Breast Lumpiness The breasts are very complex glandular organs that consist of 15 to 20 lobes that radiate from the nipples. These lobes further divide into 20 to 40 lobules that contain 10 to 100 alveoli where the milk or fluid is produced in the breast. This whole glandular structure is changing constantly because of the stimulation of estrogen and progesterone hormones on the breast tissue. When the stimulation begins after the menstrual period, the breasts respond by beginning to fill with fluid. Each breast will produce and store between 15 to 30 ccs (3 to 6 teaspoons) of fluid in the ducts during the month. This causes a feeling of lumpiness, especially right before a menstrual period. The hormonal influence also causes extra layers of cells to be produced in the ducts.The combination of these two causes an increase in the size of the breasts and possibly tenderness or pain.
Some drugs routinely prescribed by a physician can cause some women to experience lumpiness, fullness and tenderness in the breast tissues. This type of lump feels very similar to those produced by hormonal changes in the body. The changes are not harmful but the causes may confuse you or your physician.
Examples of drugs prescribed by
a physician that can cause some
women to experience lumpiness.
Blood Pressure Medication:
Aldactone ( a diurectic)
Aldomet
Heart Medication:
Digoxin
Lamoxin (digitalis)
Inderal
Lopressor
Tenormin
Visken
Anti-pschotic/Anti-nausea Drugs:
Compazine
Tagament
When you check your breasts before your menstrual period, they will feel differently than at the end of your period. Therefore, it is very important to examine your breasts on a regular basis at the same time of the month; the best time is at the end of the cycle. The increase in cells and fluid in the breast will often cause them to feel lumpy. If you find a lump in the breast, feel the opposite breast in the same area for a similar change. If one is found, you probably have discovered a normal hormonal change. It is safe to wait and go through a menstrual period and re-check the same area. If the area is smaller or softer at your second self-exam, then it has been stimulated by hormonal changes that are normal. If the lump has not become softer or smaller, a physician will need to evaluate the area. Every women has a normal pattern or lumpiness and bumpiness in her breast tissues. Only through regular self-exams can a women get to know this pattern of lumpiness in her own breasts. A physician examining the breasts once a year will not be able to learn the individual patterns of breast lumpiness.
The breasts are very complex glandular organs that consist of 15 to 20 lobes that radiate from the nipples. These lobes further divide into 20 to 40 lobules that contain 10 to 100 alveoli where the milk or fluid is produced in the breast. This whole glandular structure is changing constantly because of the stimulation of estrogen and progesterone hormones on the breast tissue. When the stimulation begins after the menstrual period, the breasts respond by beginning to fill with fluid. Each breast will produce and store between 15 to 30 ccs (3 to 6 teaspoons) of fluid in the ducts during the month. This causes a feeling of lumpiness, especially right before a menstrual period. The hormonal influence also causes extra layers of cells to be produced in the ducts.The combination of these two causes an increase in the size of the breasts and possibly tenderness or pain.
