Constant cysts in my breasts, is this normal?

[SpongepantsSquareBob]

Help, I've got another cyst/lump in my breast. This is the third cyst I've found.
Two years ago, found a lump in right breast, went to docs, urgent referral to main hospital 80 miles away. Mammogram, ultrasound and aspiration of cyst. Had to go behind milk duct so some way to go.
Ouch but glad its done.
Last year, my left breast on underarm side -found a lump again. Knew it was jjust a cyst. Off to doc, routine referral. Mammogram again, ultrasound and same cheery wee consultant who was so kind. Aspiration of 3 cysts. Scans showed a large cyst on other side of left breast but it wasnt bothering me so left it. Also one spinal needle with no painkiller is enough for one day!
This last week, my left breast cyst has grown large enough to become uncomfortable. Its not quite at the stage where its painful yet but its pushing my breast out of shape again.
I really don't want this to be an annual thing as I feel like I'm wasting everyones time. Especially with the NHS the way it is just now. Here I come with my squiffy tits again while there are genuine people with proper lumpy boobs!
What would you do? Back to docs? 😕

Always back to docs. Can never ever be too careful. You are not wasting anyone’s time.

@Reindear thank you for your reply. There is a history of breast cancer in my dad's family so thats always in my head. But I know its a cyst, nothing to worry about. also I'm shit at mammograms! And needles!

I had a lot of these between the ages of 43 and around 50. The first few were infected so red, painful and needed antibiotics to treat before aspiration. They were definitely hormonal for me and now I'm post menopausal (I assume I am anyway - hard to be sure as no periods for a long time on Mirena) they haven't recurred. The first one was terrifying but it became routine.

The consultant told me always get them checked out. I have no family history of breast cancer, but he said it’s not worth the risk or stress, and it’s what they’re there for. I feel like I’m getting aspirated every 6 months or so - but I can handle those; it’s the mammograms that really hurt 😢

Thanks @not4profit that makes sense. I'm 44 and I guess it is hormonal. Mine are not infected thankfully, just full and uncomfortable. I'm glad its not just me and glad you no longer have them!
Thanks @FiddleFigs the consultant is right, the day you don't check is the day its not just a cyst. Every 6 months makes me feel better about my annual visits! How many cysts have you had done? I hear you about mammograms! First one ok, second one I kept moving cos squishing lumpy boobs is sore.
Back to the docs and then a day in the big city it is. Luckily DH can take DS to science museum so not too boring for them!
thank you

How do you think this is a waste of time? This is a medical requirement.

Because this is the third time. And I could live with it if it didnt jump out my bra.
I'm healthy normally. The NHS is so stretched just now, I feel silly almost.

@SpongepantsSquareBob - I've been on average twice annually for the past 4 years. Before that, it was less frequently, but enough for the consultant to joke "you again!". I don't always get aspirated - sometimes they ask me to leave it and see, and usually they do disappear. Only once has it gotten much bigger. And they only use the mammogram once a year - usually it's the ultrasound. I have rather small breasts, and it seems they're full of cysts of varying size. It is hormonal - I'm reassured that once I hit menopause, it will no longer be a problem. So at least there's that to look forward to 😅

@FiddleFigs thank you, its not just me! Bloody boobs! Mine aren;t massive either, when they're not full of cysts! They're just full of lots of little cysts, its only when they grow to be uncomfortable that I notice them. Last year, left boob, he emptied 3 out-the syringe was vile but I could see the cysts emptying on the ultrasound screen!
The big hospital I go to has a 'one stop shop' approach luckily so they treat straight away. The lovely wee consultant did recognise me too! he's so kind!
Bit worried about having so many mammograms, but they're just xrays so hope its ok.
This one feels attached to milk ducts, its quite prominent.
Actually looking forward to menopause 😂

Please go to docs. I've always been very cyst-y and as a result missed a lump which turned out not to be a cyst. I've just finished 3 weeks of radiotherapy. Always worth getting it checked out.

@TwigTheWonderKid This. Thank you, I'll book an appointment asap.
Glad you had it checked and got the treatment you needed.

Just a thank you to the lovely posters who rightly told me to go to docs. GP referred me non-urgent and I was in on Tues.
No mammogram as its been less than 6 months since last one. Just ultrasound and aspiration. Cyst was infected but no anti-b's needed.
New cyst cluster on left breast but we'll leave that for now. small ones starting again on right breast.
Met my fave nurse again so we actually had a laugh and a chat. They're so nice!
I'll likely be back in 6 months or so! :)

Thanks to squiffy boobed posters!

Another one with cysty boobs here. I've been at least yearly for the past 5-6 years. If it's less than year since last one, then no mammogram just u/s. The good thing is that they have regular images to use a baseline each time and any other changes that you may not have noticed, will be flagged up promptly. Always best to be sure!

And for those who find mammograms painful (I do especially when full of cysts), you can ask the radiographer to operate the plates manually. This gives more control as they close the plates more slowly. I was told that a 75% closure is usually enough to get a good image, so by doing it manually they can go inch by inch checking you're ok!

@JellyBeanFactory its good to know its fairly common amongst us ladies of an age!
That is fab to know about mammogram, thanks! I was really worried about mammogram this time as boob was so big I'm wearing my mum's bra!
I'll remember that for next time, thanks!
And there will be a next time!
Consultant suggested evening primrose oil capsules to soften glandular tissue in breast where cysts are pressing against it. Got some to try today.
Boob really sore today, it was indented after aspiration as skin had stretched over cyst but is a bit swollen now where needle went in. :)