Fibrocystic Breast Condition/ Fibroadenosis

[dejags]

Since having my DD 10 months ago I have developed very lumpy breasts.

At first I thought it was related to the fact that I desparately tried to breastfeed - despite having had a breast reduction which did sever the milk producing glands and the nipple. By the time she was 8 weeks old I was concerned enough about the lumpiness of my breasts that my GP referred me for a Mammogram and High Resolution Scan. I was diagnosed as having Fibroadenosis (another term for Fibrocystic breasts).

Whilst I was obviously delighted that it was nothing sinister, I spend a HUGE amount of time worrying about my lumpy breasts. I have interimittent pain in sometimes one or both breasts - obviously it gets worst the closer I get to my period. My periods have also become more erratic since my third pregnancy and birth - I was always a 28 day a month girl, I sometimes now have a period every three weeks.

I suppose the reason I am starting this thread is to see if there are any mumsnetters out there who suffer from this condition - both from a reassurance perspective and to find out if anybody has found any good approaches to reducing the pain.

My DH's mum died of advanced breast cancer 4.5 years ago and I am incredibly anxious about this - all the time. I hate it and I am starting to feel as if it rules my life.

Any calming comments would be appreciated.

BTW - I will be 34 next month

i had it once - i do not remember what causal factors they gave but i found it very distressing
this was 8 years ago and it has totally totally resolved itself if that helps?

Thanks Paula, I am so glad that I am not the only one who finds it distressing.

I know I am prone to being a bit of a drama queen, but frankly I am terrified. So much so that I have booked for another private mammogram and scan next week (less than 9 months since the last one).

I don't know how to get past the fear and to realise that I'll probably live with this - at least until the onset of menopause and possibly forever.

I am so scared that I'll miss a malignant lump - my breasts are really lumpy and I am not sure that I'd be able to pick up a small change.

Hi dejags - sorry - I can't help with the fibrocystic breast but I can empathise about the anxiousness. I have a real thing about breast cancer at the moment - I lost my maternal grandmother to it and several ex-work colleagues have been dxd over the last few years all in their early 30's and 40's. I check my breasts every month but get in a huge panic over it - a complete sense of dread. I was pretty fixated with it when I was a teenager too (when my nan died) but did manage to put it aside.

I have AF every 3 weeks too.

Would the Pill help the breast problems or make things worse.

Hi Saggar - how are you?

I am not entirely sure if there is anything that can be done.

I am pretty sure it's all interlinked to hormonal changes. My PMT has all but disappeared since DD's birth - before I fell pregnant with her, I had horrific PMT. I would go into the most severe rages that could last for 36-48 hours - this doesn't happen anymore. I have always resisted the pill because it made me so bad tempered and I was worried about other long term side effects.

I had to take the MAP a few days ago and I am not sure if this is now linked to my breasts being so tender.

Arghhhh! I just want it to go away

well my fibrocystic breasts were a very transient problem which resolved themselves so please try not to worry

i did seek a second opinion at the time

thanks Paula - that's really reassuring.

My mum says exactly the same thing - except hers only resolved at the onset of menopause.

How long did it take for yours to resolve? Did it start after pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding?

Anybody else?

no.... i am unsure but i had a gap in child birthing and it was during this time

i also coincidentally was diagnosed with policystic ovarys although NOT the sydrome

these also completely self resolved

btw it may or may not be significant i was quite stressed at that time of my life

ah.. SNAP!

I was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries during my antenatal scans with DD. A scan after her birth showed that they had gone away on their own.

I have been SUPREMELY stressed lately.

oooohhhh how odd!!!!

I don't suppose your still on this app?? I am currently suffering the same, no children, came off the pill 1 year ago, since have had horrific pain in one boob. I've been doctors several times, twice referred to breast clinic, both times they did a physical examination but refused to scan me as they said they felt fine. Told me to change my bra, to a non wire (I'm not big breasted, at modest 32c, and petite) advised evening primrose which I've done at varying dosages. It's been two years and I still experience this agony. It isn't every day, but I'd say it's a good 3 weeks of the month and if anyone pushes on that boob, my husband or one of the dogs I wince in pain.
I'm convinced I have fibrocystic breast disease, and have been researching ways to help it, and have found sea kelp supplements keep coming up. Supposedly they provide a sufficient dosage of iodine which have a proven link to help Almost resolve 70% of the issues caused by fibrocystic breast. I'm going to buy some tomorrow and give it a shot - but just curious if you found anything to help? Especially as you had a clear diagnosis. Any help would be greatly appreciated - I've just turned 30 for reference, have always have horrible menstrual cycles, started the pill aged 15 due to bad periods which did resolve it, stopped taking it a year ago and they started again, along with ovulation pains.. I think it's all linked. Just constantly feel drained and in pain. And the doctors don't seem to care.