At age 15, I found a lump in my right breast. A biopsy showed that it was benign. I was taught to do monthly exams, which I have done religiously ever since. My doctor noted that I have "naturally lumpy breasts" which I should learn very well. I know all the little lumps in my breast, but now that I'm 19 and on birth control, the lumps change with my pill cycle and remain the same after my period. I'm confused as to how I should deal with having lumpy breasts.

--Katie

Fibrocystic breasts are extremely common; in fact, the vast majority of women have some degree of "lumpiness" to their breasts. I like to tell my patients that breasts are not like Jell-O, but are more like cereal, with texture to them -- some women have cream of wheat and some have granola!

Breasts also change with the menstrual cycle, becoming more tender and lumpier right before the period. The best time to do a breast exam, therefore, is right after your period is over, when your breasts will be less tender. By examining your breasts consistently, every month, at this same point in your cycle, you will learn how your breasts feel and will be able to detect anything that is new and different. In fact, this is the ONLY time you should actively examine your breasts; if you check them too often, you will feel the normal changes that accompany the menstrual cycle and will not have a basis for comparison. A new lump, or one that feels rock-hard or irregular, or one that does not move around under your fingers is one that needs to be brought to the doctor's attention.