Natural Treatment for Fibrocystic breast disease

Fibrocystic breast disease is a benign but sometimes painful condition, occurring in about 20% of pre-menopausal women and associated with a three times greater risk for the development of breast cancer. It can be caused by estrogen dominance, a high animal fat dietary intake and caffeine consumption. Pain and swelling from the breast cysts usually occurs in the second half of a woman’s menstrual cycles and typically affects both breasts.

Fibrocystic breast disease can be reversed by cutting down on high fat foods, especially hormone-containing foods like beef, pork, eggs, chicken and all dairy products. Avoid alcohol, sugar and white flour products, all of which encourage the development of breast cysts in sensitive individuals. Products containing caffeine and methylxantines like coffee, black tea, chocolate, cola drinks and some analgesics should be avoided. Eat more citrus fruits, beets, celery, carrots, artichokes, parsnips, spinach, cucumbers and antioxidant rich green foods like spirulina, chlorella, green kamut and barley green.

Supplements that may help shrink some of the swelling from breast cysts are Vitamin A, selenium, silicon, vitamin V6, vitamin E, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, pycnogenol from grape seed extract, flax seed oil, evening primrose oil and the pineal gland hormone melatonin. Melatonin works by blocking estrogen receptors and shows promise against both fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer. Some doctors have reported successful elimination of breast cysts using concentrated forms of iodine. Other B complex vitamins and lipotrophic factors such as choline, methionine and cysteine are also beneficial.

Natural progesterone cream directly applied on a daily basis to the affected breasts is another treatment option. Aside from its role in reversing osteoporosis, progesterone cream protects prevent breast cancer and reduces the incidence of ovarian cysts, endometriosis and uterine fibroids. It prevents fluid retention, fat deposits, vaginal dryness and urinary bladder infections. Women who suffer from both stress and a loss of libido will also benefit form the use of natural progesterone cream. Herbs that can be used effectively in treating fibrocystic breast disease include dong quai, burdock, alfalfa and pokeweed. Discuss these and other treatments for fibrocystic breast disease with your health care practitioner.