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Case History - Chris's Story. For almost as long as I can remember, I have suffered from sore breasts before a period; at least 2 and sometimes 3 weeks in a monthly cycle. The slightest touch or brush was agony. No wonder my long suffering husband and I wanted to find something to bring relief. I would become moody and irritable before my period. We were both utterly fed up with it. At the time I thought more support was required, especially as I am fairly large breasted 38C, even though I never found bras very comfortable. I tried evening primrose oil for some years and vitamin B6, too. The former bought slight relief from the PMT, but not from the breast soreness. I, fortunately, never had any lumps, just swelling and tenderness. We heard about the book 'Dressed to kill' by Singer and Grismaijer, which apparently highlighted links between bras and breast disease, even cancer. After my husband had bought and read the book from cover to cover I decided that maybe there was something here and decided to think seriously about trying to go bra-free. This was extremely difficult for me to do, having worn a bra since I was 11. I did it gradually and found it easier in the summer months. I had gone bra-free before quite often with the right clothes and found myself much more relaxed and less irritable, especially before my period. I tried various vests and slightly elasticated tops under my clothes and gradually wore a bra less and less. I have been bra-free for nearly 2 years now - in fact I don't own one any more! I'm an active person and horse ride, play tennis, roller blade, ride a bicycle, all bra- free. At first I felt slightly self conscious but now I don't even think about it. I also have a mini trampoline in the house (very good for lymphatic drainage). I use that too! (not in front of anyone!) I have told all my close friends . One of them took off her bra immediately (she had a breast lump removed and a cancer scare). To my knowledge she still doesn't wear one - only very occasionally. The soreness didn't go immediately, but the improvement was quite amazing. Within one month nearly all pain was gone. For quite a while I found that if I wore anything slightly restricting again the tenderness would reappear and remain for several days. Eventually, after about six months the soreness was gone for good and I find that I can wear a light support vest, if I feel I need to, with no discomfort, but I do truly believe that no support is best. Being bra-free has made so much difference to my life. I have no tenderness, no PMT, my periods arrive without warning and my husband says I am a much more relaxed and contented person. Another thing, it's a myth that breasts sag more without a bra! In fact quite the opposite has happened - it must be due to the fact that the breast ligaments are having to work again to support the weight of the breasts. There is more to report though. Due to my initial natural modesty and desire not to be 'different', I have 'tested' the theory on occasion by reverting, to short periods of bra-wearing. Indeed, on one occasion after three months continuously bra-free I wore a bra for just three days. Within a day or so the pain had returned and worse still remained for a further week even after I had removed the bra again. I don't wear a bra now, just vests and loose tops. I have no problems except occasional sore nipples. It appears that the lymphatic system can be compromised by very slight pressure and it also appears it is slow to recover. I know this because I have found, also that even slightly tight elasticated tops/vests can cause some problems which take quite a few days to dissipate. I should also add that I have never worn an underwired bra, yet I still suffered badly with breast pain. I believe that all bras are bad and women should not be mislead into thinking that only underwired bras are bad news. I have, for instance, worn sports bras which I found very troublesome in this respect. In conclusion, I would recommend every women to at least try going bra-free for a few months (ok, there are times when they may feel they need to wear one - but it will get easier). I think they will find it easier than they think and no-one need know if you don't tell them, plus the fact that they will be much happier and relaxed in the knowledge that they are doing all they can to optimize their breast health. Finally, I should say that I have suffered with tachycardia for many years, and since I have been bra free this has been much improved . Largely due to the fact, I feel, of less pressure around the chest area. |