Fibrocystic Breasts
Topic Overview
This topic covers breast changes that feel lumpy, thick, and tender before your menstrual period. It is not meant for women who have had a breast biopsy showing "atypia" or "hyperplasia." These are cell changes that may lead to cancer.
What are fibrocystic breast changes?
Many women have breasts that feel lumpy, thick, and tender, especially right before their periods. These symptoms are called fibrocystic breast changes. They may also be called cyclic breast changes because they come and go with your menstrual cycle.
Fibrocystic breast changes are normal and harmless. They are not cancer, and they do not increase your chance of getting breast cancer.
But having fibrocystic breast changes can make it harder to find a lump that could be cancer. This is a special concern if you also have a higher than normal risk for breast cancer. So if you or a close family member has had breast cancer, or you have had radiation treatment or a breast biopsy showing atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), talk to your doctor about how often you need a breast checkup.
Doing a breast self-exam each month may help you know if an abnormal change occurs.
See a picture of breast anatomy
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What causes fibrocystic breast changes?
Experts think that fibrocystic breast changes are linked to the hormone changes that happen during your menstrual cycle. Each month, your body gets ready for a possible pregnancy. It releases hormones that signal the breasts to make milk. The milk (or mammary) glands
You are more likely to have fibrocystic breasts if your mother or sisters have them too.
What are the symptoms?
If you have fibrocystic breasts, you may notice the symptoms right before your menstrual period. They probably get better by the time your period ends. You may find that:
- Your breasts are swollen.
- They feel tender or painful. Women often describe this as a dull or aching pain, heaviness, or soreness.
- Your breasts feel lumpy. Your doctor may call this "generalized breast lumpiness." Lumpy (cystic) areas feel thick. You may have one or more lumps that are always in the same area and that grow and shrink with each menstrual cycle. The lumps move if you push on them. (A lump that is cancer usually does not move but feels stuck to your ribs.)
Symptoms can be on one or both sides and can occur up toward and under the armpit.
Many women first notice fibrocystic breast changes when they are in their 30s. At this age, your hormone levels start to vary more than before.
How are fibrocystic breast changes diagnosed?
If you notice a new breast lump, wait through one menstrual cycle. If it is still there after your period, see your doctor for a breast exam. If you are not having menstrual periods, see your doctor for a breast exam as soon as you notice a new lump.
To diagnose fibrocystic breast changes, your doctor will do a breast exam and ask when you had your last period. If your doctor needs more information, you may have a mammogram, ultrasound, or needle biopsy.
Your doctor can teach you how to check your breasts at home. When you know what’s normal for you, you’re better able to notice changes and know when to get help early instead of waiting for your next checkup.
A self-exam is not a substitute for a mammogram or a clinical breast exam.
How are they treated?
Fibrocystic breast changes are normal. You do not need to do anything about them. If breast pain bothers you:
- Take an over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil). If this does not help, ask your doctor about using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) skin cream.1
- Wear a bra that gives your breasts good support.
You can try taking magnesium for the 2 weeks before your period. Taking 400 mg a day may reduce breast pain and other symptoms. Some women may feel better when they give up caffeine, eat a very low-fat diet, or take the herb vitex. Before trying these remedies, talk to your doctor about what is right for you.
Ask your doctor about low-dose birth control pills. For some women, they help reduce breast soreness and swelling before periods. They may be a good choice if your symptoms bother you and you want to prevent pregnancy.
There are stronger medicines your doctor can prescribe for breast pain, but they also have more side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about fibrocystic breast changes:
Being diagnosed:
Getting treatment:
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| Author: | Sandy Jocoy, RN | Last Updated: March 16, 2009 |
| Medical Review: |
Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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| Topic Contents | |
 | Topic Overview |
| Symptoms | |
| Exams and Tests | |
| Treatment Overview | |
| Home Treatment | |
| Other Places To Get Help | |
| Related Information | |
| References | |
| Credits | |