Although the exact cause has not been determined, it has been thought that hormonal changes in the body during menstruation lead to changes in the breast tissues. Repeated stimulation of such hormones or alterations in their functioning may cause the disorder.

Women who consume oral contraceptives tend to have lesser incidence of this disease. Family history of the condition and excessive fat intake though proposed as risk factors have not been substantiated with research.¹ 

Next page: Signs and symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 22, 2012