Fibrocystic Breast Changes
More than half of all women will develop fibrocystic breast changes during their life. Fibrocystic
breast changes are when breast tissue becomes ropy or bumpy. Formerly referred to as
“fibrocystic breast disease,” it is now called “fibrocystic breasts,” “fibrocystic breast condition,”
or “fibrocystic breast changes” because it is not a disease at all.
Symptoms associated with fibrocystic breasts
Symptoms associated with fibrocystic breasts include:
 Breast lumps, usually affecting both breasts
 Breast pain or tenderness, usually affecting both breasts
 Nonbloody nipple discharge
 Increased pain and lumpiness during the second half of the menstrual cycle
Note: Symptoms usually do not occur postmenopause.
Risk of developing breast cancer
Having fibrocystic breasts usually does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer,
unless atypical hyperplasia, the abnormal overgrowth of cells lining the breast lobules and ducts,
is present. Development of fibrocystic breasts is frightening for both women and doctors,
because the changes can closely mimic the symptoms of breast cancer.
Treatments used for fibrocystic breast changes
Most women do not require any treatment. However, severe pain or large cysts sometimes
warrant fine-needle aspiration to drain the fluid from the cyst or surgical excision. Some women
choose to take birth control pills to lower the levels of cycle-related hormones that are linked to
fibrocystic breast changes.
In very severe cases, tamoxifen (an antiestrogenic drug) or danazol (an androgenic steroid drug)
is prescribed. However, both of these medications carry a high risk for unwanted side effects.
Certain hormonal abnormalities such as diabetes or thyroid disease can affect fibrocystic breasts;
so, it is important to have those conditions diagnosed and to closely follow the recommended
treatment plan.
Diet remedies for fibrocystic breasts
Limit or eliminate caffeine: Although it is not scientifically proven, many women experience
some relief by restricting their intake of coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate. If you want to cut back
on your caffeine intake, do so slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Decrease your fat intake: Decrease the fat in your diet to less than 20% of total calories, which
may decrease the discomfort associated with fibrocystic breasts. This equates to 40 grams (g) of
fat/day for a person eating 1800 calories/day or 33 g/day for a person eating 1500 calories/day.
Get an adequate amount of vitamin E: Research has shown an adequate amount of vitamin E
has a measurable effect in some women. The Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA,
recommends trying a 400 milligram (mg)/day dose. If this does not work, try 800 mg/day. If it
still does not work, discontinue use. Vitamin E is found in the following foods:
 Soybean, corn, cottonseed, and safflower oil
 Wheat germ
 Whole grains
 Green leafy vegetables
 Nuts
 Corn
 Seeds
 Olives
 Egg yolks
 Liver
Consider taking vitamin B6: Some literature suggests that vitamin B6 also may help to relieve
pain and discomfort associated with fibrocystic breasts. Consider supplements of 100 mg/day.
Vitamin B6 is found in the following foods:
 Chicken
 Fish
 Liver
 Pork
 Eggs
 Wheat germ
 Cooked dried beans and peas
 Soybeans
 Oats
 Peanuts
 Walnuts
 Green leafy vegetables
 Dried fruits
 Whole grains
 Cabbage
 Bananas
 Avocados
 Cauliflower
Limit your sodium intake: Limit the amount of sodium you consume during the week leading
up to menstruation. Avoid highly processed foods. Reach for whole, fresh foods instead.
Other methods of relief
Evening primrose oil: Some women use evening primrose oil to manage their fibrocystic
breasts, usually taking 3-4 g/day, divided into two doses. Individuals with a history of seizures,
women who are pregnant, or people who take aspirin, warfarin, or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, should not use evening primrose oil.
Physical activity: Some studies have shown that regular physical activity provides relief. Aim
for 30-60 minutes of physical activity/day.
Moist heat: If you are in pain, you also can try applying moist heat to your breasts a few times a
day.
References and recommended readings
Kaiser Permanente®. Health education: fibrocystic breast changes. Available at:
http://www.permanente.net/homepage/kaiser/pdf/47268.pdf. Accessed November 12, 2009.
Mayo Clinic. Fibrocystic breasts—comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment
and home remedies. Available at:
http://www.bing.com/health/article.aspx?id=articles%2fmayo%2fd28afafc6908982edfc88139d4
b417df.html&br=lv&q=fibrocystic+breast+disease&FORM=K1RE. Accessed November 12,
2009.
MedicineNet. Fibrocystic breast condition: fibrocystic change. Available at:
http://www.medicinenet.com/fibrocystic_breast_condition/article.htm. Accessed November 12,
2009.
RD411.com. Evening primrose oil. Available at:
http://www.rd411.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=355:eveningprimrose-oil&catid=99:herbal-fact-sheets&Itemid=393. Accessed November 12, 2009.
Swedish Medical Center. Fibrocystic breast condition. Available at:
http://www.swedish.org/body.cfm?id=487. Accessed November 12, 2009.
Review Date 12/09
G-1209