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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffEvening primrose oil is a fatty acid (linoleic acid) supplement that's available over-the-counter. Some evidence suggests that evening primrose oil, taken alone or in combination with vitamin E, may help minimize cyclic breast pain that can be associated with breast cysts. Although the exact mechanism isn't clear, experts believe that women deficient in linoleic acid are more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, resulting in breast pain associated with breast cysts.
- Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Non_Cancerous_Breast_Conditions_59.asp?sitearea. Accessed April 7, 2010.
- Lucas JH, et al. Breast cyst aspiration. American Family Physician. 2003;68:1983.
- Sabel MS. Overview of benign breast disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 9, 2010.
- Courtillot C, et al. Benign breast diseases. Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia. 2005;10:325.
- Understanding breast changes: A health guide for women. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understanding-breast-changes. Accessed April 9, 2010.
- Laronga C, et al. Breast cysts: Diagnosis and management. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 9, 2010.
- Miltenberg DM, et al. Benign breast disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2008;35:285.
- Pruthi S, et al. Vitamin E and evening primrose oil for management of cyclical mastalgia: A randomized pilot study. Alternative Medicine Reviews. 2010;15:59.
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