Work

Avoiding soy foods and certain nuts and seed foods in the management of severe cyclical mastalgia: a case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Severe cyclical mastalgia is a common condition that can substantially impair women's daily activities and quality of life. Pharmacological treatments are often used, but non-pharmacological strategies remain underexplored. We report a case of a 28-year-old woman with long-standing severe cyclical mastalgia and hyperprolactinemia, who achieved symptom resolution through strict avoidance of soy foods and certain nuts, while maintaining her usual lifestyle and diet otherwise. Hormonal measurements indicated decreases in premenstrual prolactin, progesterone and estradiol levels, and even minimal intake of these foods provoked mild breast discomfort. This case suggests a potential link between soy consumption and cyclical mastalgia in susceptible individuals and highlights the possibility of non-pharmacological dietary management. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy, safety, and broader applicability of this approach.

Source: Frontiers in Global Women s Health

DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2025.1655250

Authors: Kaifeng Deng, Qiaoyun Zhang, Ruzhen Wei

Institution: Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Menstrual Health and Disorders

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,077