Does Caffeine Have An Effect On Women's Breasts?

If you're like the majority of American adults, drinking coffee is part of your daily routine. The National Coffee Association of USA Inc.'s 2010 trends report reveals that 56 percent of adults consume the beverage. Coffee -- along with several other beverages -- contain caffeine, a stimulant that's been of concern for its potential effects on women's breasts. If you're experiencing breast pain or discomfort, reducing your caffeine intake may provide some relief. It is important, however, to have such symptoms evaluated by your physician.

Understanding Caffeine

Found naturally in certain plants, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. Consuming it causes your body to release stress or fight-or-flight hormones. An increased heart rate, insomnia and increased blood pressure are a few of the potential effects of this hormone release. Caffeine affects everyone differently, so how much you can consume without experiencing such effects varies. Consuming beverages with this stimulant can become part of your routine and suddenly cutting it from your diet could temporarily cause discomfort, such as headaches.

Fibrocystic Breasts

Considerable interest exists on how caffeine affects women's breasts as well. One major area of concern is the stimulant's effects on fibrocystic breasts. In this condition, the breasts' milk ducts become swollen and form movable cysts. This typically occurs during menstruation as hormone levels change. Some women with fibrocystic breasts find that removing caffeine from their diet helps them manage the condition; however, direct evidence supporting this is unavailable. In addition, caffeine doesn't cause breast cysts to develop, according to the Mayo Clinic's Dr. Sandhya Pruthi.

Effect on Hormones

Dr. Pruthi does point out, however, that caffeine's effects on hormones may affect your breasts. Caffeine stimulates the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which could eventually affect your reproductive hormone levels. These hormonal changes may contribute in breast pain and swelling, particularly during the premenstrual period. A 2006 study in "Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior" found that caffeine increased the release of cortisol in women during periods of stress.

Bottom Line

Although there is no direct evidence that caffeine affects the breasts, the fact that women with breast discomfort have found relief suggests that it may be worth a shot to reduce your intake if you're experiencing such symptoms. Keep in mind that while coffee, tea and sodas contain caffeine, they are far from the only things you'll need to watch out for if you decide to cut back. Chocolate, energy drinks and even certain medications contain the stimulant. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, limit your daily caffeine intake to no more than 200mg. Caffeine can reach the fetus and can also accumulate in your breast milk.