The causes of fibrocystic breast changes are not completely understood. However, these changes and the resulting symptoms are often linked to fluctuations in a woman’s hormone levels. This is evidenced by the fact that fibrocystic breast changes vary in relation to a woman’s menstrual cycle. During menopause these symptoms normally disappear unless the woman chooses to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

In addition, there is a lower incidence of fibrocystic breast changes among women who take oral contraceptives. This is yet another clue that fibrocystic breast changes are hormone-related. In fact, birth control pills are sometimes prescribed to treat fibrocystic changes. This common form of contraception suppresses the body’s natural hormone production by replacing it with a controlled amount of synthetic female hormones, usually both estrogen and progesterone.

Although the reports are inconclusive, diet may also play a role in the occurrence or severity of fibrocystic breast changes. Some physicians may recommend that a woman reduce her dietary fat intake, as well as her caffeine consumption to lower the risk of developing the condition. Still, the main cause of fibrocystic breast changes appears to be a hormonal imbalance involving estrogen and progesterone.