Breast Health: Normal Breast Changes
Breasts change over time. Their size and texture may vary with shifts in your body weight. Breasts also change as you go through different stages of your life.
Puberty
Breasts start growing before a girl begins to menstruate. This happens in response to hormonal changes. Each girl’s breasts mature at their own pace.
Menstrual Cycle
Most women’s breasts change during the menstrual cycle. Before each period, mammary glands may swell and become tender or lumpy. After the period ends, swelling, tenderness, and lumpiness are likely to lessen. Women who take birth control pills may find that their breasts become firmer and larger.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
During pregnancy, mammary glands enlarge to produce milk. This makes breasts larger and firmer. When breastfeeding ends, breasts return to their original size and may feel less firm.
Menopause
During and after menopause, ducts and mammary glands shrink. They’re replaced by fatty tissue, making breasts feel less lumpy. Women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may have fewer breast changes related to menopause.
Publication Source:
Iglehart JD, Smith BL, Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 18th ed., Breast development and physiology, 2008, pp 851-853
Publication Source:
Lobo RA, Comprehensive Gynecology, 5th ed., Delayed menarche, 2007, pp 1102-1103
Online Source:
U.S. National Institutes of Health. National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understanding-breast-changes/allpages#4daf96df-b246-4cb6-ba11-6324cb9c5f4f
Online Medical Reviewer:
Dolan, Mary, MD
Date Last Reviewed:
1/15/2007
Date Last Modified:
12/29/2003