How to treat a fibrocystic breast

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A fibrocystic breast is a common condition in which there are abundant bumpy tissue in the breast. It is characterized by pain and tenderness in the affected area. The lumps usually develop in the upper and outer area of the breast. The symptoms develop before menstruation.

Symptoms of fibrocystic breast

  • Pain and tenderness of the breast
  • Lumps or masses found in the breast
  • Changes in the size of breast
  • Non-bloody discharge from the nipple
  • Severe pain and lumpiness can be felt between ovulation and the start of menstruation.

Treatment

fibrocystic-breast
Apply a cold compress or ice pack on the affected breast to reduce the tenderness and pain.
  • Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medications to lessen the pain and inflammation as well as oral contraceptive to reduce the hormonal changes that causes fibrocystic breast.
  • Avoid consuming caffeinated beverages such as tea, alcohol and soft drinks. These beverages contain chemicals that release stress hormones in the body and result to tenderness and lumps in the breast.
  • Apply a cold compress or ice pack on the affected breast to reduce the tenderness and pain.
  • Apply heat in the form of a warm moist cloth or heating pad on the affected breast for at least 30 minutes and followed by a cold compress for 10 minutes. This alternating method relieves the discomfort of fibrocystic breast.
  • Avoid consumption of salt for at least a couple of weeks before the menstrual period to prevent making the breast heavy, tender and bloated. Additionally, avoid processed foods rich in salt.
  • Massage the affected area using ginger oil and followed by the application of a warm compress to lessen the lumps and pain.
  • Take the prescribed vitamin E supplement to lessen the breast tenderness and pain. It also reduces the size of the lumps. Another approach is consuming foods rich in vitamin E such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, fortified cereals and vegetable oils.
  • Take the prescribed vitamin B6 supplements to control the hormonal levels in the body or consume foods rich in vitamin B6 such as bran, garlic and pistachio.

Tips

  • Wear a well-fitting bra that has adequate support for the breast to lessen the heaviness and tenderness before menstruation. Another alternative is wearing a properly fitting sports bra.
  • Perform regular exercises and maintain a low-fat diet to control the body weight. Excess fats in the body results to increased levels of estrogen and cause changes in the breast. Being overweight makes one susceptible to discomfort in the breast.
  • Quit smoking to prevent worsening of the condition.
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