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This condition occurs after ovulation, increasing in intensity during the premenstrual phase and then receding at menstruation. It is often associated with PMS, but studies are reporting that most women with this disorder do not have PMS. Some experts believe, then, that this condition may be a unique chronic pain syndrome and require treatments that are different from those of PMS. A 2003 study suggested that women with mastalgia, both cyclical and noncyclical, may have wider milk ducts than others. The wider the duct, the more severe and persistent the pain.
Managing Cyclical Mastalgia
Life-style approaches designed to relieve cyclical mastalgia include the following:
- Support bras.
- Reducing caffeine.
- Quitting smoking.
- Taking vitamin E.
- Taking primrose oil or flaxseed oil.
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers (Advil or aspirin).
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Severe cases may require potent drugs, such as bromocriptine mesylate (Parlodel), danazol (Danocrine), or tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex). However, these agents all have severe side effects and life-style measures should be tried first.
Breast Cancer Fears
Many women with cyclic mastalgia are worried about an increased risk for breast cancer. It is not yet known if such concern is warranted. One study found that women with cyclical mastalgia had a greater incidence of abnormal breast cells than those without severe premenstrual breast pain. More research is still needed to confirm any increased risk for breast cancer. These women are more likely to have mammograms at an early age than others, although mammograms are not generally useful in detecting breast cancer in women under 35.
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