FIBROCYSTIC BREAST DISORDER
A common disorder afflicting women is the presence of tender fibrous masses of tissue within the breast. These masses typically contain a small amount of fluid, hence the term fibrocystic. Women with this problem may have a genetic component that causes them to be overly sensitive to methylxanthines (caffeine, chocolate, theophylline). From a nutritional view, low levels of iodine or essential fatty acids are associated with this problem. Constipation is another common problem that might contribute to the problem. Slow movement of food through the colon may cause larger quantities of estrogenic hormones to be reabsorbed. Hormonal imbalance is clearly implicated in this disorder since signs and symptoms disappear at menopause. It appears that estrogen is present in excessive levels compared to progesterone. Painful and tender breasts are part of PMS and are frequently due to fibrocystic change in the tissue.
Consumption of large amounts of coffee is strongly associated with more severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and fibrocystic nodules and pain.
Conventional treatment is to stop caffeine and monitor the breast nodules. Suspicious nodules may need to have a needle aspiration. If clear fluid is removed, there is little chance of cancer. If no fluid can be removed or if it is bloody, a biopsy of the nodule is usually done. Fibrocystic breasts nodules are not generally at increased risk for breast cancer.
A holistic approach to this problem would emphasize complete elimination of all caffeine and chocolate. A high fiber diet lowers the incidence of the disorder by 50%. It also lowers risk of breast cancer. A diet low in refined sugar, animal meat and dairy products is likely to be helpful.
Taking fish oils or flaxseed daily can increase essential fatty acids in the diet. For women low in iodine, a supplement with iodine can be tried to see if it helps. Excessive intake should be avoided since it can alter thyroid function and cause toxicity. The use of iodine is best done under supervision of a physician. The probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidus can increase excretion of estrogen from the colon and are worth a try since they have other beneficial effects on colon health. A 1981 study showed 75% of women put on synthetic thyroid hormone improved, even though blood tests of thyroid function were normal.
Observational studies show that times of increased stress are likely to cause increased tenderness and pain in the breast tissue. The antidote to stress is a regular practice of stress relieving activities such as meditation, biofeedback or visual imagery. Since the breasts are highly symbolic organs of sexuality, painful emotions around issues of sexuality could manifest as physical pain. Counseling, bodywork or energetic therapies (Reiki, acupuncture, homeopathy) can help to reveal and discharge these repressed emotions and promote healing.
Daniel Blodgett MD