BENIGN MASTALGIA
How does Benign Mastalgia Occur occur ?
The breast is a very sensitive organ which responds to small changes in the circulating female hormones which come from the ovary. It is thought that slight variations in the normal balance of these hormones, especially towards the end of the cycle, produce the pain in the breast. Treatment Involved for Benign Mastalgia
The most important step for you and your doctor is to exclude breast cancer and this is done by careful examination of the breast. Sometimes a breast x-ray (mammogram) is necessary. Frequently, it will be possible to reassure you just from this. In many patients, this reassurance alone is successful in treating breast pain because it removes the fear of cancer. However, you may find that the pain is so severe as to interfere with your daily activities. Then you may require further treatment. For example, you may find that your pain can be helped considerably by wearing a well-fitting brassiere. This may also be worn at night to give even greater relief. In some cases, tablet treatment will be needed. Of the non-hormone treatments, vitamin B6 and oil of evening primrose are commonly used, carry a reasonable chance of success and have no side-effects. The hormonal preparations have a greater chance of success but can produce side-effects. If the pain is particularly severe in the lead-up to your periods, it may be part of the premenstrual syndrome (PMT). A progesterone-like drug (dydrogesterone) may help if you take it for the 2 weeks before each period. We also know that breast soreness depends on at least some female hormone (oestrogen) being present in the circulation. Drugs which stop the oestrogens from being made (like danazol) may help. The good thing about benign mastalgia is that it does seem to go away, often for long periods of time. During Treatment for Benign Mastalgia
The non-hormonal preparations have no side-effects at all, but common side-effects of the hormonal tablets include weight gain, acne, no periods, nausea, and sometimes headaches. They can also produce menopause-type hot flushes. They cannot be taken over long periods of time: thinning of bones (osteoporosis) can occur because of low female hormone effect. You should tell your doctor should any side-effects during the treatment be experienced. After Treatment for Benign Mastalgia
You may unfortunately have to put up with discomfort until the menopause removes the effect of oestrogen. It is reassuring to know that there is no evidence that benign mastalgia ever leads to breast cancer later in life. If Benign Mastalgia is Left Untreated
Nothing. There is every likelihood that your symptoms would settle of their own accord in time. |
