﻿ Ask The Experts: Fibrocystic Breast Disease and Caffeine by MedicineNet.com

Women's Health Q&A Archive by Dr. Stöppler

I have heard that caffeine can cause breast cysts (fibrocystic breast tissue), is this true?


Research is still ongoing to characterize the connection, if any, between fibrocystic breast changes and caffeine. Caffeine is not a direct cause of fibrocystic changes in the breasts, but many experts believe that large amounts of caffeine can lead to changes in hormone levels that may affect the formation of breast cysts or cause breast pain.

Some women do report that limiting caffeine consumption improves breast pain, but research about the benefits of limiting caffeine consumption as a treatment for breast pain has yielded mixed results.

This is an area where further research is needed to determine the precise relationship between caffeine and breast pain.

Thank you for your question.

Last Editorial Review: 2/27/2007