RISING WOMEN EXPERTS...

I often experience pain within my breasts and have discovered lumps that seem to come and go. My physician says I have benign fibrocystic breast disease. Can you share some insight on this?
    By RWM Experts

Fibrocystic Breast Disease (FBD) or other benign breast conditions effects one third of all women between the ages of 30 and 50. Also titled benign breast disease, chronic mastitis (inflammation) and mammary dysplasia, FBD has received much controversy as some argue that it is not a disease but a common condition experienced during menstrual cycle hormonal changes, while others argue that these particular breasts issues are a precursor for future breast cancer. Current research suggests that women with FBD or other benign breast conditions are more likely to develop breast cancer later only if a breast biopsy shows “atypia” or abnormal breast cells, however it is said that most tests are not accurate.

FBD usually is a benign condition and the symptoms include swollen, tender breasts. This pain is more pronounced before a menstrual cycle and the severity varies from woman to woman. Finding one or more lumps within the breasts area is another symptom. Though the majority of breast lumps are not breast cancer it is highly recommended that you make a visit to your doctor right away to rule out breast cancer.

If your condition is FBD and not cancer there are a few natural things you can do to reduce and even eliminate the pain. Stating with your diet, eliminate all food with caffeine present such as coffee, tea, soda and chocolate and watch your sugar intake. It is also recommended that you decrease sources of estrogen from your diet such as commercially raised meats which contain excessive amounts of hormones. Your birth control pills may also be a factor.

For supplements, use of vitamin E, in doses ranging from 400 IU to 600 IU per day and also take vitamin B6, a B complex and magnesium. Recent research has also found that vitamin A reduces both pain and the size of breast lumps, however watch your intake as high doses of vitamin A can cause toxic symptoms in the liver and bring on severe headaches. Provitamin A, beta carotene (50,000 to 100,00 IU) is a safer choice. Another supplement commonly used is Evening Primrose oil for it’s excellent source of EFA and GLA. About 1500 mg twice a day is sufficient.

And finally, during bouts when your breasts start to become tender switch to wearing a bra that offers full support through the cups and through the back.

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