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

## TL;DR

A 28-year-old woman with severe cyclical breast pain found relief by avoiding soy and certain nuts, suggesting a non-drug dietary approach may help some individuals.

## Contribution

This case report introduces a non-pharmacological dietary strategy for managing cyclical mastalgia.

## Key findings

- Avoiding soy and certain nuts led to symptom resolution in a woman with severe cyclical mastalgia.
- Hormonal levels like prolactin, progesterone, and estradiol decreased after dietary changes.
- Even minimal intake of these foods caused mild breast discomfort, indicating sensitivity.

## 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.