Most women develop breast pain, known as mastalgia, at some stage in life (1). In most cases the pain develops in the days just before a period, sometimes accompanied by lumpiness and an increase in breast size, and is probably hormone related. In a few cases the pain is not related to periods. Usually the pain is mild, causing a nuisance, but in some women it is more severe and can affect quality of life. Activities such as jogging or gym work can be painful as can simple things such as hugging children and sexual activity. Some women find that they are psychologically affected and may suffer depression, a feeling of helplessness and loss of self-esteem. Conventional treatment options include painkillers and topical (rub-on) anti-inflammatory drugs which may have side-effects.
Often the problem may only last 3-6 menstrual cycles before disappearing for a couple of years but may reappear over time. The role of diet in preventing or minimising breast pain is unclear and further investigative studies are necessary.
Caffeine
Cutting out caffeine may help prevent breast pain. Although there are no scientific studies to support the idea, many women have found that caffeine makes their pain worse. In the week or so before a period it may be worth trying to cut out caffeine containing drinks such as coffee, tea and cola which contain caffeine to see if this helps the symptoms(1).
Fatty acids
Women who suffer with mastalgia have alsobeen found to have abnormal plasma fatty acid profiles (1), but the role of dietary fats in the cause of breast pain has not yet been rigorously tested. Omega 3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation in the body which can often lead to pain, so it may well be worth taking an omega 3 fatty acid supplement (providing around 250mg EPA and 250mg DHA per day) daily for a couple of months to see if it provides any benefit.
Herbal help – Vitex Agnus Castus, a treatment worth trying!
The herb, vitex Agnus Castus, also known as chasteberry, grows in subtropical climates throughout the world. Hippocrates and other physicians of ancient Greece used the herb for the treatment of many ‘female ills’. The herb itself does not contain any hormones, or hormone-like substances but it does appear to have an effect on part of the brain known as the pituitary gland which controls the production of the hormone progesterone from the ovaries. It also appears to stop the excessive production of a hormone called prolactin which usually regulates breast-milk production but also has other, lesser-known, actions. Prolactin is thought by some scientists to be responsible for period-associated breast-pain.
Agnus Castus certainly seems to be helpful in the treatment of breast pain
A recent review study published earlier this year(2) concluded that there was convincing evidence, both laboratory based and clinical, that Agnus Castus is a safe, efficient and effective treatment for cyclical mastalgia, breast pain associated with the monthly menstrual cycle. Available medical studies are small but do show that the herb can elicit a 45%-85% reduction in breast pain.
Agnus castus is readily available from high-street chemists and health-food stores as well as on the internet. It may be worth trying an agnus castus supplement for a few months if your breasts often get tender just before your period.
Please see your doctor if you have any concerns about breast pain or any other breast symptoms. In particular, see a doctor immediately if you feel any lump in a breast.
(1) Mansel RE. 1994. ABC of breast diseases. Breast pain. BMJ. 309(6958):866-8.
(2) Carmichael AR. 2008. Can Vitex Agnus Castus be Used for the Treatment of Mastalgia? What is the Current Evidence? Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 5(3):247-50.
Written by Ani Kowal
Related posts:
- Vitex Agnus Castus, a herb that may help women suffering with PMS
- Review study finds that a healthy diet may help reduce the risk of breast cancer
- Fish oil supplements associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer
- Can ginger ease muscle pain?
- Certain types of carbohydrates seem to be linked to the risk of developing breast cancer
