Effects of the oral probiotics to control pain and stress disorders of cyclical mastalgia associated with fibrocystic breast changes; a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Breast fibrocystic changes (FCC) is the most common benign breast lesion among females in productive age. Cyclical pain is the most common symptom of the lesion which decreases life quality and worsens stress disorders of sufferers. The study aimed to evaluate effects of oral probiotics to confront such pain and stress among females. Method: In this randomised, double-blind controlled trial finally 50 eligible women with cyclical mastalgia due to the FCC aged between 18 and 40 years were enrolled. They were allocated in placebo and probiotic receivers. Subjects in the latter received a daily capsule containing of 2 × 109 colony forming units of probiotic microorganisms. Patients underwent a 12 weeks survey. The Visual analog scaling instrument was applied to measure pain severity. Blood samples were sent to evaluate hs-CRP, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde and total plasma gluthation. Stress disorders including of depression, anxiety and sleep quality also were investigated by standard relative questionnaires. Results: Probiotic receivers showed meaningful decrease in cyclical mastalgia (p < 0.01) after 12 weeks probiotic consumption. Additionally plasma level of hs-CRP (p = 0.03) decreased concurrently with significant increase in TAC (p = 0.04) level among probiotic receivers. Probiotics helped better recovery from depressive symptoms although influenced positively neither anxiety nor sleep quality. Conclusion: This study showed that oral probiotic consumption should be considered to control the pain in cyclical mastalgia contributing to FCC of the breast. Highlights

Effects of oral N-acetyl cysteine on pain and plasma biochemical parameters in fibrocystic breast disorder: A randomized controlled trial

“…Participant selected a number between 0 and 10 on her first day of menstruation cycle. Scores 1–3, 4–6, and 7–10, respectively, were interpreted as mild, moderate, and severe pain [ 6 ].…”

“…Cyclical mastalgia lowers quality of life by mitigating patient's function in sexual, physical, social, occupational, and educational activities [ 1 , 5 ]. Additionally, progressive doubt and fear for breast cancer gradually develop into psychiatric disorders [ 6 ]. Pathologically, excessive estrogen and imbalance in estrogen to progesterone ratio following sex hormone releasing cycles are paramount points for FCC development.…”

“…Benign characteristic in physical examination including palpable, nontender, mobile, and round-shaped lesion is highly suggestive for FCC, although evidence of firmness, pain, and tenderness does not absolutely exclude FCC [ 8 ]. Ultrasound study in FCC shows an oval well-defined mass with microlobulated borders and posterior acoustic enhancement [ 6 , 8 ]. However, if any doubt remains for presence of malignancy, then taking biopsy for following histopathologic study is absolutely indicated [ 6 , 8 ].…”

“…Ultrasound study in FCC shows an oval well-defined mass with microlobulated borders and posterior acoustic enhancement [ 6 , 8 ]. However, if any doubt remains for presence of malignancy, then taking biopsy for following histopathologic study is absolutely indicated [ 6 , 8 ]. Whenever FCC diagnosis is established, the treatment of choice is breast lumpectomy, although it is not primarily selected in clinics.…”

“…Regarding benign nature of FCC in association with its slow growth, close observation of the lesion beside therapy of symptoms is considered as the first line of treatment. To date, various herbal and synthetic medications like evening primrose oil; vitagnus; vitamins including D, E, and B; probiotics; metformin; and antioxidant agents have been introduced for prevention of symptoms in FCC, although there is no general consensus on any [ 1 , 6 , [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] ].…”