NonDrug Remedies Can Ease Breast Pain

Friday, September 12, 2003

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Studies show that as many of 65 percent of women surveyed have had significant breast pain.

In most circumstances, it isn't known what exactly causes breast pain, although there are theories. Cyclical breast pain, which is most common and most intense in the week or two before menstruation, has a strong hormonal association. Noncyclic breast pain is rarely associated with an underlying identifiable cause.

The September issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource suggests that nondrug therapies to ease pain are worth trying. They've helped many women, though most of these remedies have not been rigorously researched. Options include:

* Trying hot or cold compresses.

* Wearing a supportive bra that's been fitted by a professional.

* Wearing a sports bra during exercise, when you sleep or other times when breasts are especially painful.

* Trying relaxation therapy.

* Limiting or eliminating caffeine.

* Decreasing fat in your diet. Studies show that decreasing the fat in your diet to less than 20 percent of total daily calories can improve breast pain.

* Trying evening primrose oil, a diet supplement. Studies have shown a modest improvement in pain, about 20 to 30 percent.

* Trying vitamin E.

For severe pain, ask your doctor about prescription medications. Danazol or tamoxifen could help, but they are associated with potentially severe side effects.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Carol Lammers
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville
Erik Kaldor
904-953-2302

Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale
Anne Tewksbury
480-301-4368

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

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