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Fibrocystic breast pain is a benign condition, which should not be confused with breast cancer, but it can cause significant pain for some women. Although sometimes in severe cases doctor will insert a needle and withdraw fluid to relieve the pain, there are also many self-care measures you can take to help relieve your symptoms.
Diet
Eliminate all forms of caffeine from your diet. This includes coffee, tea, chocolate and soda that contains caffeine. Some women benefit from reducing their sugar intake, and some benefit from decreasing their salt intake, especially in the week or two leading up their period.
Medication
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophin, ibuprofen or aspirin, can relieve the pain as needed. Also be sure to take any medications your doctor may have prescribed for the condition, such as birth-control pills. Post-menopausal women might want to consider discussing with their health-care provider about stopping hormone replacement therapy if they're currently on it.
Supplements
According to MayoClinic.com, some women find symptom relief if they take a daily supplement with 3,000 milligrams of evening primrose oil and 200 to 400 IU of vitamin E. MedlinePlus, on the other hand, notes that these supplements will probably do no harm, but states that there is not adequate research to support their use. If you want to use supplements, it's best to discuss it with your doctor.
Other Considerations
Wearing a good support bra during painful times is helpful for many women. Visit a local department store with a bra-fitting specialist for a proper fit. Going bra-less will usually only make the pain worse. Heating pads can also help relax muscles that tense up in response to the pain, and so can muscle relaxation techniques. Other women find that ice packs can ease their pain.
