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.
To study this issue, please see the following sites:
* Eve's natural breast forum - For natural methods of breast enhancement, personal protocols, and more.
* Testimonials from a certain breast enhancement product - these seem authentic.
* Breast Enhancement boards - discussion about various herbal protocols to increase breast size. Here's a link to their members "routines" or "protocols" which are quite elaborate and not just a single herb.
* Natural Breast Enlargement Quest - a non-commercial website dedicated to researching natural methods of breast enlargement.
*
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!!!
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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)
See also:
Other questions
We receive lots of questions from girls and women about breasts. You can read some of them below, and many more questions and answers can be found at the following pages:
Or, try a site search.
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.
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 fourth
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.
Cancer starts when people eat unhealthy, or get exposed to poisons, so
that their immune system cannot remove the little cancer starts
(cancerous cells). We all get cancerous cells in our bodies all the
time. It's just that normally in a healthy body, the immune system kills
those cells that have mutated and turned "bad".
The key to prevent breast cancer
Gaining weight... breasts will get fatter whether you gain weight on
junk food or however you gain it. But I don't wish anyone bad health.
Hi im 17 years old im quiet larg about 80 kilos im trying to lose weight and im worried ill lose my brest 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 be found sagging. Vitamins A and C are
important, as is flax oil (internally). Honey is good too, both
internally and externally. See Nutrients for Healthy Skin: Inside and Out
How can I get boobs????? Ny "boyfriend" even says that I would be pretty with boobs. Why are boobs the thing? I got a friend in South Carolina that has a size D boobs and she is 11! She has not even got her period!!!
I'm sorry to say it, but to my knowledge we just don't know why this would happen: why sometimes there is not much visible breast growth.
You can try see a doctor; have him/her check all your hormone levels to see if there are any abnormalities. And, a very healthy diet and avoiding junk and toxins cannot hurt.
Also read our page Being Flat ChestedNatural Breast Enlargement QuestBE boards - discussion on herbal breast augmentation.
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 starts getting 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 skin stretching is unfortunate; probably can't do much anymore. I tend to think that eating a good diet, adequate amount of vitamin C, and essential fatty acids (fish oils and flax oil) hopefully help with skin elasticity so that the skin could retreat back and not stay stretched.
Sorry I can't give you any "good" news! Small breasts are fine though! Why do you feel you have to wear padded bras? You can show the world that you have small breasts - and maybe empower some other small-breasted women to feel adequate, too.
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.
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
Quite often women do 'lose' those bigger breasts and go back to their
original size. However it doesn't always happen.
Also, many women gain weight with babies and some of that fat stays in
their breasts. So, I can't tell how it goes with you.
However, if your work situation permits, you can breastfeed for a long
time, for several years even. Baby will certainly benefit from that.
Many women get a breast pump and then pump some breast milk beforehand
so caregiver can give that to baby while you're gone to work. And even
if you couldn't nurse while working or couldn't pump, you can still
continue nursing the baby in the evening and in the morning and during
the night while you are at home.
And one other thing: after having a baby, your thoughts and opinions
about the importance of breast size may also change... having a baby
'rewires' women's brains, a proven scientific fact, and makes us to be
more caring, more home-liking, less adventurous, less risk-taking. It
is kind of amazing how it happens.
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
that they are fairly small. Maybe your mom has a little bit more fat
all around her body. (She's also been thru pregnancies, which can
change breast size).
You can get bigger breasts if you gain some weight. Don't try to
do that with sugar though but with healthy foods.
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.
See also Breast Size, Shape concerns from TeenhealthFX.comFDA Breast implant consumer handbook: LOCAL COMPLICATIONS & REOPERATIONS.
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 smaller but they won't disappear!
Yes,that is perfectly normal. Some women's breasts do develop a little
more in their early twenties. Just be happy!
Or, the other possibility is that you're pregnant - or that it's a birth
control pills side effect if you 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.
need some help and encouragement please! I visit your website very often to read the comments and see pictures of normal breasts as a medicine to my great insecurity about my saggy boobs. It has helped me enormously and I thank you for that (especially the men for their sweet comments). However, I still can't get over the appearence of my breasts. I am 21, fairly attractive, and while I should be out flirting with guys and enjoying my youth, I am terrified whenever the possibility of starting a relationship comes up. I have never shown my breasts to a guy and I fear I'd be devastated if, when my bra comes off, I read dissapointment in his eyes. I don't know how to deal with that. Should I warn him first? Should I act like I don't care? What if he makes a bad comment? I know that I shouldn't care and get over myself but unfortunately I can't help how I feel..:(
Irene
as you may know, 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 ase the models'.
Anyway, if I was in this kind of situation, I would talk about this fear of
yours with the guy before being intimate. And, by all means let him see this
website and the breast gallery here, (www.007b.com/breast_gallery.php)
so you can find out if he understands much about how female breasts look
like. So talking, talking beforehand, might be the key.
It can be normal but it is also possible that it is an abnormal growth
called "giant fibroadenoma" or also called "juvenile fibroadenoma".
Fibroadenoma is not a cancer. It is just 'extra growth' of breast
tissue in some part of breast for unknown reason. One characteristic of
that is if it kind of grew rapidly. But no one can tell for sure if you
might have it unless you go see a doctor.
Try Decentexposures.com
My other question is.. Men who want to become women (transexuals) take
female hormones (estrogen) they grow breasts etc. Could it be an option for a
female with small breasts take these hormones?
Having small breasts is NOT equal to tubular breasts. Neither is
protruding nipple. Tubular hypoplastic breasts lack glandular tissue,
and can feel 'empty' where the milk glands should be. They are often
tubular in shape, and there is a wide space in between them.
Small breasts produce breast milk just fine. See
Breast size and breastfeeding.
At any rate, there is no surgery to "fix" tubular underdeveloped
breasts. Those kind of breasts do not have ENOUGH milk-making
(glandular) tissue and no surgery can get that there. It's not a
problem about the nipple.
As far as taking estrogen, theoretically it would increase a woman's
breast size, but taking extra estrogen, besides what your body produces,
will increase your breast cancer risk a lot. It could also mess up your
hormonal system, as the hormones affect each other.
ok can u help me I am soo flat chested in the 7th grade all my
friends have big boobs and im 13 most of my friends are younger
than me they have already have gotted their period hen they were
11 and I still dont have mine I always have 2 put tissue in my
TRAINER BRA im mexican and when im 15 imma have a 15 party and i
dont want 2 look flat chested do u think im going to get breast
soon??? ALL of my friends have gotten their period and have big
breast why am I the only one in the school who has a flatt chest?????
doed it matter about when my mom got her period and when
she developed breast???? what else can you use to make bigger
breast??? I know u can use plastic surgery but I dont want 2 o
that diddnt they say some thing about some lotion???? can you
please write back??? thank you
Your breasts will probably start growing soon. Most of the growth
happens before you get your period, and then they also grow some
after that. Yes it does matter when your mom got her period and
breasts. You will likely get your period near the same age as your
mom got hers. See also our Breast Development page.
IF your period hasn't come, there's a few reasons for that. For example
underweight and anorexic girls may not get their period. Or, people on
vegetarian diets may get their puberty later than others, as do girls
who exercise and train a lot in sports. And yet some girls just develop
later and it's their genes.
If you don't show yet ANY signs of puberty (pubic hair), then read Delayed Puberty
I wanted to know if its 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 TIS TIME THAT I STILL HAVE BREAST MILK.
BUT HERE RECENTLY I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY NIPPLES HURT AND I'M LACKTATING 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 even more 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
The reason breasts often sag after losing weight is because the fat disappears from the breasts, but the skin does not retract... You can try imagine your breasts with the same amount of skin, but less 'filling' in side... it creates kind of a baggy look.
So the best thing to do is to do your best to keep up with your skin elasticity. And that means NUTRITION. You have to eat nutritious foods to nourish the skin. As far as I understand, the key nutrients are vitamin A, vitamin C, and essential fatty acid LNA (which is found abundantly in flax oil). No junk foods. Read also
The Secret to Healthy SkinVitamins - nutrient and health/disease associations.
I am not guaranteeing this will prevent it, but it is the only thing I can think of that might help.
You will lose fat from both breasts, so the asymmetry will probably remain. But it shouldn't become more noticeable.
It is true that teenage breasts are often perky, but not always. The reason that is mentioned on the website is because fashion magazines and movies leave the impression that all adult women have such breasts which is not true. So in reality it is just SOME teenagers and then a few adult women who have 'perky' breasts.
Please read the page about saggingour breast development page
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?
Could be for many reasons. Because bra sizing is not universal. There are slight differences in all bras. Also, your friends may be wearing too small bras - maybe they have D cup in reality, or between C and D. Also, the way breasts appear can be changed by wearing underwire bras, or padded bras etc. And also type of clothing and person's POSTURE affects the way breasts appear. YOu would need to both be naked side by side looking in the mirror to make better comparisons.
Also how do you know when your breasts are fully developed? I read something you wrote on your site on that about seeing that your nipple forms almost as if to be mound upon mound, for some reason mine don't do that they just seem to be pointed on the same surface is that the final stage?
Yes, the "same surface" would be final stage. But breasts may still grow if you gain weight, for example. And during pregnancy. The breast is considered fully developed only when it grows to the full during pregnancy.
This is simple in principle, and 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... and that one I really can't help you with!
For example, for one feeding nurse on the right side, and then nurse at least a little bit on the left too so the smaller side gets stimulated as often as possible. But then next feeding nurse left side only. This way right side will get less stimulation. A breast pump could also be used to stimulate the smaller side more.
My sister has a fairly good size breast [about 34-36 C] and I have small breasts for my size [34B, and they look small on me.] My sister had bigger breasts than me at my age [i'm fifteen] and I have had my period since I was about twelve and I have had small boobs since I was about twelve as well. I'm really self conscious about my breasts, and I wear padded bras all the time. although, I feel like a fraud because of that, but I am too embarrassed to not wear one. My mother doesn't have 34-36 C breasts, but I still wonder if my breasts will grow at all, even though my sister was bigger than I am at my age. What is the possibility of them growing?
Since it's a few years since you got your period, it sounds like your breasts likely will not grow much more anymore. Many girls though get a littel bit rounder all over, including their breasts, in their early 20s, so that may very well happen to you too.
You said your breasts look small on you. However B cup size is about average; so your breasts are not truly that small... but maybe you're used to seeing big breasted models in magazines and are comparing yourself to those?
Make sure and read our page www.007b.com/breast_development.php
Breasts do grow after you get your period, however they tend to do most of the growth before the period comes. As to your question, I don't know for sure. I think the fact that your hormones are not settled yet could affect the breast growth, to make it slower.
As far as your period, are you eating a healthy diet? If your period is still irregular 3 years after you got it, maybe you can check with a doctor about some hormones. For example a thyroid disorder could cause your period to be irregular, or something called "premature ovarian failure", or polycystic ovary syndrome.
See also
Irregular Periods
Irregular periods and premature ovarian failure
ok I am 15 and I have very very small breast but my mom also had small breast when she was young but she go implants before she had me will that have any affect on me?
NiCki
Your mom's implants do not have any effect on your breast size, because breast size is determined by genes and implants did not change your mom's genes that she passed on to you.
Your breast size now (during last semester) is probably pretty close to your breast size while nursing. See, when your milk comes in, you may end up engorged and even bigger, but that's temporary, only a few days. For those days you can try 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. And, after a few months of nursing, your breast size may go down even.
Note also that you don't need to wear a bra for medical reasons - it's just the way our society is. So even while nursing, you can go bra free at home for example.
See also What's my size? Finding your bra size.
im 5'6. weigh 124 pounds. fit in a 32A. and am 14 years old. am I fat?
No, you're fine. See Body Mass Index Calculator.
im 13 yrs old.I have pretty small breasts. my under breast(chest) is 24-25inches. my breasts are 27-28inches. What is my bra size cause Ive been gettin lots of diff answers. some say they are a,aa b! I dont think my breasts are a b!
confused
If you look at Bra Sizer
DETERMINING CORRECT BRA AND CUP SIZE,
you see there are different ways of measuring and determining the breast size. At any rate, it is NOT that exact science. Do you remember to measure looksely on the largest part of your bust? And you may be getting slightly different measurements depending where exactly the measuring tape goes on the back side. Have someone else to do the measuring.
If certain size bras fit you pretty consistently, then that is your bra size.
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 and density. Big dense breasts won't 'disappear'.
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 Tishman
Chances are that those are the breast buds developing. You should soon see them as "swollen" looking nipples that start protruding a little. It's normal for them to feel tender.
i'm a 19 year old boy from phoenix and I was browsing your site after a friend of mine asked me a bunch of questions and I referred her here.
i was discouraged as I read your q & a to read all these girls so concerned about being too small, when in fact to me, and many other guys, smaller-type breasts can be very attractive! but most importantly girls need to remember that if they are interested in somebody or wanting somebody who is going to judge them just on the size of their breasts that they aren't looking correctly.
keep up the good work!
jamie
hello im 12 going on 13 and I have a very small chest. all of my friends have a mediem sized and some large chests and I am afraid to go to any swimming partys cuz I think that people will make fun of me and I havent even started my period yet and all of my friends have already and I dont know what to do. I think it is because I am extremely underweight. I way 69 pounds. im scared to go out with any guys cuz I dont have any breast and I think that they r going to dump me cuz of my breast. it has already happened once but ive had a lot of relationships. is there a way I could get them to grow? PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!
Hello,
It sounds like you kind of know where the problem lies... The fact is, your puberty cannot get even started if you're very underweight. If you can first solve that problem, then your breasts will eventually develop and you will get your period and all that!
By all means visit websites about anorexia, they can probably help you. You could start at
Something Fishy - website for eating disorders.
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. Your nipples or areola won't look like they did before you got pregnant. The areola color will probably 'fade' a little, and the nipples may get somewhat smaller when 'not in use'.
As far as the coloring on the nipple, I don't really know, but I assume it is normal.
Actually there are several tiny 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 no need to worry.
hi, i'm a 16 year old girl. my breasts have been a c or d cup since I was in 7th grade. his it normal for my back to hurt between my shoulder blades? I am only 5ft 2in. also my left breat, 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; nothing to be concerned about. 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 dont know if they are or not but im 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. Its embarissing because a lot of people have noticed all the bra lines underenath my shirts but I cant 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 dotn 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 won't have any 'cleavage' unless they are fairly large... Don't worry about that. The nipple color is fine, doesn't mean anything.
Yours will still probably grow some, too. And when you hit your early 20s they may get still a little fuller, as many girls at that point gain some 'feminine curves'.
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.
Also, many small breasted women wear real loose shirts, but there is no reason to be afraid of wearing something tighter and feminine. If you're small, you're small but you can still look feminine. Remember, this "real woman has big breasts" dogma is a made-up thing that fashion industry wants you to believe, but it's not true.
hi, I found the website and it was very helpful... but I still have a question. my areolas stick out alot and my nipples don't get hard unless I am cold. even when I rub them they don't really. I was wondering how long it will take until my areolas don't stick out. they have stuck out for about a year or more now. also, is there something wrong with my nipples because they aren't very sensitive? pllleeease reply, I can't find an answer anywhere else!
thanks so much, jenna.
I'm kind of wondering that you must be talking about your nipples and not your areola, as the areola doesn't really 'stick out'. If your nipples 'stick out' or are erect, it is normal. And it's normal for them not to, too. But if they do, they will probably continue sticking out.
As far as nipples being hard, I wonder what you are comparing to. Nipples don't ever get as hard as your skull, say. They can get harder than the surrounding areola, if cold or irritated or rubbed, but it is just comparative.
And the sensitivity would depend on the hormones. Believe me they will get sensitive if you ever get pregnant or breastfeed. Mine weren't that especially sensitive either before maternity.
Your nipples are just fine!
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
"Dimpled breasts" would mean that skin on the breasts is dimpled or wrinkled, like the peel of orange.
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 develope 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.
I am 13 and if you made a bra size for me it would be a 13 aa!! I came to this site wondering and looking for foods or things I could do to make my breasts grow. My mom got boobs at 10 so I kinda am getting worried. Besides that I am totally in love with guy seph at my church. When we were younge he dared me to kiss him and I did i've been in love since. He now often flirts and makes rude ramarks about me breasts. I feel like s*** when he does. Please I need someone to tell me what to do. I get so confused.
Dear Kara,
It is easy to get confused with feelings at such a young age... What you describe is not really love, but lust or "a crush". If he is making rude remarks, he is not interested in you anyway but is just teasing, and playing with your feelings. So what can you do? Just forget about him and find something else to occupy your mind - start a new hobby maybe. See also Am I in Love?.
As far as your breasts, they will grow and develop in time, don't worry.
Hi im 13 and I have quite big breasts for some people this sounds silly but I want smaller breasts how can I get them,someone suggested to me swimming helped.Please give me some good advice.
Katy
Swimming would only help as a part of weight losing program... If you lose weight, you will lose some 'fat' from your breasts too. But being underweight is NOT healthy - do not diet unless you're already overweight! Otherwise, it is not possible to make breasts smaller (outside of surgery).
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 their 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. You should either not wear a bra or make 150% sure the bra is not too tight on the sore breast... not even on the sides or back. So if everything is otherwise all right, then you could just wait a year and see if it is truly growing, because it is possible. If the soreness does not go away by then, please see a doctor.
Im totally scared I am 13years old I havent started my periods yet I have pubic hair, but my breasts are tiny they bearly fit into 28AA - English size. I have no breast just nipple, everyone at school has some, this girl in my class has a breast size about a C or a D. Please help me!!
Samantha-Jane-Ella
Different girls go through puberty at different times. Some may start developing at 10 years old and get their period when they're 11 or 12. Some girls start developing later. Since you don't have period yet, your breasts still have a lot of developing to go through.
can you pls help me? I'm 14 years old and I'm 32AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA... I think... but the point is my boobs are as flat as my brother's chest and I hate it... My friends always make fun of me, an I feel so 'low'... how can I get bigger ones? or how can I handle this situation... is it because of my small boobs boys dont like me?
AAAA
Please read the pages Breast development, and Being flat-chested. Now, if you have not experienced other early signs of puberty - pubic hair and growth spurt - then your puberty MAY be delayed, and you could see a doctor to find out for sure.
Why do you only include the age of the women with young (mostly) perky breasts? And why do you call them "girls"? The rest are "middle aged".
The age of the young women (or girls) in the early twenties is mentioned so that it is clear we do NOT have teenage girls pics on the site. If we did have teenage girls pics, that might create a problem of someone misunderstanding our purpose. Those mentioned to be 'middle aged' truly are in the 40-55 years age bracket. For most pics in the gallery we just do not know the woman's exact age - and it is not awfully important since the biggest factor in the changes of breast size/shape is the pregnancies and lactation.
is there any surgery to reduce 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... hope you visited the breast gallery page. However, this site is NOT about what plastic surgeries are possible. My guess is they can do it, but you'd have to ask the surgeons 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 havent 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. Being short is kind of off-topic for this website but you can go to www.teenhealthfx.com
I just turned 13, am a size 34A, and didn't get my period. I read a lot of Q's and A's from this website. So I know that I still have time to grow and every girl grows at her own rate, but mostly all the girls in my class are a size B. One girl commented to me about my fairly small breasts and it made me feel really uncomfortable. I mean, ya I'm a year younger than everyone else, but I just want to feel like I fit in and we are all going through the same thing. You know what I mean. So I just wanted to know what you think about my situation. Thanks!
Lily
Hi Lily, it sounds like your breasts are developing just fine and in their time. If you are a year younger than others in your class, it may seem like you're not fitting in right now, but that will pass soon in a few years time. I also think we all SHOULD know better than tease others about their breast size or their nose or their weight or anything about the physical appearance. We all have physical imperfections that others could pick about, but that will not make anyone happy. You already know you will develop in your time, and the girl's comment shows her ignorance. She might not have realized you are younger, or how bad it made you feel. So just don't let it bother you too much.
hi, i'm 20 years old and my cup size is E sometimes D!i put on weight then I lost about 10 kilos in 2 years, im 65 kgs now.my boobs look saggy,to what extent would diet and excercises shape my breasts! I wanted to do plastic surgery but I cant afford it financialy now so im tyring to find other alternatives.
any help would be appreciated. thanks
jess
Please see the page about sagging.
I happen to be a 12 year old girl and I just started my period this year ( June 7th 2004) and I have a question about two things: I have growing marks or "strech marks" on my breasts and I also don't have any nipples developed yet and I'm wondering when that might start to take effect. I also have breasts that are droopy and saggy, they also are growing farther apart from each other and it really does'nt look right.
Please answer my problems and questions,
Kelly
Hello Kelly,
Everything you describe is perfectly normal. Nothing to worry about. Many women and teenagers have stretch marks on theirs, many have saggy breasts.
Your nipples have developed just fine and they are there - I assume your nipples are just not protruding, or not erect. In other words, they are flat. That is very normal too, especially in young girls. They will quite likely start protruding in the future if you have a child and start breastfeeding. Right now, you may get them to protrude momentarily by rubbing them or exposing them to cold. But it won't matter for now anyway - it's for the baby that nipples protrude.
See also
Nipple gallery, Sagging, and Breast gallery
I am 14 years old and I started my period when I was in 4th grade. Everything grow like body hair but not my breast. I am a 34 a barely. I was thinking of trying herbel pills to growm my breast, do they work? Also how much more time is left in my growing cycle for breast? At what age do your breast stop growing? Can a doctor help my breast grow? As you can see I have tons of questions and I hope you can answer them.. I need help on this subject..
lisa
Typically breasts still grow for a few years after the period starts, so it is possible your breasts are over the main growth period. Herbal pills... see the beginning of this page. I doubt a doctor could do anything. Some women have cup A size breasts - it's normal. See also all our breast development questions and answers.
im only 17 , 18 in october and since grade eight one of my breast stopped growing while the other continued to. now they are extremely obvious and I am forced to wear padding in one side of my bra. I dont feel comfortable going out and I am now always self conscious of wearing tight shirts and having someone notice it. i've been to the doctors but he said I was completely healthy and he sent me to a specialist who I ended up not keepin in contact with because my parents dont approve of breat implants. I dont know what to do. can anyone help?
ashley
Hello Ashley,
I am sure your 'problem' feels uncomfortable to you. However, unfortunately there isn't anything much you can do about it - except an implant on that one side. And that can create severe health problems in the future and prevent you from beastfeeding fully. So that is the 'sad' news.
Now, you don't mention how much of a size difference there is though. Most women have a slight difference in their breasts anyway. Also I wonder, if you're wearing bras, maybe it isn't nearly so noticeable as you imagine. I know you are conscious about it, but others?? Can you ask a friend or your mom to 'evaluate' how easily they can spot the difference?
If the difference is fairly big, one thing that might help is instead of padded bra, to invest to a breast prosthesis. Those are usually sold to women who have had their breast totally removed, but the companies probably have something for asymmetry too, and they should sell bras etc. A prosthesis is not cheap, but it is cheap compared to surgery, and also will not undermine your ability to breastfeed in the future. You would have to contact the companies to know for more details; I'm not an expert but I feel they would have something to offer.
See
all the best for you,
Maria Miller
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. Then at weaning they will shrink. Then over time they will get back to pre-pregnancy size.
This is kind of simplified, I realize it might not go as straightforwardly as I said. But anyway, whether you breastfeed or not, at some point your breasts will shrink in size as you no more are using that milk-making system that developed during pregnancy. They can be smaller than pre-pregnancy at that point because of lack of fat tissue in them. And then over time after that, fat gets back there and they grow back a little, probably near to your pre-pregnancy size.
So breastfeeding does not make 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.combreastfeeding resources pageIt is good to read as much as you can about breastfeeding. Some modern hospital practices, and even some nurses and doctors sometimes, without intention, do things that hinder breastfeeding. For example, doctor may recommend formula just because the baby is fussy - without knowing better. There are many measures one can take for fussy babies that won't hamper breastfeeding... And usually lactation consultants are the BEST experts in any kind of breastfeeding related problems.
Try find someoen who can help you... usually in hospital, it means that you contact a lactation consultant before you leave. In past times, all the women in your family would have been helping you to breastfeed and showing you how to etc. but in this modern day and time, you might have to actively seek breastfeeding support from lactation consultants, from La Leche League groups and leaders, from friends who have breastfed successfully or from internet support forums etc. All these people are very eager to help.
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 bumps on your areola are called Montgomery glands. They produce a fluid that lubricates the areola and nipple. The nipple is probably developed just fine... usually teenagers have flat nipples, that become erect when cold or stimulated. Try 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). Another possibility is if you are seriously underweight or doing heavy exercise. Yet another is a problem with thyroid. And there is more. See also OligomenorrheaIrregular Cycles.
If you see a gynecologist, he/she can measure the hormone levels to find out if it's thryoid problem or PCOS or something else. The typical treatment that a doctor gives is birth control pills, but you can also try to study the condition you might have, and find alternative treatments. For PCOS, many women use natural progesterone. There is a lot of info online if you search the internet.
Note I cannot possibly know WHY the period would be irregular - but I do know it sounds abnormal. It's up to you now to find out more.
I'm 13 and I am comfortable with my breasts. I don't have a problem with the size of my breasts but my nipples are two different sizes. I was wondering if this is normal or if it will ever change.
~!*Jennifer*!~
I'm not sure if the areola size will ever change, but it very well might, since you're only 13 and haven't finished your breast development yet.
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 abmout 40-50% of women have some degree of asymmetry in their breasts anyway.
You can read also
Why Are My Breasts Different Sizes?
10-Year-Old with Only One Budding Breast.
As far as the time, it's normal for there to be a 6-month delay before the other one starts.
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!
Polly, Are we thinking the same or what? I was a large b cup before I had my daughter, she's 3 years old now and i'm a d cup. i'm not overweight, I just got larger after pregnancy, I didnt breastfeed. But now the pain I feel everyday and not being able to run or play sports like I want to is really bothering me. My doctor has suggested a breast reduction and im scheduled in 3 weeks for the surgery. I can't wait. I still don't understnad why someone pays $1,000's of dollars to have breast like this, and i'm paying $,000's of dollars to get rid of them
What a brilliant site! I, like many women, have in the past often been made to feel 'inadequate' because I have average breasts, (I am a B cup). Though I would never dream of putting myself through cosmetic surgery, I can understand and sympathise how so many women become victims of this misguided notion that they 'need' it. After reading the information on this site, thanks to you, I feel confident and proud of my breasts, as ALL women should! Keep up the good work!
Stella Blackwell
Hi, im onl 15 and my breasts are really different. On of my nipples is huge and the other is normal and they are very different in size. the larger one seems to be 'folding'/'curving' onder the rest of the boob! its really weird to explain an many people say of everyone has odd boobs but no one has as odd boobs as I do. I'm wondering if I should have surgery when im onlder! Please help!
Chris
First, your breast development may not yet be fully finished - in some women it continues till the early 20s. I understand that if your breasts look different from others, that it worries you. Surgery could possibly fix how your breasts look like, but it can BRING problems, too.
Any kind of breast surgery can affect your future ability to produce a full milk supply, which is needed for successful breastfeeding. Surgeons may tell you that you would be able to breastfeed, but they won't mention that often women with breast surgery won't produce a full supply for the baby. (See for example Should You Have Breast Reduction Surgery?). That would mean you would be forced to use infant formula - which is associated with many health risks for the baby. If your nipple is normal but is just 'in a different place', it might only mean you will need to use some interesting breastfeeding positions. Maybe you could contact a lactation consultant
And I realize that breastfeeding and babies might be far from your mind right now, but in order to make wise decisions, one has to consider all future consequences.
If you still have a question, please contact us here.
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