Phytotherapy in mastalgia

Abstract

Important factors in the evaluation and treatment of breast pain consist of a thorough history, physical, and radiologic evaluation. These can be used to reassure the patient that she does not have breast cancer. The literature on breast pain etiology, practical approaches to evaluating benign breast pain, and effective treatments was reviewed. Some investigations found associations between breast pain and premenstrual syndrome, fibrocystic breast disease, and caffeine intake. Initial treatment with reassurance and a well-fitted brassiere should be tried. A large number of agents have been tried in the treatment of cyclical and non-cyclical breast pain, this includes hormonal manipulation by Danazol, Bromocriptine, Tamoxifen and LH-RH analogue, Goserelin, but there are non-hormonal agents used in mastalgia, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory gels, plant derivatives, like starflower oil, evening primrose oil (EPO) and Vitex agnus-castus. There is considerable debate about the choice of best agent for initial management of mastalgia because they should be a therapeutic for breast pain relief before prescribing pharmaceutical agents, since these medications often have side effects and contraindications. The aim of this update review of literature was to provide answers to the numerous questions that may be encountered in this type of situation. In this literature revision, Lilacs, Medline and Bireme databases were searched from 1983 until 2012. The descriptors used in the search were phytotherapy, mastalgia, treatment, drug therapy, primrose oil, starflower oil, vitex.