LAUSR

Many drugs have been used in trying to solve the mystery behind mastalgia, which causes discomfort for almost all women. Several studies have been conducted to explain the cause of breast pain, and different opinions have been reported; however, the etiology and optimal treatment of mastalgia are still inadequately defined. It is proposed that saturated fatty acid esters may cause mastalgia via hypersensitivity of the breast epithelium to circulating hormones. Taking evening primrose oil (EPO) orally is believed to restore saturated/unsaturated fatty acid balance and decrease sensitivity to steroidal hormones or prolactin causing mastalgia. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of EPO, administered orally, on the severity of cyclical or non-cyclical mastalgia, and any factors that may affect its treatment efficacy.