One of the most common complaints women have when they go in for a gynecological exam is the presence of fibrous breast nodules. In the vast majority of cases these nodules or lumps are benign, meaning noncancerous. According to the Mayo Clinic, benign fibrous breast nodules, commonly referred to as fibrocystic breast change, affects more than half of all women of childbearing age. Symptoms may include severe tenderness in the breasts, mild to severe pain in the breasts and multiple fibrous lumps in one or both breasts.
Instructions
1. Pay close attention to how your breasts normally look and feel at different times during the month. Document any change from the norm, including the appearance of any fibrous lumps, unaccounted-for pain, rash, tenderness, nipple discharge or skewing of the nipple to one side.
2. Contact your physician regarding any fibrous nodules, or lumps, that continue to grow or do not diminish after your next menstrual period. Inform your physician of any observations you have made regarding changes in your breasts and discuss whether additional examinations or testing needs to be done. In cases of fibrocystic change, treatment is typically limited to alleviating the symptoms.
3. Wear a well-fitted bra to provide support to your breasts. Consider wearing an athletic bra during the day for additional support and changing to a sleep bra at night for additional comfort while you sleep.
4. Adjust your diet to include supplementation with vitamin E, vitamin B6 and Evening Primrose oil, which may help alleviate inflammation and fluid retention. Consider reducing your intake of caffeinated products such as soft drinks and coffee. Keep in mind that although some women have reported obtaining relief from these practices, there is some controversy within the medical community regarding their effectiveness.
5. Consult with your physician regarding the advisability of taking prescription medications for fibrous breast pain. Be aware that while such prescription drugs as bromocriptine and danazol can relieve fibrous breast pain, they are not well tolerated by many women and may involve serious side effects. They are only recommended in severe cases.
Tags: fibrous breast, your breasts, your physician, your physician regarding, breast nodules, breast pain
