Fibrocystic Disease of the Breast

A nonspecific diagnosis for a condition in which there are palpable lumps in the breasts, usually associated with pain and tenderness, that fluctuate with the menstrual cycle and that becomes progressively worse until menopause. At least 50% of women of reproductive age have palpably irregular breasts.

Causes

The Medical College of Pennsylvania found that iodine deficiency is a common cause of fibrocystic disease. Other factors include hormone imbalance and abnormal breast milk production, caused by high amounts of the hormone estrogen.

In fibrocystic disease round lumps that move freely and are either firm or soft are produced.

Symptoms

Tenderness and lumpiness of the breasts with pain, usually most severe before menstruation. The cysts may change in size.

In this disease, the cysts fill with fluid and fibrous tissue surrounds the cysts and thickens like a scar. The pressure causes pain. Fluid is reabsorbed by the breast tissue when a hormone imbalance or abnormal milk production occurs. The milk-producing glands multiply and carry milk into the supporting fibrous tissue, resulting in fibrocystic disease of the breast. As a woman ages, it becomes more difficult for the lymph system to absorb this fluid completely. Fluid is trapped and results in cysts and inflammation of the breast. These cysts are benign (not cancer).

A cyst is tender and moves freely; it feels like an eyeball behind the lid. A cancerous growth usually does not move freely, is most often not tender, and does not go away.

In a simple office procedure, the doctor can use a needle to diagnose fibrocystic disease. The needle is used to remove fluid from the cysts. A mammogram is usually taken to rule out cancer.

Nutrients

Coenzyme Q10, 100 mg. per day, is similar to vitamin E in action, but more potent and is a powerful antioxidant. Germanium, 100 mg. per day, is a fast-acting pain reliever and also improves tissue oxygenation. Kelp, 6 tablets per day, is a rich source of iodine (iodine deficiency has been linked to this disease). Primrose oil capsules, 2 capsules 3 times per day, is extremely important. It may work alone to reduce the size of the cysts. Vitamin E emulsion, 1,000 IU per day for a month (vitamin E supplements alone may resolve fibrocystic disease). Vitamin A, 15,000 IU per day, is necessary for the mucous membranes of the breast's ductal system. Beta-carotene, 10,000 IU per day. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and thiamine (B1) plus B complex, take 50 mg. each 3 times per day, is important in fluid reduction and hormone regulation. Vitamin C, 3,000-7,000 mg. per day in divided doses, is necessary for hormone production and balance, especially adrenal hormones. Multimineral complex, taken as directed on the label, helps balance body minerals. Proteolytic enzymes, taken as directed on the label, helps reduce secondary inflammation and pain.

Herbs

Clover, red
Echinacea
Goldenseal
Mullein
Pau d'arco
Poke root
Primrose, oil
Squaw vine

Recommendations

A low-fat, high protein diet is important. Eat more raw foods, including seeds, nuts, and grains. Be sure nuts are not rancid. Include in the diet, 3 or more times a day, apples, grapes, grapefruit, bananas, unroasted nuts, seeds, yogurt, and fresh vegetables. Include whole grains and beans also. Avoid alcohol, animal products, cooking oils from supermarket shelves, rancid foods, fried foods, salt, sugar, tobacco, and all white flour products. Avoid animal fats such as those found in bacon, sausage, gravies, ham, beef, and pork.

The most important substances to avoid are coffee, tea (except herbal teas), cola drinks, and chocolate. All these foods contain caffeine.

Suggestions

There have been good results using primrose oil to reduce the size of the cysts. Make a poultice of poke root for the breast. Check for hypothyroidism.