Fibrocystic Breast Disease Causes

Fibrocystic breast condition affects the glandular breast tissue comprising of secretary cells (i.e. cells that produce milk) which are connected to each other by small milk ducts. Hormonal variations occurring in the body as the part of the normal menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or during menopause significantly contribute towards development of fibrocystic breast disease and are important causative factors.

• During the normal menstrual cycle, the key female sex hormones- estrogen and progesterone undergo considerable fluctuation in their blood levels. These fluctuations are meant to prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized ovum. These fluctuations of the two key hormones estrogen and progesterone also bring about considerable changes in the breast tissue. These hormones stimulate the breast tissue development by promoting the growth of glandular tissue and increasing blood circulation in the breast. These hormones also enhance cellular metabolism which are responsible for the sensation of breast fullness during normal menstrual cycle.

• Under normal condition, after the monthly cycle is completed, the breast cells undergo a programmed cell death, referred to as apoptosis. During this process enzymes are released which digest the cells from within. The broken down cells are then removed by scavenger or inflammatory cells from the surrounding tissue. In some females however, this process of scavenging can result in inflammation and scarring of the breast tissue, often referred to as fibrosis. Fibrosis can result in damage to the secretary cells of the breast.

• The extent of cellular breakdown, level of inflammation and efficiency of the inflammatory cleanup process differs in different females. This is often considered to be the criteria for development of fibrocystic breast disease.

• In addition to the imbalance in the key sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, fibrocystic breast disease can also be caused due to hormones like Growth Hormone, prolactin and thyroid hormone which also impact the breast tissue.

• In addition certain hormone-like factors are also released by the fat cells and neighboring breast tissue which are also responsible for the development of symptoms associated with fibrocystic breast disease. This hormone - like factors enhance the effect of estrogen and progesterone on breast tissue and amplify the symptoms experienced.