Why do you have breast cysts?

Breast cysts are a common breast disease that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormone level fluctuations, lifestyle issues, and physiological changes in breast tissue. For breast cysts, once the cause is understood, it can be managed through lifestyle adjustments, medication, or even surgery.

1) Genetic factors: influence of family history

If there is a family history of breast cysts or other breast diseases, the risk may increase. This is because certain genes may affect the growth of breast alveoli and ducts, which directly leads to cyst formation. For people with a family history of breast diseases, it is recommended to have regular breast ultrasound examinations, and at the same time, pay attention to breast health and undergo necessary screening under the guidance of a doctor, such as breast mammography or magnetic resonance imaging.

2) Environmental factors: the relationship between lifestyle and diet

Long-term high-fat, high-sugar diets, excessive alcohol intake, or vitamin D deficiency may affect the hormone balance in the body, thus causing cystic lesions. Long-term stress and lack of sleep may also increase the risk of breast cysts by affecting the endocrine system. It is recommended to consume more fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber (such as broccoli and lemon), supplement with high-quality fats (such as deep-sea fish oil), and avoid drinks with too much caffeine.

3) Physiological factors: abnormal fluctuations in hormone levels

Breast tissue is regulated by estrogen and progesterone, and abnormal fluctuations in these two hormones can cause breast alveoli to expand and cyst fluid to accumulate, forming cysts. Women who experience dramatic hormone changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or around menopause are more likely to develop cysts. Doctors usually determine this factor through hormone level tests and may recommend medications (such as bromocriptine or estrogen-lowering drugs) to relieve symptoms.

4) Disease causes: the combined effects of other pathological diseases

Breast cysts may also be a manifestation of benign diseases such as breast hyperplasia, which is related to the occlusion or accumulation of fluid in the glandular duct. Long-term untreated chronic diseases (such as thyroid disease or ovarian pathological changes) may also have adverse effects on hormone regulation and indirectly cause breast cysts. Currently, severe cysts can be treated with surgery (such as laparoscopic cyst removal), precise guided puncture and fluid extraction, or drug injection.

Although breast cysts are mostly benign, their development and changes need to be closely monitored. If a cyst is found to grow rapidly in a short period of time or is accompanied by pain or nipple discharge, it is necessary to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Women who are prone to breast cysts should maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, and have regular physical examinations to achieve early detection and early treatment.