Fibrocystic breasts are a condition defined as a painful sensation within the breasts accompanied by small lumps. The cause of fibrocystic breasts is unknown within the scientific community; however, it may be related to hormones created in the ovaries during menstruation. These hormones affect the breasts by making them feel lumpy, painful and swollen. Over half of women have fibrocystic breasts, and treatment for this condition typically consists of pain-relief medications and treating the breasts with a hot or cold pack. Vitamin E is noted as having potential benefit for pain relief concerning fibrocystic breasts, yet its true effectiveness is unknown to scientists.
Vitamin E Purpose
Vitamin E is an umbrella term used to describe a total of eight antioxidant compounds, which include four tocotrienol compounds and four tocopherol compounds. Out of the eight vitamin E antioxidants, only alpha-tocopherol is contained in your body in high concentrations. The primary purpose of this fat-soluble vitamin is to help protect and destroy the body from free radicals, which are rogue atoms responsible for causing a wide variety of health ailments. This vitamin is also responsible for the development of red blood cells as well as supporting the use of vitamin K within your body.
Vitamin E and Fibrocystic Breasts
Proponents of vitamin E for fibrocystic breasts claim this vitamin is capable of reducing pain and other symptoms. While Brown University Health Education states therapeutic doses of vitamin E for fibrocystic breasts may be prescribed by health care professionals, MedlinePlus reports no scientific data is available to showcase its effectiveness at treating this condition.
Recommended Dosage
The Linus Pauling Institute states the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin E for men and women 19 years and older and over is 15 mg per day. Pregnant women should also consume 15 mg of vitamin E per day, while breastfeeding women should increase the dosage to 19 mg per day. Because vitamin E is toxic in high doses, do not consume more without the direct consent of your physician.
Warnings
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports vitamin E supplementation may increase your risk of bleeding. This risk is enhanced if you're currently taking medications such as blood thinners. Always discuss the use of vitamin E with your doctor before starting a supplementation routine.
References
- MedlinePlus; Fibrocystic Breast Disease; Debra G. Wechter, M.D., F.A.C.S., et al.; January 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Fibrocystic Breasts; August 2010
- Brown University Health Education: Fibrocystic Breasts
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin E; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., et al.; June 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin E; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; December 2009
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