Breast cysts, also known as breast fibroids or fibrocystic breast, are benign but often painful lumps in the breast affected by hormonal fluctuations over the course of the menstrual cycle. Although many women report that caffeine consumption aggravates symptoms of breast cysts, as of 2011 there is no conclusive evidence to support claims that caffeine causes cysts. However, caffeine does interact with stress hormones in your body, and elevated levels over time can affect reproductive hormones and breast health.
Breast Cysts
Although breast cysts are commonly described as benign breast disease, they are not disease but rather changes to the glandular or nodular breast tissue. Breast cysts feel rubbery to the touch and are movable beneath the breast surface. The condition is common, and according to the Mayo Clinic affects more than half of all women at some point in their lives. Cysts typically emerge when a woman is in her 30s, and symptoms diminish significantly after menopause. Although benign, breast cysts cause discomfort, and are characterized by pain, tenderness and swelling. Symptoms tend to be worse just before menstruation.
Breast Cyst Causes
Changes in the texture and composition of breast tissue can result from normal hormonal fluctuations over the menstrual cycle. While the precise cause of breast cysts has not been established, experts surmise that the hormones estrogen and progesterone play a significant role. The breast also generates hormonal products in its glandular and fat cells that transmit signals to surrounding cells that can stimulate the development of cysts.
Breast Cysts and Caffeine
Scientific data does not support the allegations that caffeine intake contributes to breast cysts. However, women report that drinking caffeinated beverages often exacerbate cyst symptoms, particularly just before the beginning of menstruation. Given the anecdotal evidence, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that women may find cyst symptom relief if they avoid caffeine.
Caffeine, Breast Health and Hormones
Although caffeine consumption does not directly affect the reproductive hormones in your body, it does activate the release of the stress hormone, cortisol. Periodic increases in cortisol levels are natural, and can serve beneficial ends, but sustained high levels can impair your health and result in cellular and tissue alterations.
Over time, persistently high cortisol levels can affect reproductive hormones, and as a result possibly affect breast tissue. The possible relationship between caffeine and breast cancer has generated significant attention, and researchers have found that among women with benign breast disease, such as cysts, caffeine consumption is associated with higher breast cancer risk.
Using data from the longitudinal Women's Health Study, researchers at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Tokyo Women's Medical University identified a significant positive breast cancer association among women with benign breast disease who consumed four or more cups of coffee a day.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Fibrocystic Breasts
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Fibrocystic Breast Change
- 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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