A cup of coffee or two with breakfast, tea with lunch, a soda at dinner, some chocolate for an evening snack -- all these scenarios involve caffeine. Caffeine isn't harmful to most people when used in moderation. When you have too much, you start to affect the delicate systems at work in your body. Those systems have a domino effect on each other and on your various organs and tissues -- especially those affected by hormones, such as your breasts.
Common Associated Breast Problems
The most common problem attributed to caffeine intake involves breast soreness, according to Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., for MayoClinic.com. Women may feel increased swelling and breast tenderness -- most likely before menstruation. Women with fibrocystic breasts, or non-cancerous lumps also point to caffeine as a potential enemy. These breast lumps may remain in a constant state, change size or come and go at different points in the menstrual cycle.
Caffeine and Breast Health Link
Caffeine hasn't been scientifically linked to breast problems, according to MedlinePlus. Various scientific studies failed to prove that caffeine causes soreness or fibrocystic lumps. Still, some women experience relief when they give up caffeine. The relationship between breasts and caffeine may lie in the body's hormonal system. Excess caffeine can cause high levels of stress hormones in your body. "The interplay of caffeine, stress hormones and reproductive hormones could play a role in premenstrual breast swelling and discomfort," says Pruthi.
Caring For Your Breasts
If you experience breast pain or breast lumps, it's important to see your doctor regularly. In between visits, it may be helpful to monitor your breast symptoms and your caffeine intake to see how caffeine intake affects breast health. In additional, perform monthly breast exams and record changes in your breasts' size, density, shape or texture. Share your findings with your doctor.
Hidden Caffeine
Cutting back on coffee and regular soda may be enough to ease symptoms, but some women have to give up caffeine entirely to experience relief from breast problems. Caffeine lurks in places you might not expect it. It's found in tea, chocolate, over-the-counter medicines and even some baked goods. Read food and medication labels carefully.
