The most common cause of breast lumps is fibrocystic breast disease. In this illness, one or more fluid-filled masses form as cysts, causing recurrent flare-ups of tender lumps in one or both breasts, especially before menstruation.
Breast cysts are often linked to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The lumps are movable, and they fluctuate in size during the menstrual cycle. Breast cysts most commonly occur in women between the ages of thirty and fifty.
Breast cysts are often linked to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The lumps are movable, and they fluctuate in size during the menstrual cycle. Breast cysts most commonly occur in women between the ages of thirty and fifty.
Hormonal changes that occur one or two weeks before menstruation cause glands to fill with fluid, producing a cyst, and this leads to swelling, inflammation and pain. What causes the cysts to develop is not fully understood, though a number of factors certainly contribute.
Hormonal imbalances result in an increase in milk – producing glands, and enlargement of cells and scaring in the breast tissue.
Hormonal imbalances result in an increase in milk – producing glands, and enlargement of cells and scaring in the breast tissue.
The hormones oestrogen, progesterone and prolactin are all partly responsible for breast lumps, especially an increase in oestrogen or a fall in progesterone levels. An increase of oestrogen is often due to poorly functioning liver that is unable to break down excess oestrogens in the body quickly enough.
A deficiency in the essential fatty acid, gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which provides the body with the hormone-like substance prostaglandin, also plays a role in breast disease. Supplementing with Evening Primrose Oil, a rich source of GLA, is often helpful.
Wearing tight – fitting bras restricts circulation in the lymph vessels, thus hindering the removal of wastes. Women who wear bras all day, every day and at night, and especially those who wear constricting bras, are most susceptible to cysts.
Methylxanthines, found especially in coffee but also in black tea, chocolate and colas, have been linked to the development of breast cysts.
A lack of iodine, which can cause symptoms of an under-active thyroid, can also be the cause of breast cysts.
A lack of iodine, which can cause symptoms of an under-active thyroid, can also be the cause of breast cysts.
A vegetarian diet which includes plenty of whole grains and fresh vegetables is highly recommended. Women on a vegetarian diet have been shown to excrete two to three times more detoxified oestrogens than women who eat meat. The liver needs B vitamins along with essential fatty acids for adequate oestrogen excretion, whole grains and green leafy vegetables provide B vitamins, the fiber in whole grains and vegetables, ensures proper intestinal function, which helps eliminate oestrogen.
Supplements have provided many women with relief from pain and discomfort, and should be combined with changes in diet.
Particularly important is Evening Primrose Oil taking 3 grams each day, and Vitamin E, which softens the breast tissue at 400 IU per day.
Vitamin B6 helps reduce the size and swelling of breast cysts when associated with PMS.
Dandelion juice is very effective at reducing breast cysts – take 10ml twice a day for the two weeks before menstruation. This remedy is so good at reducing breast cysts, that it is known both here and in china for this condition.
Another herb which will help ease breast cysts is Agnus Castus, a herb which often will eliminate PMS and ease breast cysts if used at 5ml first thing in the morning through out the month before menstruation.
