Dear Lactnetters, in response to the several cases of "fibrocystic" breast
changes we have seen over the past few weeks, here are a few suggestions from
Dr. Christiane Northrup's book, Women's Bodies , Women's Wisdom. Obviously
first consult a MD to r/o cancerous changes. Minimize estrogen's effect,
which obviously during pregnancy is no easy task. Lower refined carbs and
fats from diet, the cruciferous veggies cabbage, broccoli, kale, brussel
sprouts and turnips are high in indole-3-carbinol which have been shown to
decrease estrogen's ability to bind to breast tissue.Increase soluble fiber
which aids in the body's ability to secrete excess estrogen. Eliminate dairy
products, eliminate caffeine. Progesterone, for the non-pregnant and
non-lactating women has been shown to down regulate estrogen receptors after
a week or two of therapy. But this would not be an option for this patient.
Supplements of Evening Primose Oil and gamma linoleic acid help stem
inflammation resulting from excess levels of eicosanoids. I am uncertain of
the safety for pregnancy and lactation. Does anyone know of a good reference
for herbal remedies and supps /safety during preg/lact ? Vitamin E, A and
selenium also seem to be helpful. Castor Oil packs 3x a day. " Breast
symtpoms are often the body's way of getting us to nurture ourselves more
fully and allow others to help." Interestingly enough my mom is menopausal
and noted enlarged milk ducts on her mammogram many months ago. She was very
upset about this and her risk of cancer. During this time her and I were
having discussions about her decision not to breastfeed me and her loss of
control, her doctor denied her the choice to have a natural childbirth. As I
am an only child, and developing my abilities as a Lactation Specialist, I
think she was re- hashing some issues related to my birth and early
nurturing. We have since resolved these issues and her enlarged milk ducts
have disappeared on repeat mammogram. Hope this helps, Lisa Mooney RN, BSN ,
CLE
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