Now, let us examine the wisdom of Donguibogam in the language of modern science. Fibrocystic breast changes, in which lumps are felt in the breast and pain recurs, are actually a very common benign condition experienced by about 50 to 70 percent of women. It appears predominantly in women in their 30s to 50s, and hormonal imbalance involving female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone during the period of active ovarian function is regarded as the primary cause.
Following the monthly menstrual cycle, hormone levels in the body fluctuate continuously. In particular, when estrogen levels become relatively high or breast tissue responds sensitively to hormones, mammary gland tissue, connective tissue, and lactiferous ducts within the breast proliferate and swell, inducing pain and lumps. Sometimes small cysts develop, and the palpable changes as breast tissue thickens overall are also referred to as fibrosis.
This hormonal imbalance is not merely an issue of the ovaries alone. Daily stress plays an important role. When stress intensifies, the body secretes stress hormones such as cortisol in excess, which affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and disrupt the overall endocrine system. As a result, abnormalities can arise in estrogen metabolism, or the balance with progesterone can be disrupted. This is one way that what Donguibogam calls liver qi stagnation can be understood in modern medical terms.
In addition, modern dietary habits cannot be overlooked. Processed foods, excessive caffeine intake, and unhealthy fat consumption can increase systemic inflammatory responses and negatively affect hormone metabolism. In particular, caffeine is known to constrict blood vessels in breast tissue and stimulate adenosine receptors, which can worsen mastalgia. When lymphatic circulation is sluggish, waste products can accumulate within the breast and worsen edema, triggering pain. Fortunately, fibrocystic breasts very rarely progress to breast cancer, but consistent management is needed to reduce discomfort and anxiety. All these complex factors combine to cause breast pain, and adopting supportive habits can help bring relief.
