What is Breast Congestion?

What is Breast Congestion?

Do you have sore, tender, lumpy, fibrocystic, hormonal breasts? Of all the breast conditions we see, congested breast tissue would be present in the majority of women.

How do we get it?
The milk-secreting portion of your breast is composed of glandular cells that drain into lactiferous ducts. Premenstrually, these cells increase in size and number and the ducts themselves widen. Your breasts may become increasingly lumpy, swollen and tender as menstruation approaches. For some, this only lasts for a day or two; for others, it can be weeks of discomfort. Still others may find that their breast pain has no pattern. It tends to wax and wane.

Our breasts are also very sensitive to hormonal changes. This can result in fibrocystic breast changes with areas of dense, thick breast tissue, cysts, and breast lumps. High fat and high carbohydrate diets increase oestrogen levels that contribute to breast pain. Women with high levels of body fat have an additional problem, as fat actually manufactures oestrogen.

Caffeine is also a major cause of breast pain in women. Sources include coffee, tea, chocolate, cola and energy drinks.

Over time, too, we build up thickened tissue, scar tissue from mastitis or injury, accumulate toxins and heavy metals. Circulation and lymph flow can become less effective over time causing pain and tenderness.

What can we do about it?
Generally speaking, multiple lumps that fluctuate in size with the menstrual cycle are highly unlikely to be cancerous. If you are concerned, see your doctor. Changes in the breast skin or nipple or an isolated non-tender lump also merit a visit to your doctor. Congestion causing tenderness may not show up on a mammogram.

1.Do the 'Breast Bounce": Hold your bra straps and jiggle up and down to get some bounce happening in your breasts. This will create movement. Do any time.
2.Diet for anyone with PMS should consist of a Mediterranean type diet that consists of meals high in good-quality fruits and vegetables, low in red meats, sugars, and white flour, with moderate amounts of good-quality protein.
3.If you regularly consume dairy or animal products, buy organic products to minimize exposure to added hormones.
4.Take good quality supplements such as Vitamin D, essential fatty acids, Vitamin B-complex, selenium, iodine.
5.Exercise, such as walking or light running, has been found to help the symptoms of PMS.
6.Nurture your adrenals by decreasing the triggers for adrenalin or other stress hormone release through deep relaxation with meditation. Ensure restful sleep.
7.Although research support is not yet in place, common sense and clinical experience point to massage therapy in promoting breast health. Massage therapy is an effective "wellness" treatment for breasts, as breasts particularly need good circulation and tissue mobilisation for optimum health. Massage can also significantly reduce your cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increase your immune system. Imagine your breast is like a fist, clenched tightly. Cysts, toxins, hormonal tissue gets trapped and stagnates. Breast massage will open up your breast tissue, like unclenching your hand and opening your fingers. This will assist in improving circulation to introduce oxygen and nutrients in and toxins and congestion out of the breast. More information here: www.safebreastimaging.com.au/11.htm

Check your breast health now:
Did you make a new year's resolution to take better care of your own health? Does that include your breast health, which can be impacted by your general wellness? Have you put off having a check for a while? Get a picture of your breast health now, and take positive action.

Victoria Clinics:

Safe Breast Imaging, Kew: 1300 310 820
Natural Healing Centre, Mitcham: 03 9873 0966
The Remedy Place, Rowville, Lilydale: 03 9735 1720
Well Being Institute, Ashburton: 03 9885 7766
Sea Crest Health, Flinders: 03 5989 0699
Ageless Beauty, Kyabram: 03 5852 1166

Other clinics:
WA: North Perth, Victoria Park, Rockingham, Midland, Kinross, Mandurah, Bunbury, Wagin
Queensland: Bulimba, Ashgrove, Springwood, Clayfield, Caboolture, Buderim, Cairns, Ashmore, Tweed Heads, Byron Bay
New South Wales: Sydney, Bella Vista, Mosman, Dangar Island, Woy Woy, Camden, Wollongong, Canberra
To book: Ring a clinic direct that suits or ring 1300 310 820 for an appointment