In Part 1 of this series, we explored some of the most common myths and confusing messages about breast health. We pulled back the curtain on why symptoms are often misunderstood and why so many women feel left in the dark when it comes to their own care. Now, in Part 2, we are going deeper.
This installment is about connecting the dots between your experiences, acknowledging the limits of conventional medicine, and understanding the proactive, whole-body approach that can help you feel empowered. Drawing insights from the work of Dr. Tori Hudson, a pioneer in integrative women’s health, we will look at why symptoms are often dismissed, how functional medicine differs from conventional care, and what practical steps you can take to protect and improve your breast health.
Functional vs. Conventional Medicine: A Different Lens
Conventional medicine tends to be reactive. The system is designed to diagnose disease based on test results, treat acute problems, and follow guidelines meant for the broadest possible population. This can be very effective when it comes to emergencies or clear diagnoses, but it leaves many women with persistent symptoms feeling stuck.
In contrast, functional medicine looks at the body as an interconnected system. Instead of only asking what disease you may have, a functional approach asks why your symptoms are happening in the first place and what factors, from hormones to nutrient levels to lifestyle, might be playing a role.
For example, an OB/GYN may focus primarily on imaging like mammograms, prescribing birth control for symptom management, or referring you to surgery if something suspicious appears. These tools are valuable, but they often do not address the underlying reasons for breast pain or hormonal shifts. A functional provider, on the other hand, would also explore your thyroid health, nutrient levels like iodine and vitamin D, your stress load, and even your diet.
This kind of care is not about replacing conventional tools, but about widening the lens so you can see more of the picture. Supplements like Violet Daily fit into this framework by offering natural support for hormone balance and breast comfort through molecular iodine, a nutrient often overlooked in conventional care.
Why Women Are Told “You’re Fine” Even As Symptoms Persist
If you have ever brought up breast tenderness, swelling, or recurring lumps only to be told it is normal or hormonal, you are not alone. Many women share the same story.
While these symptoms may not always indicate cancer, that does not mean they are insignificant or imaginary. The dismissal often happens because conventional guidelines focus heavily on ruling out disease rather than identifying imbalances. If your mammogram is clear, your doctor may say you are fine even when you still feel uncomfortable.
This disconnect can be emotionally exhausting. Feeling unheard adds stress and uncertainty, and many women begin to doubt themselves. Dr. Tori Hudson and other functional medicine experts emphasize that your symptoms are valid. They are signals from your body that deserve attention and care. Acknowledging these experiences and looking deeper gives women a chance to feel seen and supported instead of brushed aside.
Deeper FAQs from the Violet Audience
We’ve listened to YOU, our readers and social media followers, to learn what questions you have.
Why don’t OB/GYNs test for iodine or nutrient deficiencies?
The truth is that conventional medical training rarely includes extensive nutrition or micronutrient education. As a result, many providers do not think to test for deficiencies unless there is an extreme concern. Yet research shows that iodine is essential in estrogen metabolism, helping to guide hormones down pathways that protect rather than inflame breast tissue.
Without enough iodine, many women experience cyclical breast tenderness or fibrocystic changes. Functional providers understand this connection and often include nutrient testing as part of comprehensive care. Violet Daily is designed to support this need by providing a safe, daily source of molecular iodine.
Can thyroid issues contribute to breast symptoms?
Yes. Thyroid function has a direct relationship with estrogen and progesterone balance, which in turn influences breast health. A study published in Pharmacy Times highlighted how benign breast disease is more common in women with thyroid disorders. If thyroid function is sluggish, it may lead to hormonal imbalances that cause breast pain, swelling, or irregular cycles.
Unfortunately, thyroid testing is not always prioritized in routine breast care, which means this link can be missed. Functional medicine looks at the bigger picture, helping women understand how thyroid support might also relieve breast symptoms.
Why are we told birth control is the only option?
For decades, hormonal birth control has been the go-to prescription for managing symptoms like painful periods, breast tenderness, or irregular cycles. While it can help some women, it often works by overriding natural cycles instead of solving the root problem. Many women also experience side effects, from mood changes to nutrient depletion.
Functional providers offer alternatives that target the source of imbalance. This might include stress management, sleep optimization, nutrition, and supplements like iodine. When providers expand the toolkit beyond the pill, women have more options for safe and effective relief.
Are mammograms really the best or only screening method?
Mammograms remain the standard screening tool, but they are not perfect, especially for women with dense breast tissue. According to multiple studies, dense breasts can make mammograms less effective at detecting abnormalities.
Additional options include ultrasound, MRI, and molecular breast imaging. These alternatives can improve accuracy and comfort for many women. A functional perspective does not dismiss mammograms but encourages women to ask about other methods that may be more appropriate for their individual needs.
Real Examples of Missing Pieces in Typical Breast Care
There are countless stories of women whose symptoms were minimized until someone finally looked deeper. One woman experiencing constant breast pain was told for years that it was hormonal. Eventually, she discovered that iodine supplementation resolved her discomfort.
Another patient had a normal mammogram, yet a later ultrasound revealed changes that required monitoring. Still another was placed on birth control for irregular cycles, only to learn years later that her thyroid imbalance was the true issue.
These stories underline the importance of a broader, more integrative view of breast care. By considering nutritional, hormonal, and lifestyle factors, women are less likely to fall through the cracks.
Prevention Through a Whole-Body Lens
Prevention is not about fear, it is about empowerment. The choices you make daily can have a big impact on your breast health. Nutrition plays a central role. Research shows that leafy greens, carotenoid-rich vegetables, and small fish high in omega-3s may support breast health and reduce cancer risk. A plant-forward, minimally processed diet provides antioxidants and fiber that help regulate estrogen levels.
Hormonal balance is another key factor. Stress hormones like cortisol can disrupt menstrual cycles and create ripple effects in breast tissue. Prioritizing sleep, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques helps keep hormones in balance.
Supplements can also play a preventive role. Molecular iodine, such as in Violet Daily, is backed by research as a natural way to promote breast comfort and regulate hormonal activity. Lifestyle choices matter too. Limiting alcohol, avoiding unnecessary exposure to toxins, and staying physically active all contribute to long-term breast health.
Empowering You to Trust Yourself and Ask Better Questions
The most powerful shift you can make is learning to advocate for yourself. If you feel dismissed, it is not a sign that your concerns are invalid. It may simply mean you need a different provider or a new approach.
Preparing a few key questions for your OB/GYN appointment can make a difference. Ask whether nutrient or thyroid testing might be relevant. Inquire about alternative screening methods if you have dense breasts. Bring up options beyond birth control for symptom management.
Trust that you know your body best. If something feels off, it deserves attention. There are providers who will listen and solutions that can help. Evidence-based, natural options like Violet Daily offer safe ways to be proactive. The goal is not to reject conventional medicine but to expand it with a functional, whole-body perspective that addresses what women truly need.
If you have a friend who has ever felt dismissed by their provider or frustrated by vague answers, share this article with them. Encourage them to follow Violet for more content that places women’s care at the center. And if you are ready to take one simple, proactive step, consider adding Violet Daily to your routine as a natural way to support breast comfort and balance. You deserve care that sees the whole you.