Penn Herb Wellness Guide

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Also indexed as:Breast Tenderness, Cyclic Mastalgia, Cyst (Breast), FBD, Mastalgia (Cyclic)
Breast tenderness and lumpiness may point to fibrocystic breast disease (FBD), a non-life-threatening but uncomfortable condition that affects many women. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
Fibrocystic Breast Disease: Main Image

About This Condition

Fibrocystic breast disease (FBD) is a term given to a very common group of benign conditions affecting the breast in younger women.

Symptoms

Both breasts become tender or painful and lumpy, and these symptoms vary at different times in the menstrual cycle. Despite the fact that signs and symptoms of FBD appear to be quite distinct from textbook signs and symptoms of breast cancer, any lump in the breast should be diagnosed by a doctor to rule out the possibility of cancer.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Exercise may decrease breast tenderness. In one study, women who ran 45 miles per menstrual cycle reported less breast tenderness as well as improvement in other symptoms, such as anxiety.1

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.