The surgeon talked about the effect of hormones on the female breast

The condition of the breast changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, lactation and at different age periods. Understanding exactly how hormones affect the breast will help to recognize alarming symptoms in time and avoid the appearance of malignant neoplasms, Vyacheslav Minko, a plastic surgeon at the Semeynaya clinic network, told Izvestia on March 19.

According to the expert, the main hormones that regulate the functioning of the mammary glands are estrogen, progesterone, prolactin and testosterone. Estrogen stimulates the growth of the milk ducts and the overall growth of breast tissue, especially during puberty and before menstruation. Progesterone causes the glandular tissue to grow, preparing it for pregnancy. Prolactin is responsible for the production of milk during lactation, while testosterone, although in smaller quantities in women, helps to reduce the volume of glandular tissue.

The menstrual cycle is divided into two phases, each of which causes certain changes in the mammary glands. In the second phase of the cycle (luteal), progesterone levels increase, which leads to fluid retention and breast swelling. This is a normal phenomenon that is accompanied by sensitivity, heaviness, or soreness of the breast, and is called PMS (premenstrual syndrome). If the symptoms become too pronounced, accompanied by sharp seals or pain, you should consult a specialist.

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As the doctor emphasized, women also often experience discomfort unrelated to menstruation. This may be a manifestation of fibrocystic mastopathy, one of the most common diseases of the mammary glands associated with an imbalance of sex hormones. Mastopathy can be manifested by multiple cystic formations, pain and discomfort in the chest.

The causes of mastopathy include chronic hormonal imbalance, stress, poor nutrition, as well as menstrual disorders and thyroid diseases. Lack of pregnancy and irregular breast-feeding are also risk factors. These can include abortions, overweight, liver and thyroid diseases.

"One of the nodular forms of mastopathy is the presence of breast fibroadenomas. Fibroadenoma is a benign neoplasm of glandular tissue and includes fibrous components in large numbers," the doctor said.

To maintain breast health, it is important to regularly conduct self-examinations and undergo annual examinations with a mammologist. If alarming symptoms appear, such as persistent pain, rapidly growing lumps, nipple discharge, or a change in breast shape, this may indicate not only mastopathy, but also more serious diseases, including breast cancer, the doctor concluded.

On January 28, Gunai Salayeva, a reproductive therapist, obstetrician-gynecologist, and gynecologist-endocrinologist, called habits dangerous for women's health. Smoking accelerates the depletion of the ovarian reserve, leads to early menopause, damages eggs and reduces the likelihood of conception. In addition, women who smoke have increased risks of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, placental abruption, premature birth, and low birth weight.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.