What are some common fibrocystic breast changes?
Fibrocystic breast changes are symptoms you may feel in your breasts right before your period. Your breasts may feel lumpy, swollen, or sore. This is a very common condition. It is not a disease. It is not cancer. Your doctor can rule out problems and help ease your symptoms.
What do fibrocystic breast changes feel like?
Changes in hormone levels during your menstrual cycle affect your breasts. If you have fibrocystic breasts, your breasts may feel sore. This can often happen before your period. Your breasts may swell or feel lumpier at this time.
You may feel more breast lumpiness as you enter middle age. That is when the glandular tissue in your breasts that makes milk gives way to softer, fatty tissue.
People with lumpy breasts may have other noncancer (benign) breast conditions.
Caring for your breasts
Breast lumpiness can make it harder to tell if you have new lumps to be concerned about. Breast self-awareness is the key to caring for your breasts. If you have lumpy breasts, it is important to learn what your breasts normally look and feel like. This will help you find any breast changes more easily. Call your doctor right away if you notice any changes. It is also important to get mammograms as often as directed by national guidelines and your doctor. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and American Cancer Society have different guidelines. Talk with your doctor about the right schedule for you.
Featured in
Personalized care starts with the right provider
Search by specialty, location, and more.
FIND A DOCTORRelated Articles
Breast Cancer: Genetic Testing
If you are believed to be at risk for a hereditary cancer syndrome, genetic testing can be helpful. It can be used to look for the gene changes linked to these syndromes.
Endometrial Cancer: Symptoms
The main symptom of endometrial cancer is unusual vaginal bleeding. Read this to learn about this and the other symptoms of endometrial cancer and when to see your doctor.
Breast Pain (Mastalgia)
There are two main types of breast pain. The most common type is linked to the menstrual cycle and is almost always hormonal.
For Women: Take This Risk to Heart
Heart disease is the top killer of women. Most women between the ages of 40 and 60 have at least one risk factor for the disease. But many don't realize it.
