Breast development is an essential part of reproduction in
females. Unlike other mammals, human females complete breast development even
before breasts are necessary to breastfeed babies. Girls have to understand
that just like we are all different and unique, our bodies develop in their own
way.
Breasts change a lot during menstrual cycle and even at
menopause. Starting to develop before birth, during fetal development, breast
appears as a thickening in the chest area and it is called mammary ridge or milk
line. When the baby girl is born, nipples are formed together with the
beginnings of the milk duct system.
Puberty comes with great changes in breast development and
not only. When girls are 8 to 13 years old, they enter puberty. Their bodies
release hormones that encourage the ovaries to produce the female hormone
called estrogen. Estrogen causes numerous changes in the body, including breast
growth.
At this age, breasts start to develop. The flat area around
the nipple increases and breast tissue begins to form under the nipple. When
breast development is complete – after 6 to 9 years, the areola will no longer
appear swollen and each breast will be distinct. Nipples change too during
puberty, becoming dark brown or pink, turning inward or out and perhaps hair
will grow around nipples. All these things are normal.
Many girls are worried about their breast size, wondering
why their breasts are bigger or smaller than in other girls. But breast size
varies from woman to woman and, even if their mothers have bigger or smaller
breasts, it only shows how unique and special is every person.
During puberty, not only breasts grow. The entire body
enhances, pubic hair starts to grow and acne may appear on face and on the
body. Even more, hormones can make the mood go up or down and young women could
feel that their body is out of control.
The first period usually appears two years after the
beginning of breast growth. Lasting about 2-8 days and coming every 21-35 days,
periods will become regular after a few months or years. Before and during
menstruation, breasts can be more swollen and firmer than normally. Even more,
they will be more sensitive and painful, but this is normal and it will pass
once the period is ended.
Hormone changes, during and after period and even during
pregnancy will cause breast changes. Breasts may become larger and heavier and
weight gain or weight loss can also make breasts change.
Some doctors claim that breasts are not entirely mature
until a women gives birth and produces milk. During pregnancy, the areolas
swell and breasts become larger. Tenderness, soreness and tingling in the
nipples are normal in this period because milk duct system develops and more
lobules will form.
Menopause as well causes hormone changes, which will cause
changes in breasts. Breasts will shrink somehow, becoming less firm, losing
their shape and becoming “sagging”.
Breasts undergo numerous changes throughout the life span
and some changes can be malignant. Consult your doctor if you have any questions
or concerns and you will find all you need to know about how breasts develop.
