Home Remedies and Herbs for Fibrocystic Breast

Fibrocystic breast disease is a condition that occurs in women when the breast tissue becomes lumpy. Other common names for fibrocystic breast disease are mammary dysplasia, diffuse cystic mastopathy, benign breast disease, and glandular breast changes. ¹

When breasts become “fibrocystic” and develop lumps, the texture is often described as rope-like. The condition can be quite painful, and cause breasts to feel tender and swollen. ^1,2

The lumps that occur in fibrocystic breast disease are different than lumps that occur with breast cancer. Fibrocystic breast lumps are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. Having fibrocystic breasts also does not appear to increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. ^2,3

Fibrocystic breasts are quite common. Up to 50% of women will experience fibrocystic breast symptoms at some point in their lives. It is most common in women between the ages of 20-45. Fibrocystic breast disease is less common in women who have already gone through menopause. ¹

What Causes Fibrocystic Breast?

Specific fibrocystic breast causes remain unknown. There appears to be a link between hormones and menstruation cycles, and the development of fibrocystic breast disease.

Fluctuating estrogen levels naturally occur during menstrual cycles, which can cause breasts to swell and feel tender. It can also cause the top and outer areas of the breast to develop the rope-like lumps. ^1,4

Fibrocystic Breast Symptoms

The most common fibrocystic breast symptoms are the following:

• Swelling and heaviness in both breasts
• Pain, tenderness and discomfort in breasts and/or under the arms
• Developing of lumps on the top and outer areas of the breasts
• Lumps that fluctuate in size throughout the menstrual cycle
• Pain in breasts that fluctuates or comes and goes throughout the menstrual cycle
• Dark brown or green colored nipple discharge that leaks without pressure (non-bloody)

Fibrocystic breast symptoms may be worse in individual women who suffer from heavy or irregular periods. Taking birth control pills may reduce symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease and painful or tender breasts in general. For most women, fibrocystic breast symptoms diminish or disappear after menopause. ¹

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Fibrocystic Breast

There are several at-home fibrocystic breast natural treatments to help reduce pain and swelling:

• Iodine - Iodine has been studied in the treatment of fibrocystic breast disease. Iodine supplements may help to balance out hormone levels that are the potential cause of painful lumps in the breast.
• Evening Primrose Oil - Evening primrose oil is a fibrocystic breast natural treatment that can reduce swelling and alleviate pain caused by lumpy breasts.
• Vitamin E - Vitamin E is a substance that can help control hormones and prevent the growth of breast lumps.
• Mullein - Another fibrocystic breast natural treatment is mullein, a plant with natural anti-inflammatory and pain relief benefits.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is a safe and effective anti-inflammatory and pain reliever for fibrocystic breasts.
• Cat’s Claw - Cat’s claw is an herbal remedy known for its ability to reduce swelling. Taking cat’s claw can help to reduce breast inflammation and alleviate pain from lumps.

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/fibrocystic-breast-changes
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibrocystic-breasts/home/ovc-20194898 
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000912.htm 
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibrocystic-breasts/home/ovc-20194898