Breast pain is a common complaint among pre- and perimenopausal women, according to Mayo Clinic.com. Mastalgia can come in many forms and from different areas on the breast. For many, breast pain is a common monthly theme consistent with the menstrual cycle. Taking vitamin E may alleviate pain and improve the health of your breasts.
Breast Nodules
The female breast is made primarily of fat and connective tissue. However, breasts also contain blood vessels, milk ducts, lobes, lobules and lymph nodes. A normal breast feels nodular particularly toward the outer area of the breast tissue. The nodularity of the breast may be the most common area for pain, particularly during menstruation.
Types of Breast Lumps
According to Medline Plus, there are three specific types of lumps that are detectable in breast tissue that are not necessarily correlated with breast cancer. A woman may incur fibrocystic changes which are normal changes in the breast tissue that occur typically during the reproductive years. Women with fibrocystic breasts may feel pain and tenderness at the site of lumps. A fibroadenoma is a harmless tumor inside the breast that is not usually painful nor does it often lead to cancer. Cysts are sacs within the breast filled with fluid that may occur before your period that can be painful or tender.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is considered an alternative medical treatment for pain and tenderness in the breasts. According to the website MayoClinic.com, there is evidence suggesting that vitamin E may help dull cyclical pain in the breasts. You can try taking a supplement of 400 IU of vitamin E three times per day. However, check with your doctor before taking any new supplement.
Breast Cancer
Certain types of vitamin E may be effective at reducing the development of breast cancer. According to Dr. Michelle Morrow, M.D. in her report in Life Extension Magazine. Tocotrienols an oil-based form of vitamin E may help reduce cancer growth by stimulating breast cancer cell apoptosis, or programmed cellular death. More research is needed to understand the full effects of vitamin E on breast cancer. Before taking any supplements, always check with your physician first.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Breast Anatomy; October 2009
- American Academy of Family Physicians; The Evaluation of Common Breast Problems; Monica Morrow, M.D.; 2000
- Medline Plus; Breast Lump; Dan Sacks, MD; August 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Breast Pain; July 2010
- Life Extension Magazine; Does Vitamin E Prevent Breast Cancer?; Michelle Morrow, M.D; May 2002
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