of cyclical mastalgia with a solution containing
Vitex agnus extract: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study.
The Breast 1999;8:175-81.
30. B”hnert KJ. The use of Vitex agnus
castus for hyperprolactinemia. Quart Rev Nat Med
1997;Spring:19-21.
Source: NOW Foods
View products
| |
Please Note: This Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. The products indicated above may be listed in error. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
| | 28 total products | | | | |  |
|
Breast Health - Health - Vitex Chaste Tree Berry - 450 mg
100 capsules
$12.87 US
Was: 13.27 US
In Stock - Ships Today!
More Info
| |
Breast Health - Health - Dandelion Root - 450 mg
100 capsules
$10.92 US
Was: 11.26 US
In Stock - Ships Today!
More Info
| |
Breast Health - Health - Dandelion Root Tea
25 tea bags
$11.19 US
Was: 11.54 US
In Stock - Ships Today!
More Info
| |
Breast Health - Health - Dandelion Root Tea
50 tea bags
$13.98 US
Was: 14.41 US
In Stock - Ships Today!
More Info
| |  |
|
Breast Health - Health - CLA Conjugated Linoleic Acid
180 softgels
40.34 US
More Info
| |
| |
| |
| | | | |  Previous 1 2 3
|
|
