namaste Hariatma


Fibrocystic breast disease (FBD) is a common benign condition of
premenopausal women that may or may not occur with the variance in
hormonal levels experienced during the estrus cycle. Although many
women display areas of relatively indistinct breast lumpiness, FBD
refers to small benign tumors that are well-circumscribed and feel a
like slippery marble to the touch. The primary symptoms of FBD are
irregularly lumpy and swollen breasts that feel heavy, aching and sore.
In most cases the pain is worst just prior to menstruation and as such
can be considered to be a form of premenstrual syndrome. In other cases
however, the pain is ongoing with no cyclical change. It is important
to get an accurate diagnosis as some of the symptoms resemble that of
breast cancer.

The exact cause of FBD still eludes researchers but it appears that it
is aggravated by a relative estrogen excess. During the follicular
phase of the estrus cycle estrogen stimulates the production of
lactiferous glands and the supporting stromal layers of the breast.
After ovulation, when progesterone elevations are elevated, prolactin
levels begin to increase to trigger glandular changes in the breast. If
conception does not occur however, the newly formed breast apparatus
begins to break down. It is thought that in FBD however, that the
growth and development of new tissues in the breast is faster than the
process of degeneration and resorption, which is essentially a function
of pitta. Small pockets of cellular debris and trapped secretions are
formed, and these may coalesce to form fluid-filled cysts - thus this
dysfunction of pitta promotes kapha. Although the cysts can be
surgically excised they frequently reappear, and thus little treatment
is offered. Women who have FBD however have four times the risk of
developing breast cancer, and thus some form of preventative treatment
is appropriate. Further, women with low thyroid function have a
greater incidence of FBD as well as breast cancer.

The possible hormonal dynamics of FBD include a relative excess
estrogen, deficient progesterone, excess prolactin, excess aldosterone
and deficient dopamine - sometimes these imbalances are also associated
with impaired thyroxine synthesis or sensitivity. Estrogen is the
major in this regard, and thus measures to keep it under control
(relative to progesterone) are important. Both prolactin and
aldosterone can promote the breast swelling and tenderness, whereas
deficient progesterone and dopamine promote the effects of the other
hormones as well as promote the accompanying depression and anxiety
seen in PMS. Taking all this into consideration consider herbs that
upregulate the liver and correct pitta, to conjugate and eliminate the
circulating estrogens, such as turmeric, guggul and dandelion root.
Ensuring proper bowel function and promoting a proper gut ecology is
also key in this regard, as pathogenic bacteria can DE-conjugate
estrogen and cause it to be reabsorbed back into the body. Eating
extra fiber and naturally fermented foods (non-pasteurized pickles,
saurkraut, miso, yoghurt, apple cider vinegar etc.) can also be
helpful. Herbs that support progesterone are important, including
shatavari, peony root and chastebery; this last herb also inhibits
prolactin and is dopaminergic and thus can help with mood, but you
might consider ashwagandha and damiana for depression. All of these
are also helpful herbs to make the transition into menopause as well.
To reduce and limit the effects of excess aldosterone potassium-rich
herbs such as dandelion leaf and catnip are helpful - excess
aldosterone is also promoted in a magnesium deficiency. Activating the
liver with the herbs above also has benefit in thyroid function, which
can be depressed in fibrocystic breast disease - another measure here
is to take additional iodine (0.25 mg daily) or better yet, eat 10-15 g
of seaweed (e.g. kombu, nori, wakame, dulse, kelp etc.) daily, which is
a natural and safe source of iodine. Other helpful supplements include
beta carotene (50,000 IU daily), vitamin B complex (50 mg daily),
vitamin E (800 IU daily), and GLA and EPA-rich oils (5-10 g daily).
One remedy I like to use topically is eranda taila (castor oil), if
possible infused with poke root (Phytolacca decandra)- this can be
applied twice daily over the lumps to break up kapha and congestion.
As far as diet is concerned, avoid coffee/tea, chocolate, refined flour
products, sweets and an excess of saturated fats.

best wishes.... todd caldecott

>
> I discovered lumpy breasts about Feb 11th and went here to a nurse
> practitioner and got a breast check and pap smear. The pap was fine.
> She advised a mammagram. The radiologist told me I have fibrocystic
> breasts and one of the lumps on my left breast she suggested a surgeon
> do a needle biopsy; It looked 'suspicious.' I guess blood means cancer
> and fluid equals a cyst. Presently I am 55yrs old. I still have
> periods, though they are not regular. The last one came the day the
> pap smear came and it lasted 3days. Previous to that they were minimum
> 2weeks, but not every month. I figure this is menapause, but since the
> periods are here somewhat, doctors call it perimenapause. I am very
> depressed lately, low energy. Today there was this rash that came on
> me looks like paint , white paint begins on the index finger and the
> thumb, inner area adjacent to the nail of thumb towards index finger.
> As rapidly as it came it vanished. Same rash has come on my 12 yr old
> son. It appeared on his knees, itches and looks like paint, burning
> also, then it went to the bottom of his feet. I put lemon on it and it
> went away. This was awhile ago. Anyone know what the rash is? Any
> suggestions about fibrocystic breasts and what to do about the
> 'suspicious' breast lump.I feel like my hormones are out of whack,
> because of the depression. During pranayam yesterday my right nostril
> was blocked, the right chamber of my heart is possibly closed?
> Everything is bothering me, from the destruction of my neighberhood,
> to the western divided way at examining the body, devoid of the soul,
> to where is the flour?! All of what is happening is lack of grace.
> According to Yogi Bhajan, my beloved teacher, that points to an
> estrogen imbalance, hormonal imbalance.How would an Ayurvedic doctor
> help me? I really need some help. Thanks for your time.

Subject:
Todd Caldecott
todd@...
www.toddcaldecott.com

"For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public
relations, for Nature cannot be fooled."
-Richard P. Feynman