I was contacted by a woman in her mid forties who has been
experiencing extreme nipple tenderness (she describes it as inside
her nipples) during the second half of every monthly cycle. She said
it had started mildly about a year before, not every cycle, but was
now regular and very painful. She is not breastfeeding, but thought
I could help! There was no breast pain, no vasospasm signs, although
the pain sounded similar to that described by women with vasospasm.

I suggested she see her doctor, who thought that the woman may not be
producing adequate progesterone (early stage of menopause) and her
nipples were therefore affected by the unameliorated oestrogen.
Evening Primrose Oil was recommended for the second fortnight of her
cycle. The pain has not returned for two cycles now.  She says it is
a miracle!

I am wondering whether EPO might be beneficial in other types of
(internal) nipple tenderness such as vasospasm and during pregnancy.
I checked the label in my pharmacy today and it said EPO was a
valuable source of linoleic acid and gamma-linoleic acid which are
important in the body for prostaglandin production. May help relieve
pre-menstrual tension and may assist peripheral circulation.

Is EPO safe during pregnancy?  Has anyone used it for these purposes?
It is certainly popular in Australia for PMT and I have heard it
recommended for breastfeeding mothers to take as a source of good
oils for their babies. A local mother, 6 mths pregnant, has severe
vasospasm attacks on her nipples unless she keeps them warm. Might
it be useful for her?

Ros Escott IBCLC
Tasmania, Australia
Ros Escott
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