Breast fibroids, also called fibrocystic breast disease, are benign but painful lumps in the breasts affected by hormonal changes over the menstrual cycle. Although caffeine is frequently cited as a cause of breast fibroids, as of 2011 there is no conclusive evidence that caffeine consumption contributes to changes in breast tissue. However, caffeine does interact with stress hormones in your body, which over time can affect reproductive hormones.
Breast Fibroids
Despite the name fibrocystic breast disease, breast fibroids are not actually a disease but rather changes to the glandular breast tissue. According to the Mayo Clinic, breast fibroids are common, affecting more than half of all women at some point in their lives. Although benign, breast fibroids can cause pain, tenderness and swelling, and symptoms tend to become more evident just before menstruation. Breast fibroids feel rubbery to the touch and are movable beneath the skin surface. Fibroids typically affect women beginning in their 30s, and symptoms tend to subside after menopause.
Breast Fibroid Causes
Changes in the breast tissue arise from the normal hormonal fluctuations over the course of the menstrual cycle. While the exact cause of breast fibroids remains unknown, experts suspect that the hormones estrogen and progesterone play a role in stimulating breast cell growth. The breast also produces hormonal products from its glandular and fat cells that can send signals to surrounding cells that result in the development of fibroids.
Breast Fibroids and Caffeine
Scientific data does not support the assertion that caffeine consumption causes breast fibroids. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking caffeinated beverages may worsen fibroid symptoms, especially around the time of menstruation. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that women may find symptom relief if they avoid caffeine. Despite speculations that high caffeine intake is a risk factor for breast cancer, as of 2011 there is no firm data to support this relationship. However, researchers have found that among women with benign breast disease such as fibroids, caffeine consumption is associated with higher breast cancer risk. Data from the longitudinal Women's Health Study -- analyzed by researchers at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Tokyo Women's Medical University -- found a significant positive breast cancer association among women with benign breast disease who consumed four or more cups of coffee a day.
Caffeine and Hormones
While caffeine does not directly affect reproductive hormones in your body, it does stimulate the release of the stress hormone cortisol. While periodic elevations in cortisol levels are natural, sustained high levels can result in damage to your health, as well as cellular and tissue alterations. Over time, high cortisol levels can impact reproductive hormones, and possibly affect breast tissue, resulting in fibroids.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Fibrocystic Breasts
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Fibrocystic Breast Changes
- Mayo Clinic: Does Caffeine Cause Breast Cysts?
- University of New Mexico; Cortisol Connection: Tips on Managing Stress and Weight; Christine A. Maglione-Garves et al.
- Medscape News; Caffeine and Nicotine May Influence Breast Cancer Risk; Roxanne Nelson; October 2008
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