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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

You might find relief from symptoms of fibrocystic breasts through one of these home remedies:

  • Wear a firm support bra, fitted by a professional, if possible.
  • Wear a sports bra during exercise and while sleeping, especially when your breasts are extra sensitive.
  • Limit or avoid caffeine, a dietary change many women report as helpful, although medical studies of caffeine's effect on breast pain and other premenstrual symptoms have been inconclusive.
  • Decrease the fat in your diet, which may decrease breast pain or discomfort associated with fibrocystic breasts.
  • Reduce or stop taking hormone therapy if you're postmenopausal — but be sure to talk to your doctor before making any change in your prescription medications.
  • Use a heating pad or warm water bottle to relieve your discomfort.
Alternative medicine Treatments and drugs

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References
  1. Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/womenshealth/non-cancerousbreastconditions/non-cancerous-breast-conditions-fibrocystic-changes. Accessed Feb. 14, 2013.
  2. McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2010. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=8538. Accessed Feb. 14, 2013.
  3. Frequently asked questions. Gynecologic problems FAQ026. Benign breast problems and conditions. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq026.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130214T1505295029. Accessed Feb. 14, 2013.
  4. Golshan M, et al. Breast pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 14, 2013.
  5. Pruthi S, et al. Vitamin E and evening primrose oil for management of cyclical mastalgia: A randomized pilot study. Alternative Medicine Review. 2010;15:59.
  6. Understanding breast changes: A health guide for women. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/screening/understanding-breast-changes. Accessed Feb. 14, 2013.
  7. Ferrara A. Benign breast disease. Radiologic Technology. 2011;82:447M.
  8. Sabel MS. Breast masses and other common breast problems. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 14, 2013.
  9. Evening Primrose oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Feb. 14, 2013.
  10. Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 19, 2013.
  11. Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. Feb. 25, 2013.
DS01070 March 8, 2013

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