|
Fibrocystic breast is the most common benign (noncancerous) breast condition in women of childbearing age. About one of every five women, ages 25-50, develops fibrocystic breasts at some point. The condition is characterized by:breast lumps, tenderness, or pain.
Symptoms tend to worsen just before the menstrual period begins and tend to ease after the period. The lumps, tenderness, and pain appear to be a response to the same hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle - an exaggerated response to a normal process. This condition usually clears up when a woman's periods cease at the time of menopause. Aspirin or acetaminophen (Datril, Tylenol) provides pain relief. Many women have found that by eliminating all substances containing caffeine and similar chemicals (called methylxanthines) from their diets, they are less apt to have pain and tenderness and to develop cysts. Beverages such as coffee, tea, colas, and many other soft drinks contain caffeine, and many drugs contain methylxanthine such as asthma medication. Chocolate should be avoided since it contains theobromine, another methylxanthine. If you are unsure whether a particular item should be avoided, read the list of ingredients on the label or, in the case of drugs, ask your doctor. The use of vitamin E to alleviate discomfort of fibrocystic breast is also helpful.
|
