Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Fibrocystic breast disease is a term colloquially given to a group of benign conditions affecting the breast. It is a very common benign condition in younger women. Both breasts become tender or painful and lumpy, and the symptoms vary at different times of the menstrual cycle.

Dietary changes that may be helpful:Total caffeine elimination reduces symptoms of fibrocystic disease.¹ ² Caffeine is found in coffee, black and green tea, cola drinks, chocolate, and a number of over-the-counter drugs. The decrease in breast tenderness can take 6 months or more to occur after caffeine is eliminated. Breast lumpiness may not go away, but the pain often decreases.

Many doctors misunderstand the effect of caffeine. When researchers tell women to cut back or to eliminate caffeine for less than six months, the results are unimpressive.^{3 4} Moreover, some doctors are under the impression that fibrocystic women do not drink much coffee. However, for every study that says fibrocystic disease patients do not drink more coffee than other women,^{5 6}there is a study which says otherwise.^{7 8}

More important, the original research did not claim that fibrocystic patients drink much coffee—only that they are especially sensitive to it.

Twins with similar or identical genes should be affected the same by caffeine. For example, if one twin has fibrocystic symptoms and the other does not, the twin with symptoms will most likely be the coffee drinker, researchers have found.⁹

Fibrocystic disease has been linked to excess estrogen. When those with fibrocystic disease are put on a low-fat diet, their estrogen levels decrease.^{10 11} After three to six months, the pain and lumpiness also decrease.^{12 13} The link between fat and symptoms appears to be most strongly related to saturated fat.¹⁴ 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.¹⁵

Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Several studies report that 200-600 IU of vitamin E per day, taken for several months, may reduce symptoms.¹⁶ ¹⁷ Most double-blind research has not found vitamin E to relieve fibrocystic breast disease symptoms.¹⁸ ¹⁹ 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 unclear. Some,²⁰ but not all,²¹ studies find that it reduces symptoms. Those with premenstrual syndrome in addition to breast tenderness should discuss the use of vitamin B6 with their nutritionally oriented doctor.

Some doctors of natural medicine use iodine for fibrocystic symptoms. In animals, iodine deficiency can cause the equivalent of fibrocystic disease.²² What appears to be the most effective form—diatomic iodine^23—is not readily available. Because some people are sensitive to iodine and high doses can alter thyroid function, it should not be taken without a doctor’s involvement.

Research suggests that evening primrose oil, or EPO, may reduce symptoms of fibrocystic disease.²⁴ ²⁵ Many women take 3 grams per day of EPO for the alleviation of fibrocystic breast disease. It may take up to six months for optimal results.²⁶

Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to the individual supplement for complete information.) Although side effects from vitamin B6 supplements are rare, at very high levels this vitamin can damage sensory nerves, leading to numbness in the hands and feet as well as difficulty walking. Vitamin B6 supplementation should be stopped if these symptoms develop. Pregnant and lactating women should not take more than 100 mg of vitamin B6. For other adults, vitamin B6 is usually safe in amounts of 200-500 mg per day,²⁷ although occasional problems have been reported in this range.²⁸ Side effects from vitamin B6 become more common when intake exceeds 2,000 mg per day; consequently, this supplement level should be avoided.²⁹

High doses (several milligrams per day) of iodine can interfere with normal thyroid function and should not be taken without consulting a nutritionally oriented doctor.

Herbs that may be helpful: Since many women with fibrocystic breast disease and cyclical breast tenderness also suffer from premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, there is often an overlap in herbal recommendations.

Vitex has been shown to help re-establish normal balance of estrogen and progesterone during a woman’s menstrual cycle. This is important because some women will suffer from PMS and other menstrual irregularities due to underproduction of the hormone progesterone during the second half of their cycle. Vitex stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more luteinizing hormone, and this leads to a greater production of progesterone.³⁰ Studies have shown that using vitex once in the morning over a period of several months will help normalize hormone balance and alleviate the symptoms of PMS.³¹

Use 40 drops of a liquid, concentrated vitex extract or one capsule of the equivalent dried, powdered extract once per day in the morning with some liquid. Vitex should be taken for at least four cycles to determine efficacy. Vitex should not be taken during pregnancy or with hormone therapy.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Dong quai, or Angelica sinensis, is often referred to as the “female ginseng.” Dong quai helps promote normal hormone balance and is particularly useful for women experiencing premenstrual cramping and pain.³² Many women take 2-3 grams of dong quai capsules or tablets per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to the individual herb for complete information.) Minor gastrointestinal upset and a mild skin rash with itching has been reported in less than 2% of the women monitored while taking vitex. Vitex is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It should not be taken together with hormone therapy.

Dong quai may cause some fair-skinned persons to become more sensitive to sunlight. Persons using it on a regular basis should limit prolonged exposure to the sun or other sources of ultraviolet radiation. Dong quai is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Nutritional Supplements

Herbs

Homeopathic Remedies

No homeopathy commonly used for this condition

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