Most women start entering menopause around 45 to 55. That means that the majority of women’s teenage, young adult, and middle-aged years are likely to have regular menstrual cycles. While every woman knows it’s just a part of life, noticeable lumps and painful breasts during a cycle may spark some concerns.
Fibrocystic breasts are worrisome for several reasons, including their close similarities to early signs of breast cancer. We’ll give you a sneak peek: it is not breast cancer. In fact, fibrocystic breast symptoms are benign and affect many women. That doesn’t mean you can’t treat some of the underlying causes.
In our complete guide, we will talk about how naturopathic medicine could be the solution for fibrocystic breasts and how you can get started today. Keep reading on for more information!
What Are Fibrocystic Breasts
Fibrocystic breasts are a benign condition where you could feel lumps or nodules in your breasts. As the name sounds, it is fibrous, dense tissue.
They may also present with some pain. Before it was more understood, it used to be called fibrocystic breast disease, which is still used today. Medical experts found it is the most prevalent benign breast condition that affects millions of women.
Fibrocystic breasts do not predispose you to malignant breast cancer. However, having fibrocystic breasts can mask other symptoms of breast cancer, such as lumps. It is essential that you work toward treating underlying causes and symptoms for the best breast health results.
While the cause is not entirely known, hormone imbalances play a critical role. More specifically, it occurs when estrogen exceeds progesterone levels or there is an increase in prolactin.
Sometimes, fibrocystic breasts are more common during menstrual cycles and often occur in young to middle-aged women. After menopause, the symptoms will likely start to reside fully.
Fibrocystic Breast Symptoms
Some general symptoms of fibrocystic breasts include noticeable breast lumps, tenderness, or variable breast sizes. It is crucial you track these changes, especially around your menstrual cycle. Most women report pain or an increase in lumps either right before their cycle or the first half.
Fibrocystic Breast Causes
Before diving into the best fibrocystic breast remedy, it helps to have a better understanding of its causes. While high estrogen levels could be one of the reasons, other causes of fibrocystic breasts include:
- Imbalances between estrone and estriol
- Estrogenic chemical accumulation
- Underactive thyroid
- Poor dieting (e.g., excess dietary fats, nutritional deficiencies)
- Liver congestion
- Poor G.I. health (e.g., constipation)
- Accumulation of toxic metals
- Lack of exercise
- Methylxanthine
Many experts agree that fibrocystic breasts indicate a need for improved hormone balance. Strong imbalances can lead to a myriad of adverse health outcomes like mood changes, fatigue, weight changes, and much more.
Natural Remedies for Fibrocystic Breasts
Naturopathic doctors treat fibrocystic breasts and offer safe, effective, and natural alternatives to other costly medical treatments. The benefit of using a natural fibrocystic breast treatment is you alleviate symptoms and improve your overall health and wellness.
Physicians like Dr. Karen R. Threlkel specialize in naturopathic medicine for women’s health. Fibrocystic breast treatment starts with looking at your lifestyle choices, including:
- Exercise and activity
- Nutrition
- Imbalances
- Clothing
For example, changing out your bra can reduce the tenderness and pain. Implementing more exercise and activity boosts immunity, lymphatic responses, blood flow, and more.
Vitamins and Supplements
Vitamin E for fibrocystic breasts has shown promising results, as well as thiamine and flaxseed oil. In a study, researchers used vitamin E and flaxseed oil for fibrocystic breast treatment. They found that within the first and second months of treatment, both groups showed improvements with:
- Breast nodularity
- Breast pain
While the study shows limitations regarding longevity, it demonstrates promising results for a holistic medicine approach. Seeing a naturopathic doctor can also help you balance your hormones for improved health and wellness.
Hormone Imbalances
Dr. Karen R. Threlkel works closely with women, targeting their unique hormone imbalances. Some treatments used by naturopathic doctors include:
- Adrenal support
- Improvement of digestion
- Bioidentical hormone replacement
- Detoxification
- Nutritional support
Improving Your Breast Health
Research shows that natural and holistic remedies are some of the best approaches to preventing breast cancer. These include healthy lifestyle adjustments like:
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Proper exercise
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Comprehensive vitamins and supplements to supply your body with much-needed nutrients
- Identifying sources of inflammation
- Healthy relationships
Find Your Fibrocystic Breast Remedy
Have you been dealing with fibrocystic breasts? Without treatment, you could deal with nagging pain. Additionally, it may mask critical early warning signs of breast cancer.
Luckily, Karen R. Threlkel, ND, specializes in several naturopathic therapies for your breast health. You can start noticing a difference in your well-being, focus, and fibrocystic breast symptoms. Unlike conventional medicine, holistic health focuses on your entire body using natural and safe treatments.
Don’t wait to get help – schedule an appointment with Dr. Karen R. Threlkel today to discuss how to optimize your health and wellness!
References
Malherbe K, Khan M, Fatima S. Fibrocystic Breast Disease. [Updated 2021 Oct 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551609/
Godazendeh, G., Ala, S., Motlaq, T.M., Sahebnasagh, A., & Bazi, A. (2021, January 6). The comparison of the effect of flaxseed oil and vitamin E on mastalgia and nodularity of breast fibrocystic: A randomized double-blind clinical trial – journal of pharmaceutical health care and sciences. BioMed Central. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://jphcs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40780-020-00186-4
Pashayan, N., et. al. (2020, June 18). Personalized early detection and prevention of breast cancer: ENVISION consensus statement. Nature News. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41571-020-0388-9#Sec11U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, September 30). What Is Menopause? National Institute on Aging. Retrived July 9, 2022, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause#:`:text=Menopause%20is%20a%20point%20in,between%20ages%2045%20and%2055.
