Fibrocystic Breasts

Treatment

If your breast pain isn't associated with your menstrual cycle, doctors call it noncyclical breast pain. That means it comes at any time whatever your age, perhaps with an injury, a change in your diet or with hormone replacement therapy. If your diagnostic tests reveal a fluid-filled cyst, your doctor might recommend a fine-needle aspiration to remove the fluid. That procedure can help relieve your pain and assure you and your doctor that the lump is benign.

After diagnosing your pain, your doctor may suggest one or more lifestyle changes to relieve the tenderness or pain in your breasts.

• Avoid caffeine, cola drinks and chocolate, and perhaps make other changes to your diet.
• Take a supplement containing 3,000 milligrams of evening primrose oil and 200 to 400 international units of vitamin E each day.
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or aspirin.
• Take a medication your doctor prescribes for you.
• Use an oral contraceptive. If you already do, your doctor may adjust your dose.
• Reduce or stop taking hormone therapy if you're postmenopausal.
• Eat less salt, especially one to two weeks before your period.
• If your breasts are large, wear a bra that gives you good support.
• Wear a supportive bra when you exercise.
• Use a heating pad or warm water bottle to relieve your discomfort.
• Learn and use muscle relaxation techniques.

Your doctor will monitor your progress with the recommended changes and continue to work with you if your breast pain continues.

Read more about breast cysts, fibrocystic breasts, fibroadenoma, breast infections and breast cancer at MayoClinic.com.