Mastalgia: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Mastalgia, or breast pain, is a sensation of pain felt in the breast area, which can be cyclic (related to the menstrual cycle) or non-cyclic. Cyclic mastalgia is often associated with hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle, and primarily affects premenopausal women, while non-cyclic mastalgia has no link to the menstrual cycle and can affect women of any age. The pain can range from mild to severe and may be felt in one or both breasts, sometimes radiating to the armpit or arm. In some countries, the incidence of mastalgia can reach up to 70% of women during their lifetime, although it is less frequent in Asian countries.

Etiologies

The etiology of mastalgia is not entirely understood. Hormonal variations, notably fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, are often implicated, especially in the case of cyclic mastalgia. It is also suggested that factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and the use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy could influence the onset of breast pain. Moreover, some studies have identified abnormalities in lipid metabolism and a hyperreactivity of prolactin to thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation (a hormone that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce prolactin) as possible contributing factors.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of mastalgia is based on clinical evaluation and the distinction between cyclic and non-cyclic mastalgia. It is important to differentiate mastalgia from other causes of breast pain, such as musculoskeletal or referred pain. Additional examinations, such as ultrasound or mammography, may be necessary to rule out other underlying pathologies, like breast cancer. Although mastalgia may rarely be the sole symptom of breast cancer, isolated breast pain is generally not associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Treatment

F Information and Reassurance: Offering clear information and reassuring the patient are essential first steps. This approach is often sufficient for mild to moderate cases of mastalgia.
F Wearing a Well-Fitted Bra: A bra providing good support can greatly help relieve pain, for both cyclic and non-cyclic mastalgia.
F Modification of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In some cases, adjusting the dose, formulation, or dosage regimen of hormonal treatments can reduce mastalgia. Discontinuing HRT may be necessary if the pain persists.
F Use of Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are recommended as first-line treatment for cyclic mastalgia due to their proven efficacy in clinical trials.
F Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Gel (NSAIDs): Topical application of an anti-inflammatory gel, such as diclofenac, is recommended for managing localized pain in mastalgia.
F Tamoxifen and Danazol: These two medications are recommended for cases where first-line treatments are not effective. Tamoxifen, at a dose of 10 mg per day, is particularly effective in reducing pain.