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Things you need to know about hyperplasia of the breast

Updated: 2021-03-17

       

I. What is hyperplasia of the breast?

Simply put, it is a physiological change caused by the proliferation and imbalance of mammary gland tissue under the action of the cyclical changes of sex hormones in the body. It is manifested as the enlargement of breast volume, sometimes accompanied by pain and even palpable masses.

In fact, it is a physiological change of the mammary gland. In other words, hyperplasia of the breast is not a disease, but a normal physiological process.

II. Causes of hyperplasia of the breast

It is generally believed that the relevant causes are:

1. Endocrine factors: Increased estrogen level, decreased progesterone level or an imbalance of the estrogen and progesterone ratio.

2. Emotional factors: In modern society, people are under life and work pressure, and emotional wellbeing can be negatively impacted by stress.

3. Dietary factors: Many women ingest health products indiscriminately in order to delay aging. These so-called health products are often rich in estrogen, causing endocrine disorders.

Irregular living habits, staying up late, smoking, drinking, caffeine, a high-pressure lifestyle, no childbirth, no breastfeeding or short-term breastfeeding, and long-term medication (causing hormone changes in the body) may cause or aggravate hyperplasia of the breast.

III. Types of hyperplasia of the breast

Most types of hyperplasia of the breast have nothing to do with breast cancer. But pathological hyperplasia must not be ignored.

1. Physiological breast hyperplasia

This type of hyperplasia is produced by changes in the level of estrogen and progesterone in the body. It usually manifests as cyclical pain on both sides of the breast and occurs within one week of menstruation. It will disappear naturally after menstruation ends.

2. Pathological breast hyperplasia

Atypical hyperplasia can appear for a variety of reasons. It is usually manifested as breast lumps, breast tenderness and even nipple discharge.

For people suffering from physiological breast hyperplasia, the incidence rate of malignant tumors in the breast is about 1.5 times that of ordinary people. Meanwhile, people suffering from pathological breast hyperplasia experience malignant breast tumors at 3-4 times the ordinary rate. Therefore, physiological breast hyperplasia usually requires no treatment and intervention, while pathological breast hyperplasia requires further examination by medical professionals.

IV. Can breast massages in beauty salons treat hyperplasia of the breast and prevent breast cancer?

No!

Breast massage is not helpful for hyperplasia and the unscientific and aggressive massage method will only aggravate existing breast problems. Also, the composition of the so-called essential oils used in breast massages is not clear. If there are hormones in the oils, they will have a certain stimulating effect on the mammary glands. If there are tiny, undetected malignant tumors in the breast, massage will accelerate the spread of these tumors.

V. How to prevent and deal with hyperplasia of the breast

1. Live a healthy lifestyle and maintain a good mood

Work and rest regularly, avoid staying up late, maintain a good mood, learn to decompress and exercise properly.

2. Healthy diet, balanced nutrition

Eat a light diet, eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains; try to eat less high-calorie fried foods; avoid blindly taking health care products, especially those rich in estrogen, such as royal jelly, propolis, etc.

3. Cosmetics or drugs

When buying cosmetics, pay attention to whether the product contains estrogen; practice proper contraception – do not unnecessarily take emergency contraceptives.

4. Don't blindly trust folk prescriptions

Many folk prescriptions have no scientific basis, no obvious effects and may even aggravate symptoms. Patients with obvious symptoms can take drugs under the guidance of a doctor.

5. Insist on regular inspections

Although most types of hyperplasia are benign, there is also a malignant transformation rate of 2-3 percent, which requires examination and treatment at a regular hospital. Review regularly (6-12 months) and see a doctor any time symptoms change. For women under the age of 40, B-ultrasound is the preferred auxiliary examination method. For women over 40 years old, regular breast color Doppler ultrasound and mammography examination are important auxiliary examination methods.

6. Breast self-examination


Notice: Facing breast problems, you should go to the breast specialist at a regular hospital for treatment. Do not go to an informal massage place for breast massage, physical therapy, or other treatments, so as not to delay or even aggravate the condition.