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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Mission, TX

Any women on here also have this? I was diagnosed last month with it and it would explain some symptoms I was having. But does anyone have issues with their breasts/Nipple? To be clear, I have had the exams and ultrasounds and everything checks out fine. No lumps, or other alarming symptoms. I was told I have fibrocystic and dense breast. My only issue is the itching and nipple sensations. Its mainly on my left breast, can hit my right, but not nearly as often. Anyone experience this with PCOS… read more

April 5, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members with PCOS and fibrocystic breasts connected over shared experiences of breast itching and nipple sensations, with many confirming that... Read more

Members with PCOS and fibrocystic breasts connected over shared experiences of breast itching and nipple sensations, with many confirming that asymmetric itching (often worse on one side) is common and typically normal, though several emphasized the critical importance of regular breast checkups since dense tissue can make cancer harder to detect. Several members offered practical strategies including using fragrance-free detergents, rinsing undergarments twice, avoiding fabric softeners, and considering low-dose vitamin E for discomfort, while also sharing personal stories of managing PCOS symptoms like weight gain, facial hair, and hair loss. A recurring and powerful theme was the need for self-advocacy, with multiple members urging others not to accept dismissive answers about cysts or lumps, to push for additional testing like MRIs when something feels wrong, and to stay vigilant with checkups because early detection can be lifesaving.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Fibrocystic breasts are composed of tissue that feels lumpy or rope-like in texture. Doctors call this nodular or glandular breast tissue.

It's not at all uncommon to have fibrocystic breasts. More than half of women experience fibrocystic breast changes at some point in their lives. In fact, medical professionals have stopped using the term "fibrocystic breast disease" and now simply refer to "fibrocystic breasts" or "fibrocystic breast changes" because having fibrocystic breasts isn't really a disease. Breast changes categorized as fibrocystic are considered normal.
The exact cause of fibrocystic breast changes isn't known, but experts suspect that reproductive hormones — especially estrogen — play a role.

Fluctuating hormone levels during your menstrual cycle can cause breast discomfort and areas of lumpy breast tissue that feel tender, sore and swollen. Fibrocystic breast changes tend to be more bothersome before your menstrual period, and the pain and lumpiness tends to clear up or lessen once your menstrual period begins.

When examined under a microscope, fibrocystic breast tissue includes distinct components such as:

Fluid-filled round or oval sacs (cysts)
A prominence of scar-like fibrous tissue (fibrosis)
Overgrowth of cells (hyperplasia) lining the milk ducts or milk-producing tissues (lobules) of the breast
Enlarged breast lobules (adenosis)

April 5, 2019
A MyFibroTeam Member

I agree, Paget's disease is a breast cancer showing up on the outside of the breast, changes in skin, itching, discoloration etc. Any discharge when not pregnant needs to be evaluated. Stay safe, get regular check-ups

April 8, 2019
A MyFibroTeam Member

yes I have PCOS since I was 17 and I have had on and off the same with my breast and they check me and done mammograms but say its fine just a few cyst , It has also made me gain weight and have facial hair I have to remove everyday and my hair is falling out as well. I hope you get better.

April 7, 2019
A MyFibroTeam Member

I was told I had fibrocystic breast disease soon after I began developing. I was extremely sore, and had the itching you mentioned from time to time. Please make sure you have regular breast checkups. I did and was so glad, as I got breast cancer in both breasts in my late 40s. It was harder to diagnose because of the dense breast tissue. I don't want to worry anyone, just stay informed. Sometime you have to push for more than the standard mammogram if you suspect a problem.

April 5, 2019
A MyFibroTeam Member

My sweet friend @A MyFibroTeam Member again, a wealth of knowledge! I am proud to call you friend. Love you sister xxx

April 5, 2019

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