clinical features

Last reviewed 01/2018

Patients are young, on average aged 34 years and they may describe many years of symptoms. Breast pain tends to increase from mid-cycle onwards, classically affecting the outer half of the breast. The breast becomes tender, may increase in size and there may be areas of increased lumpiness. The pain is relieved by menstruation.

Symptoms obviously subside following the menopause, but are unaffected by pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives.