Breast, premenstrual tenderness and swelling
Alternative names:
premenstrual tenderness and swelling of the breasts
Home care:
Self-care may include restricting dietary fat
to approximately 25% of the total daily calorie intake and
eliminating caffeine.
Breast self-examination
should be performed monthly.
Adequate bras should be worn to provide good breast support.
The effectiveness of vitamin
E, vitamin B6, and
herbal preparations such as evening primrose oil are somewhat
controversial and should be discussed with your health care
provider.
Oral contraceptives may be prescribed because they often decrease
symptoms.
Danazol, a synthetic androgen (male hormone), may be used
in severe cases when the potential benefit is thought to outweigh
the potential adverse effects.
Call your health care provider if:
- there are unilateral (one-sided), new, unusual, or changing
lumps in breast tissue.
- you do not know how to appropriately perform a breast
self-examination.
- you are a woman, 40 years old or greater, and have not
had a screening mammogram.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical
examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting premenstrual breast
tenderness in detail may include:
Your health care provider will check for breast lumps, and
note the qualities of the lump (firm or soft, smooth or bumpy,
and so on).
Diagnostic tests:
A mammogram is usually
performed if the woman is over 40 years old. If a lump is
found that is not clearly benign,
a breast biopsy may be
necessary.
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to premenstrual breast
tenderness to your personal medical record. You may also want
to note if there are any lumps, if you had a mammogram or
biopsy, and any recommendations
your provider made for treating this symptom.
Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
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