Breast Pain And celiac disease

[Coolclimates]

I often experience days of breast pain (and not before my period) and wonder if anyone else has this. There is no real pattern to this, it just happens for about a week or so and then goes away. The nipples especially can be very sore. I don't breastfeed (I have no children) and have also gotten mammograms and sonograms but have been told that I have no problem. They say that you can get bouts of breast pain at odd times. I'm 32 years old. I wonder if this has anything to do with celiac disease (just got diagnosed 2 1/2 months ago but I think I've had it for over 10 years).

[RideAllWays]

I get these sort of shooting pains once in a while, and always in the left breast. And both of them tend to ache, but I haven't noticed a pattern either.

[summerteeth]

I asked my gyno at my last yearly, and he said that caffeine is a very common culprit. Sure enough, I lessened caffeine, no more breast pain.

[Coolclimates]

yes, I've tried to reduce the amount of caffeine a lot in my diet, but I still have this issue. Again, sometimes no problems for months (except before my period) and then sometimes bouts of pain other times of the month for no apparent reasons. They always affect both breasts, which makes me wonder if it's hormonal. I also think that I might get yeast infections of the nipples (they say that some women do, especially if they sweat a lot in their bras). I have chronic vaginal yeast infections, so I wonder if the breast issue could also be candida overgrowth? Or both candida overgrowth and celiac disease?

[GlutenFreeManna]

If your breasts are also dry and itchy or the skin is inflamed/discolored talk to your doctor about inflammatory breast cancer. It is rare, but this type of breast cancer does not show up on a mammogram. I believe it is cancer of the skin of the breasts rather than the mammary glands. Here's some info on it: Open Original Shared Link

[Coolclimates]

thanks for the link but I don't think that I have that problem (I don't have dryness, redness, that kind of thing). However, my mom did have breast cancer in 2002 and was successfully treated. She has been cancer free since then. She had the traditional kind...the lump that needed to be removed. I'm well aware that I need to be more on the lookout for cancer than for those who don't have it run in their families. Also, the problem is always uniform, never just in one breast. The same goes for the nipple pain.

[Roda]

I developed yeast infections on my nipples when I was breastfeeding. My son has yeast overgrowth in his bowel, would get yeast infections in the diaper area and thrush. I got it from him. My nipples would be very purple looking and I would get stabbing pains that would radiate into the breasts. They were also very dry and painful. I had to treat them with the same liquid my son was using for his thrush. I don't know how reliable this info is, but I think I read that it can spread into the ducts making it harder to treat. Don't rule out yeast, but definately check it out with the doctor.

[butterfl8]

Evening Primrose Oil is good for cystic breast changes. That would be the hormonal related breast changes that (SUCK) can absolutely cause pain and tenderness. I have dealt with that for the last 10+ years. Any breast changes should be seen by your Dr., as everyone else has said already. All my best!

-Daisy

[VioletBlue]

I had breast pain for years starting in my late 30's. No lump, nothing showed up. It did not go away when I went gluten-free. It only stopped once I realized I was allergic to soy and cut that out of my diet. Even then it took a couple weeks for the pain to go away. So it's possible it's just one of your bodys ways of telling you something is still bothering you. Caffeine never seemed to make a difference for me either.

I often experience days of breast pain (and not before my period) and wonder if anyone else has this. There is no real pattern to this, it just happens for about a week or so and then goes away. The nipples especially can be very sore. I don't breastfeed (I have no children) and have also gotten mammograms and sonograms but have been told that I have no problem. They say that you can get bouts of breast pain at odd times. I'm 32 years old. I wonder if this has anything to do with celiac disease (just got diagnosed 2 1/2 months ago but I think I've had it for over 10 years).

[Coolclimates]

where can you find evening primrose oil? Do you just rub it directly onto the breast or what?

I'm in close contact with my doc about this. The people who did the mammogram and sonogram said that women can just get this pain at various points in their lives for little reason. Like I said, I don't have children (and never have) but I do get a lot of vaginal yeast infections so I wouldn't be surprised if it showed up in other places of my body, like the nipples.

[butterfl8]

Sorry for not checking back here sooner! The Evening Primrose Oil is pills, I don't remember if there was a specific dosage recommended. I probably just followed the directions on the bottle. As far as any safe brands to take, the last time I took this was before my diagnosis last year, so I have no idea what would be safe. . . although, it looks like Nature Made comes through again!

Open Original Shared Link

No Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, No Preservatives, No Yeast, No Starch, No Gluten

Love that company. Hope that helps!

-Daisy

[butterfl8]

I forgot to mention, I had a lot of yeast infections for the year before my diagnosis, and now I take acidophilis (also nature made) once a day. If it was candida, which it is possible, the acidophilis as cleared that all up.

-Daisy

[Steve Glutenberg]

I just want to relate my experience. I was diagnosed with Celiac about 3 years ago. About 2 years ago, I started having breast pain in both breasts, wrapping under my armpits as well. It was bad enough to keep me awake at times. I had tender spots. My ob gyn knew I had fibrocystic breast disase, but thought I might also have a blood cyst or fibroadenoma as well, so he sent me for some more imaging. While at the imaging center, the radiologist who read my results came in and spent some time talking to me. He said, try something and report back. Try going 1 month caffeine and chocolate FREE (not light, but free - there's a difference), and if that doesn't work completely, then try adding evening primrose oil for another month while remaining caffeine free. If both of those things do not work, then report back to your doctor what you tried and what your results were.

I was skeptical because I already did not consume very much caffeine - maybe the equivalent of 4 caffeinated beverages a WEEK - usually tea or cola. But I did drop all caffeine from my diet, and it completely worked. Since then, I have done some experimenting, and I have found that small amounts of chocolate do not bother me - however, I was astounded when I drank one cocktail (white russian) with an ounce of Kahlua coffee liqueur in it, and the breast pain came back the next day. So...for me, breast pain = coffee/caffeine intolerance. I know OP tried reducing caffeine, but I would recommend giving it a serious treatment, like you're going gluten free. Plus the EPO supplement sounds like a good step, too. It's at least worth trying so you can report back to your physician that you tried it.

[Coolclimates]

I just want to relate my experience. I was diagnosed with Celiac about 3 years ago. About 2 years ago, I started having breast pain in both breasts, wrapping under my armpits as well. It was bad enough to keep me awake at times. I had tender spots. My ob gyn knew I had fibrocystic breast disase, but thought I might also have a blood cyst or fibroadenoma as well, so he sent me for some more imaging. While at the imaging center, the radiologist who read my results came in and spent some time talking to me. He said, try something and report back. Try going 1 month caffeine and chocolate FREE (not light, but free - there's a difference), and if that doesn't work completely, then try adding evening primrose oil for another month while remaining caffeine free. If both of those things do not work, then report back to your doctor what you tried and what your results were.

I was skeptical because I already did not consume very much caffeine - maybe the equivalent of 4 caffeinated beverages a WEEK - usually tea or cola. But I did drop all caffeine from my diet, and it completely worked. Since then, I have done some experimenting, and I have found that small amounts of chocolate do not bother me - however, I was astounded when I drank one cocktail (white russian) with an ounce of Kahlua coffee liqueur in it, and the breast pain came back the next day. So...for me, breast pain = coffee/caffeine intolerance. I know OP tried reducing caffeine, but I would recommend giving it a serious treatment, like you're going gluten free. Plus the EPO supplement sounds like a good step, too. It's at least worth trying so you can report back to your physician that you tried it.

Thanks for your input. I have cut way down on my caffeine intake. I think I would like to talk to some of my docs first, though, and see what they think. I also don't know if I have lactose intolerance. But before going on another dramatic diet, I want to consult with them first. By the way, the sonogram found a fibroid in my left breast but they said it wasn't anything to worry about. My breasts tend to be lumpy, so it's hard for me to tell. Anyway, I'll keep posted.

[Coolclimates]

I just saw a doctor about this today. She recommended that I get another sonogram soon. My last one was in April and they did find a fibroid (but harmless they said) in my left breast. She could also feel lumps (although I'm normally lumpy so it's hard to tell it they are lumpier than usual). So I'm glad I met up with her.

[vbecton]

I just saw a doctor about this today. She recommended that I get another sonogram soon. My last one was in April and they did find a fibroid (but harmless they said) in my left breast. She could also feel lumps (although I'm normally lumpy so it's hard to tell it they are lumpier than usual). So I'm glad I met up with her.

I hope you find the culprit. I know how agonizing breast pain can be. I know when I was breastfeeding we constantly passed yeast back and forth. I had a stabbing, sometimes burning, sometimes isolated pain. Nothing that the doctors gave worked. The only thing that worked was Gentian Violet. You can read about it online. It's pretty much the end all to yeast...if it turns out to be yeast. Some people have to do a few treatments, but it actually works! You definitely don't have to be breastfeeding to get yeast in the breasts. So, it's certainly possible for you.

I've had several lumps removed, all non-cancerous, but those also caused pain. Better to get checked and be sure! Let me know if you try the Gentian Violet. It's an absolute purple nightmare, but I have zero yeast and zero breast pain anymore. And since you aren't nursing, it actually won't be bad. It was quite a site when I would take my nursing daughter in public with a stained purple mouth. People thought I was feeding her koolaid at 4 months old

[Coolclimates]

Well, I think i might be starting my period early this month, which may answer some of the breast pain. However, my last period started July 3, so it's been barely 3 weeks. I've heard that menstrual irregularities can occur for some women with Celiac, though, am I right?

I had a horrid experience with gentian violet. I've had a history of chronic vaginal yeast infections since I was 13. About 11 years ago, I was having one that just came back, no matter what meds I used. So as a last resort, I tried gentian violet. BAD IDEA. Before I knew it, my genital area was inflamed and broken out in open sores. Peeing felt like pouring gasoline on myself. The pain was unbearable, I could barely walk. It even gave me some nausea, it was that bad.

So I personally won't touch gentian violet with a 10 foot pole ever again, even for other parts of the body.

So beware of gentian violet...it can cause a violent reaction for some. As I call is: Violent violet.

I hope you find the culprit. I know how agonizing breast pain can be. I know when I was breastfeeding we constantly passed yeast back and forth. I had a stabbing, sometimes burning, sometimes isolated pain. Nothing that the doctors gave worked. The only thing that worked was Gentian Violet. You can read about it online. It's pretty much the end all to yeast...if it turns out to be yeast. Some people have to do a few treatments, but it actually works! You definitely don't have to be breastfeeding to get yeast in the breasts. So, it's certainly possible for you.

I've had several lumps removed, all non-cancerous, but those also caused pain. Better to get checked and be sure! Let me know if you try the Gentian Violet. It's an absolute purple nightmare, but I have zero yeast and zero breast pain anymore. And since you aren't nursing, it actually won't be bad. It was quite a site when I would take my nursing daughter in public with a stained purple mouth. People thought I was feeding her koolaid at 4 months old

[vbecton]

So I personally won't touch gentian violet with a 10 foot pole ever again, even for other parts of the body.

So beware of gentian violet...it can cause a violent reaction for some. As I call is: Violent violet.

Oh no!!! That's an awful reaction. Well, at least you know not to touch it versus trying it now and getting a reaction. I had read online that some women get violent violet (hahah) reactions and to never use it again if that is their experience. I'm glad it actually worked on us because I was running out of options. Yeast is so irritating! WHY must women endure all the fun stuff?!

[Coolclimates]

Oh no!!! That's an awful reaction. Well, at least you know not to touch it versus trying it now and getting a reaction. I had read online that some women get violent violet (hahah) reactions and to never use it again if that is their experience. I'm glad it actually worked on us because I was running out of options. Yeast is so irritating! WHY must women endure all the fun stuff?!

Well, i've heard that men can get yeast infections, too. But it's much more rare. And it mainly affects men who are not circumcised. But I agree, women have to put up with SO much crap. Like periods!

[Coolclimates]

well, i got an ultrasound of my breasts done yesterday. Fortunately nothing was found. There are still a few benign lumps in my left breast (as was found last time) but they assured me that it was nothing to worry about. They said I need to get checked again (only with the left breast) in 6 months. I just got my period today, although it is pretty early (24 days) after weeks of breast pain (although that pain is gone now) and cramps (those aren't gone, unfortunately). But I heard that Celiac can affect the menstrual cycle and create problems or abnormalities.