How hormonal fluctuations affect your breast health

Feeling a lump in your breast tissue is rightfully concerning as it could be a sign of breast cancer. Though, millions of women fortunately discover the similar lump sensation is actually a benign condition called fibrocystic breast disease. However, it’s important to never assume a lump is caused by the benign, hormonal-based condition. Instead, always address any changes to your breast health with your health care provider.

Fibrocystic breast disease is most common in women aged 30 to 50 and is influenced by hormones. This means you may notice the symptoms come and go based on your menstrual cycle.

Symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease include:

• A moveable lump
• A rope-like texture
• Breast tenderness and swelling
• Nipple discharge

“It is important to differentiate between the two conditions since they can both present as a palpable breast mass,” says Dr. Celeste Cruz, a breast surgeon at Advocate Health Care. “Discomfort from fibrocystic breast disease is due to cyclical hormonal fluctuations around one’s menstrual cycle. Breast cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth and symptoms are persistent or worsening as cancer spreads.”

What to do if you feel a lump

“It is important to undergo an evaluation by a breast health specialist to rule out any malignancy so you can get detect and treat cancer early when it’s most treatable,” Dr. Cruz says. “This will also allow your health care provider to develop a comprehensive plan to address your breast tenderness if you do have fibrocystic breast disease.”

Evaluation typically includes a physical breast exam, mammogram and sometimes an ultrasound to help distinguish fibrocystic breast disease from breast cancer.

How is fibrocystic breast disease treated?

Once breast cancer is ruled out by a health care provider, you can try to relieve symptoms at home by:

• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Wearing supportive, well-fitted bras
• Applying heat or ice
• Being mindful of your sodium and fat consumption

Are you at risk for breast cancer? Take a free online quiz.