Breast swelling

[jenir]

Hello,

For the last 5+ years I have experienced breast swelling before my period, usually for 7-10 days (where my bras won't fit and my breasts are very painful and tender). This has worsened in the last year, where my breasts are often swollen all month (as soon as my period ends they start swelling again) or they can start swelling anytime throughout the month and continue through my period. I did have blood work and breast imaging done, which was normal. My primary care doctor wanted me to try birth control for 3 months to see if it would reset my hormones (I also have other symptoms around my period that are very intense/difficult to manage). I have completed one month of birth control, which made the breast swelling worse and caused other symptoms. I do take Turmeric daily and noticed initially when I started taking it the breast swelling improved slightly, but now it seems to be back at the same level or worse then before. This last year has been very stressful and am wondering if my cortisol levels are extremely elevated, which then is affecting my reproductive hormones. I am wondering if you have any recommendations for this- as far as supplements? I don't think I'm going to continue with birth control and would prefer more natural options. The breast swelling is very painful, but also very uncomfortable and I do feel self conscious about it.

Thanks in advance for any feedback/recommendations.

[Lara]

please see the sections in both my books about iodine for breast pain and also my blog post: Why I Prescribe Iodine for Breast Pain, Ovarian Cysts, and PMDD.