Breast questions and answers

Questions and answers about breasts

The most common question asked on this site is answered right here:

How to get bigger breasts or how to increase my breast size?

It is understandable that women and especially teenagers in the USA (and elsewhere in similarly affected cultures) are very self-conscious about their breasts and many worry about their breast size. But the fact is, there is not much you can do to change your breast size - for smaller or bigger. Consider the following things that will NOT make your breasts bigger:

There is NO food that will make your breasts bigger.
Exercising in general will not help much. Breasts do not have muscles. If you tone your chest muscles that are underneath the breasts, the effect will be slight (see below for more).
Sleeping position has no effect on breast size.
Nor will wearing bras or not wearing bras.
Rubbing or squeezing won't affect breast size.
Nor do they get bigger when a woman starts having sex.

So what will affect breast size?

Mainly your genes. Look to your mom, sisters, aunts - their breast size will usually give you an indication of your final breasts size.
Breast growth during puberty is driven by two hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Hormonal imbalances could therefore affect breast growth.
Breasts contain fat, so slim and thin people often (not always) have smaller breasts than overweight/obese people.
If you gain weight overall, some of that fat goes to your breasts. Exception: it is possible in certain situations to only gain fat in your waist area or abdomen (pot belly). But if you're overweight in general, with fat all over, then losing weight WILL cause your breasts to be somewhat smaller since you will lose fat from all over your body. Anorexic girls typically have very very small breasts.
An actual injury (like cutting) to the breast bud may prevent the breast from developing right.
Breasts WILL grow during pregnancy and stay bigger as long as you breastfeed, but that alone is no reason to 'have a kid'. Having a child is a serious responsibility.
Breast augmentation surgery is the only sure way, but undermines your ability to FULLY breastfeed, and can often have SERIOUS health effects.
Birth control pills containing estrogen sometimes make one's breasts larger as a side effect. This does not happen to everyone taking the pill though.
The various herbal pills for breast enhancement, it's hard to say... They seem to be effective for some women, and often not.
See also:
* Breast Enhancement boards - discussion about various herbal protocols to increase breast size.
* Objective information on herbal breast enlargement pills?
* Breast Enhancement report from ConsumerLab.com
What about taking extra estrogen? Theoretially this might work. BUT if you are a woman, taking extra estrogen on top of what your own body already produces will definitely increase your breast cancer risk, may cause nasty PMS, and other unwanted side-effects as well.
Toning/exercising the pectoral muscles: If you really get the muscle under the breast to grow bigger, that DOES have a slight effect on the overall appearance of your chest, and can make the breast appear a tiny bit bigger. Read the words of one female softball pitcher:
"I have been a serious softball pitcher for the past 10 years of my life and for this reason my right breast is much harder and feels more muscular than my left and is also more perky (I pitch with my right arm in a windmill motion). The difference is not incredible, but it is certainly noticeable. Also, a lot of my friends are softball players and other pitchers have the same issue."
How much exercise is needed for this is an open question. So it is possible to "push" your breasts out a little by building up your pectoral muscles (inclined/declined/flat pushups). Technicallly it is an illusion since the breasts don't get any bigger.
The bra industry has created numerous breast enhancer things such as silicone enhancers, gel-filled bras, padded bras etc. to create the illusion of larger bust.
BRAVA - a vacuum bra system that is supposed to induce breast tissue growth, but apparently does very little. Check out the website BRAV-ARGH! for more info.

Clothing and dressing to fit your body shape

Hello, I am 16 years old and I am unfortunately blessed with the curse of small breasts. My mother is a C or something.. and my twin sister is like me, 34A or so. I started my period when I was 13 years old and I really don't think I have grown at all. It is very embarassing to go swimming around any one. No one has made a comment to my face, but I know some one has to be thinking something. I am small for my age, 110 lbs about. But I hate the fact that I can't really do anything about giving me a more feminine look.
Any suggestions? Techniques? Methods? Should I maybe see my doctor and as her a few questions?
Thanks!!!

If you're small now, there is a chance that in your early 20s you will get more 'curves' overall... that is because many girls at that point gain a little weight and get curvier, and that would make your more feminine. But if it is in your genes to have small breasts, then it just isn't too easy to change it.

But meanwhile, consider how you dress. The clothes you use make a big difference as to which body parts are emphasized or not. Try find information and advice on clothing for small-breasted not-so-curvy women.

Small Bust
To look more feminine, wear colourful mix-and-match basics. Versatility in clothes and accessories will give you that added splash of style. Ties, scarves and blouses with ruffles or tucking are all important elements. Since people usually notice the upper part of your body first, make it an attractive eye catcher.
(from Belle Mag Styles and Silhouettes)

Breast questions and answers from visitors

I am a 16 year old girl in grade 11. I guess I'm a size A 36. My breasts don't seem like breasts at all to me. It's not because I have none but because of how odd they are. I have looked through your gallery and have not really found anything like mine. I'm very critical of myself... basically everything about me I hate but this has been the longest I can remember...

I went to my family doctor to ask if there is something wrong with my development and they did say it is sort of odd. One breast is fine, I guess not completely perfect but not really a real breast shape. The other one is completely different. It appears that there is breast tissue missing from underneath one... So basically it's just empty and it hangs... weird. Wearing bras make them appear normal but they really aren't. I basically don't feel like a woman at all...

I even got my blood tested to see if there are problems with my hormone levels. I know we are supposed to love our own shape for what we are but mine feel.. like I'm a complete freak. To show anyone would be a nightmare...

From what you describe, I suspect that your other breast indeed is NOT normal if it is lacking breast tissue completely; this may be congenital.

I gathered some links for you to look at to see that various breast anomalities DO occur, though they are rare.

A person with NO left breast, not even nipple.

Perhaps "amazia" is what describes you?

This book has a chapter on "abnormalities in breast development". It says amazia is usually iatrogenic, meaning caused by traumatic injury or previous medical treatment (radiation or surgery or biopsy).

Perhaps what you have is termed "amastia" instead.

One more.

I just want you to realize from these links that though it is rare, there are and have been other women with such conditions.

I hope this will also help you continue living your life. You know, though you have one not-normal breast, at least you DO have your limbs, your face, your fingers, etc. Some people have been born without hands, a leg, etc. or have lost them in an accident, or gotten badly damaged. At least what you have is not life-threatening in any way - just cosmetic and you are fully functional in your body.

You can even breastfeed with one breast only, because if women can feed twins with two, then one breast can easily produce enough milk for one baby. Plus, I know this to be the case from reports I've read where one breast didn't produce milk or the baby would refuse one breast and only feed from the other (odd but it happens).

And, you CAN find a man who will love you for what you are, not for your breasts or body. You know, if a man mostly loves your body, that is not worth marrying him. Such a man will leave you if you get wrinkles or gain weight or perhaps get into an accident. In fact, you have an advantage in this sense: it's more likely that the man you find WILL indeed love you for you and not just love your body.

I know that both breasts are not supposed to be perfectly even but I noticed that one is significantly larger than the other. Can I fix it?

No, there's not really anything you can do about it even if the difference is larger than in most women.

You can try wear padded bra or breast form or silicone insert in bra, or something like that to conceal it, but as far as 'fixing it', the only "solution" is surgery. I wouldn't recommend that though. It is probably happier just to accept it.

Hi im 25 years old and 5'3" and weigh 108lb. I was wondering if I take estrogen for just alittle while to increase my breast size would that give me breast cancer for sure?

And if I gain weight does it have to be healthy food in order to get my breasts bigger or is it just a health issue?

thank you so much.

As far as I understand, breasts don't necessarily grow with estrogen alone but there needs to be growth hormone, progesterone, and one other hormone present. It's a complex thing.

So if you take estrogen for a while, I don't know if anything will happen for sure.

Cancer does not come from estrogen as such. It's just that estrogen makes the breast cancer grow ONCE the cancer has gotten started.

Breasts will get fatter whether you gain weight on junk food or on good food. But I don't wish anyone bad health.

Hi, I'm 17 years old. I'm quite large, about 80 kilos. I'm trying to lose weight and I' worried I'll lose my breast size 34C. I was wondering is there a way to prevent this?

No, there is no way to prevent it; if it is going to happen, it happens. But, your breasts won't totally "disappear"; just get somewhat smaller.

Make sure to eat a very balanced healthy diet with lots of vitamins and minerals, so that the skin has the nutrients it needs to retract. Otherwise the skin might end up sagging.

I am 31 and have 2 children. I breast fed the 1st for 16mths and the 2nd for 11 months. From my teenage years have always been a 34DD, since breast feeding my boobs have shrunk down to a 34b/c and have to wear padded bras which is all very new to me. My boobs are saggy and have alot of extra wrinkley skin as the day after having my second child my boobs went up to a 34H and then got smaller and smaller. My boobs shrunk to a 34c/d after my 1st child but are now smaller than ever at 34b/c. I don't regret breast feeding at all but wish my boobs would come back?

What you describe is perfectly normal. See, the teenage breast has quite a bit of fat in it. During pregnancy, gradually that fat goes away and makes room for the milk glands and ducts that develop further during that period. Then after weaning, the milk glands atrophy. OFTEN, fat is deposited back into the breast but not always.

So in your case, not all that fat 'came back'. I guess that is just how your body works. And you're not alone. The stretched out skin is unfortunate. While I have no proof of this, I suspect that that eating a good diet with adequate amount of vitamin C and essential fatty acids might help with skin elasticity.

Remember though: small breasts are fine!!

I would say this big of a difference is not a normal situation. Maybe something happened to your right breast so that it did not develop. For example a damage to the breast bud before it even started developing could do it.

Hi, I'm 19 years old. I have had two children. One is 1 and the other 2. I breastfed both but not for long. My breast are very saggy and small. First off I wanted to know is there anything I can do that will help them grow , and are they done growing? Will they and can they grow? I'm about a small 34b small, and weigh about 115 pounds. I just want to know if I should continue to grow or if this is it? Thank you very much.

The breast development you experienced during pregnancies has been it, so to speak. Your breasts are fully developed - they are done growing. UNLESS you get pregnant again...

I have always been a small chested woman (10b) and have always dreamed of having larger breasts trying every gimmick on the market.

Kindest Regards
Melissa

Most often women go back to their original pre-pregnancy size. However it doesn't always happen: some women end up with smaller breasts than pre-pregnancy, and a few with larger breasts. Also, the weight gain from the pregnancy might affect your breast size. So, I can't really tell how it goes with you.

Hello,
You are just fine and have developed normally. Your breasts probably just don't have very much fat in them since it sounds like you are skinny, and that can make them be fairly small. Maybe your mom has a little bit more fat all around her body (she has also been thru pregnancies, which can affect one's breast size). Please see our page for small-breasted ladies.

Hey, I'm 12 years old, and got my period when I was 11. I have pubic hair and all, but my breasts barely fit a 36 A. I'm in 7th grade, and all the girls except about 3 have much larger breasts than me. I hate not being able to wear the skimpy, revealing, low cut tops that everyone else in my classes can wear. I'm also sick of boys not paying me any attention, or not wanting to be seen with me by their friends, because of my small breasts. One time, this boy made the comment, "Too bad you don't have tits, you'd probably be pretty hot". Comments like that really hurt my feelings, and I'm sick of it! I heard that you can get breasts implants when your 14, if you have the money, and your mom signs for you. Is that true?

I hope you realize that this situation of boys not paying any attention to you will probably pass. They are just so immature. It is normal to have small breasts - not every woman can or will ever have B/C cup breasts- there has and always will be some with A cup breasts.

So when those boys grow up a little, they should realize that.

Now, I don't think any reputable plastic surgeon would do implants at age 14. Maybe you've heard some kind of rumor about it. Even your breasts are still developing some.

I've been 14 for like 3 months now and I'm a 32/34c and everyone else in my family are all Bs, aunt and mom and grandma and cousins except one aunt is a DD. I don't want to get any bigger. I'm perfectly happy with me. I have a pooch and I want to lose about 3 to 5 pounds there but my sister keeps saying since I haven't gained weight since 5th grade except for my boobs and I weigh 105, if I lose any weight I'll lose my boobs too, and I really don't want to do that. I just want to lose my pooch. So I guess what I'm asking is, am I going to get bigger? And can I lose my pooch without losing my boobs?

thanks..., no bigger no smaller

If you lose weight, you will lose some fat from you breasts, but just 3-5 pounds won't make you lose your breasts completely. They might get a little bit smaller but they won't disappear!

I do not know for sure if your breasts are still developing and growing. Normally, the developing continues for 2-3 years after a girl gets her period.

Hi, I came across your website amd couldn't find an answer to myself... I got my period when I was 14... I'm small breasted, size 32A... I'm 20 now... and just recently, I've notice soreness in my breast... and notice that they are growing... Is that normal? or why are they suddenly begining to appear and feel bigger than the usual... Does that mean I am a late bloomer?

Yes,that is perfectly normal. Some women's breasts do develop a little more in their early twenties. The other possibility is that you're pregnant - or that it is due to a side effect from birth control pills if you have recently started taking those.

Dear 007B, I have been concerned with my breast development since I started my period (about three years ago). I am now 17 and I have been wondering why they don't seem to be like all of my other friends. Mine look similar to the hypoplastic breasts. The areola is puffy and my nipples only become external when I'm cold. The breast itself has really no shape, but it's not completely flat because of my nipples. I know I really shouldn't worry about what they look like but I find it hard to be any sort of intimate with guy due to the fact it may lead to them seeing my breasts. What if they get grossed out? Then I'm left in the dark... hurting. Do you know of a way for me to overcome this fear? Sincerely, Concerned.

The breast size is not an issue for many men... but may be for some. Also, most men typically don't care that much about the shape, nor about the nipple shape. See, they don't even necessarily know what women's breasts or nipples should look like - either that, or they have seen lots of porn and think everyone's nipples and breasts look the same as the models'.

Anyway, if I was in this kind of situation, I would talk about this fear of yours with the man before being intimate. And, by all means let him see this website and the breast gallery here, so you can find out if he understands much about how female breasts look like. So talking, talking beforehand might be the key.

I wanted to know if it's ok to pick out the hair on my breast. Will it hurt me in someway? I thought I read somewhere that it is not a good thing?

Don't pick, just cut with scissors close to skin.

MY DAUGHTER WILL BE FIVE YEARS OLD THIS YEAR. I BREAST FED HER ONLY FOR SIX MONTHS. I HAVE NOTICED ALL THIS TIME THAT I STILL HAVE BREAST MILK.
BUT HERE RECENTLY I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY NIPPLES HURT AND I'M LACTATING EVEN MORE NOW. IS THIS NORMAL? IS SOMETHING WRONG? I HAVEN'T MISSED A PERIOD, SO IT COULDN'T BE THAT I'M PREGNANT AGAIN.

The medical term for this is galactorrhea - you can search the internet for info. It can be a symptom of something more serious going on... See for example My breasts are leaking milk but I'm definitely not pregnant from NetDoctor.co.uk.

Hi, My name is Valerie and I'm 16 years old, and I have a few questions that nobody can seem to answer, here it goes... unfortunately I'm not a thin person and I have big hips and a big butt, sometimes I get the feeling that I look out of proportion because of that. I see my breasts and they fit in a C-cup but how come some of my other friends who have a C-cup there breasts appear to be bigger than mine?

This is probably because bra sizing does not work like people think it does. 30C does not have the same cup size as 34C or 38C. The C cup in 30C is smaller than the C-cup in 38C.

I am a lactating mother and my right breast has become 1" to 1.5" lengthier than the left one. How can I either increase the size of the left one or decrease the size of the right one? My size is 34B. Please do reply. Thank you.

This is simple in principle, but can be difficult in reality. You just need to nurse more on the smaller side, and less on the bigger side. Simple, right? The problem is that your child may object to this... Please see Lopsided! What can I do? article at Kellymom.com.

Hello. I am expecting my first child in 3 1/2 weeks and I have decided to give breastfeeding a try. I want to get to the store to buy a few nursing bras before the baby comes, but I am unsure what size to buy. Do you have any idea of how much larger my breasts will get once my milk comes in? Pre-pregnancy I was 36C, I am currently 38C. If you have any information for me to help in determining what size bras to purchase I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!
Arleen

Your breast size now (during last semester) is probably pretty close to your breast size while nursing. When your milk comes in, you may end up engorged and even bigger, but that is temporary and lasts only a few days. For those days you can try to go without a bra. After that is over, your breasts will "get the hang of it" and only produce milk according to the demand, and your breast size is probably close to what it is now. After a few months of nursing, your breast size may even go down.

Does everyone's breasts disappear when you lay flat on your back or does it happen when you get older? Seems like mine have always disappeared and I hate it.

Mary

This would depend on your breast size. Big breasts won't 'disappear' and small breasts can seem to do so.

My daughter is 11 years old, and telling me that her breasts which are not developed, yet are hurting and feel like hard nodules. Is this normal? She is small for her age.
Ellen

Chances are that those are the breast buds. You should soon see them as "swollen" looking nipples that start protruding a little. It's normal for them to feel tender.

GREAT SITE! I was wondering if the nipples and areola ever go back to normal after breastfeeding. My child's feeding has caused me to have very long nipples and very dark areolas. Will they go back to normal soon or ever?

NAN

Actually the areola changes color during pregnancy, not during breastfeeding. The color will fade a little over time but will not be back to the color it was before pregnancy. Your nippleswon't look like they did before you got pregnant, either; however they may get somewhat smaller after weaning.

I'm 22 and never breastfed. I've noticed that my nipples (the very top of them) are slightly different color than the rest of my nipples (perhaps yellowish or so) is that normal? Also, am I supposed to see the opening on the nipple? Because I don't and I just want to make sure for when I'm pregnant that everything will be okay?

As far as the coloring on the nipple, I don't really know, but I assume it is normal. It is normal to not to see the tiny openings in the nipple (actually there are several openings in the nipple, not just one). They are tiny and not really visible until you get pregnant and then start nursing a child. So don't worry.

Hi, I'm a 16-year old girl. My breasts have been a C or D cup since I was in 7th grade. Is it normal for my back to hurt between my shoulder blades? I am only 5ft 2in. Also my left breast, I started to notice about a year ago, is larger than my right breast. From this and other website I have learned that is normal, but are there any concerns associated with this?
thank you everyone, concerned and confused

You don't have to worry if one breast is bigger than the other; it is quite common. The back pain could be caused by something totally different than your breasts. I hope you can check with a doctor.

Hi, I am 14 years old and I got my period when just before I turned 13. All my life I have wanted fairly large breasts. It bothers me very much that I still dont have boobs. I fit in to a 32 A cup... I fit into it pretty good so I am no "flat chested" and I do have a little bit of cleavage but it seems that my boobs do not stick out very far, it almost seems as if they maybe sagging. I don't know if they are or not but I'm worried that they are, it's like they are there but just not sticking out. What does this mean? Is there anything that I can eat or do to make my breasts larger with out having surgery? I have been made fun of for not having boobs for a very long time, I try not to let it bother me but it still does. So I wear padded bras that are too big for me and then I wear a cami over that (a tank top with a built in bra) and then I wear my shirt. It's embarrassing because a lot of people have noticed all the bra lines underneath my shirts but I can't stop doing it because then people will wonder, "Where did her boobs go?" I dont know what to do. All I want are boobs. I also noticed that I have no cleavage and my boobs are spread pretty far apart and don't really stick out. My nipples are almost a reddish color and most my friends' have a light brown or light pink. Does this mean anything? And what can I do to make my breasts a little larger? I liked reading all these girls' comments and letters because it helps me realize that I am not the only small breasted girl.

Kathy

Sounds like very normal breasts for the A cup size. They don't stick out since they are firm and 'perky' for now - the breast tissue is quite dense. That is normal for teenagers. When/if they start sagging more, they will then maybe 'stick out' a little more. This cleavage thing is just something American culture has made up that women's breast should supposedly have, but normal breasts without bras don't often have any cleavage unless they are fairly large or pushed together artificially by bras. So don't worry about that. The nipple color is fine, and it doesn't mean anything special.

So your breasts are fine. Try to learn to disregard any comments that immature teenagers might throw your way. It's not their business whether you wear a bra or not, or what kind. Please read also our page on small breasts.

Do you know where I can see a picture of "dimpled breasts"? I have read about that being a sign of cancer and would like to see if mine are dimpled.

carla

Perhaps you mean an inverted nipple.

May I first say that your site is wonderful... I am not exactly flat chested but am quite close to it; I actually am finally at a point where I am very comfortable with the set I was given, but I digress. My mother has told my sister and me that she was around my size (34A) up until her late twenties. She "thinks" she was about 28 when she finally developed into her current size which is a 36 or 38C (she didnt have her first child until she was 33). So my question is, is it even possible to develop that late? The women on both sides of my family are fairly large breasted (Cs and Ds) until you hit my generation, then my two sisters and myself are all small. My 20 year old sister is very self-concious and my older sister got tired of being called "Peanut" and got implants at 26. I am 22 and am frankly just curious. If you have ever heard of anyone developing this late in life I would be interested to hear about it.
charis

Haven't heard of it happening but if your mom did, then fine! And if other readers know something about late breast development, send your comments in.

Hello. I am 20 years old and have asymmetrical breasts. They have always been this way, and it has always bothered me. My mother has and still continues to tell me that I am not done developing yet, but at my age I find it hard to believe. My right breast is fine, but the left is quite a bit smaller. The nipple is fully formed, but it is atleast 1x smaller than my right, not only that but it is often sensitive or sore (but there aren't any lumps). My questions are: is there a chance that it may develop more, and is the aching normal?

Well, breasts DO continue to develop in SOME girls up till about 21-22 years of age. So it is possible. The aching you mention could be due to the breast still developing. It is normal for breasts to be sore just before your period, or when they are growing/developing. If you feel the soreness is not for these reasons, please see a doctor.

Is there any surgery to reduce the size of a areola? Although I feel better with my large ones after seeing this web site I still not happy and feel very self concious. xxx

alicia sweet

It is understandable to feel self-conscious about the size of your areola... I hope you visited our breast gallery page to see the enormous variety there is even in areola size. My guess is, surgeons can do it, but you'd have to ask them to know for sure.

I am 14 and almost a C up. I am only 5' 1" and I think I have stopped growing. My boobs came when I was 9 and I haven't changed since. Am I going to be short and a 34B for life? It really hurts me because most girls in my freshman class are sooooooo much bigger than me. Please help.

niya

It sounds like your main growth spurt is over by now. Your final height is largely determined by your genes. It is just like with any physical feature: some people are shorter and some are taller, and the best is not to worry about it. Similarly with your breasts, they are probably their final size now.

I am 21 years old and am eight months pregnant. I have been considering breastfeeding but have heard so many myths. Is it true that breastfeeding makes your breasts smaller?

lisa

Hello Lisa,
You have probably noticed that during pregnancy, your breasts have grown in size... what has happened INSIDE is that a lot of the fat has gone, and your breasts are now filled with ducts and milk-making cells (alveoli). They are ready for breastfeeding and already your breasts are making the wonderful first milk called colostrum. Colostrum is made in very small quantities and is kind of like super-food or super-milk for the very first days of the baby, filled with antibodies and other special substances. It helps the baby's immunity system. And colostrum acts as a laxative to purge the baby's intestines from waste that has collected there during pregnancy. Formula does not have that effect. Then in a few days breasts start making mature milk which has lots more fat and is made in copious quantites compared to colostrum.

Anyway, this elaborate milk-making apparatus inside your breasts is going to shrink whenever you don't use it anymore. It is at that point that breasts will get smaller - for a while. Then after a while fat again gets deposited in there, and so your breasts will probably end up back to pre-pregnancy size.
So
1) If you do not breastfeed at all, then you first have to deal with trying to dry the milk production up, and your breasts will start shrinking soon after giving birth since they perceive the milk is not needed. So they will shrink first, and then over time get back to pre-pregnancy size.
2) If you do breastfeed, your breasts will stay in this enlarged size that they are now until your wean (partially or completely). Then at weaning they will get smaller. If the weaning is abrupt, they will abruptly shrink (some call it "empty balloon look") and over time get back to pre-pregnancy size. If the weaning is gradual, the breasts will just gradually decrease in size without going through the emptyish balloon stage.

So it's not technically breastfeeding that makes your breasts smaller - weaning does, and if you don't breastfeed at all, it is in a sense 'weaning before ever starting'.

As far as breastfeeding goes, I encourage you to visit www.breastfeeding.com and read some kind of book about breastfeeding. Or check our breastfeeding resources page for many more breastfeeding supportive websites.

Hello. I'm just about 16 years old (in 3 months). And I feel that my nipples haven't developed right. The rest of my breast seems normal, but the nipple looks like it's half developed. Also, the darker skin surrounding the nipple has small bumps on it. I'm not sure if this is normal (...I don't usually see many boobs). Also, I got my period in the 8th grade. And for the first few years or so, it was on track and everything. But this past year it's been all messed up. I get it every few months, and it only lasts for a few days. What's going on with my body?! Thanks,
Sara

Hello Sara,
The darker skin is called the areola. The bumps on your areola are called Montgomery glands. They produce a fluid that lubricates the areola and nipple. The nipple has probably developed just fine. Some teenagers have flat nipples that become erect when cold or stimulated. Try to rub your nipple and see if it 'wrinkles up' and becomes erect. See also our Nipple gallery page.

Your period is something to be concerned about. You may have some sort of hormonal disorder going on. One possibility is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other possibilities are being underweight, heavy exercise, stress, thyroid problems - and there are yet more. Please see Oligomenorrhea for more information, and consider seeing a doctor.

My ten-year old daughter recently noticed that she is beginning to develop a breast on only one side. She is very concerned about this- her 34-year old aunt recently underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery because of a lump she had on one side. Consequently, my daughter is associating her "lump" with that of her aunts. Is it normal for one side to develop before the other? How soon after should the other begin to develop? I am trying to reassure her as much as possible that this is NOT cancer. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Brooke Allen

This is perfectly normal. The lump is almost 100% surely a developing breast bud. It is very common for one side to develop before the other, and in fact, about 40-50% of women have some degree of asymmetry in their breasts anyway. Timewise, it's normal for there to be a 6-month delay before the other one starts growing.

When I was about 12 or 13, I had an incident by where my cousin grabbed both of my breasts from behind me. She grabbed me so hard that it took my breath away. Today, I am an adult woman and I have inverted nipples. In my search to understand why this occurred, I have always wondered if this incident could of caused this. I have heard that damage to the nipple bud can cause it to be inverted. I would appreciate knowing. My email is . Thanks!

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