As women, we have to accept that our breasts can grow, develop, and change at random ages. The process starts with puberty but has no real end, fluctuating from weight gain or loss, pregnancy, menopause, and sometimes even your lifestyle. In this post, we’ll cover some common reasons your breasts are getting bigger. Of course, always follow up with your doctor to ensure everything is normal.
Hormone Fluctuations
Estrogen affects breast development throughout a woman’s life. During puberty, the body releases hormones, causing buds to form. Once the budding phase is complete, the breasts grow outward into their shape. Hormone fluctuations causing breast growth don’t stop there, though. They can occur from birth control or around menstruation.
Pregnancy Changes
Milk production begins almost as soon as you get pregnant. The process is called lactation. This may cause the size and shape of your breasts and areolas to change. It may also cause swollen and sore breasts, tingling sensations around the nipples, and blood vessels in the breasts to become more prominent.
Gigantomastia
Though rare, gigantomastia is a condition where breasts grow rapidly over time – sometimes in a few weeks or several years. Most causes point to puberty, pregnancy, and medication. If you suspect you have gigantomastia, contact your doctor as soon as possible. The tissue is almost always benign, but it can be unpleasant. You’ll need to discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider, but many recommend breast reduction surgery.
Menopause
Menopause typically happens to women in their late 40s and early 50s. It’s a time when the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease dramatically. Without these two female hormones, breast tissue becomes “dehydrated,” losing its elasticity over time. You may not see breast growth during menopause, but you will see a change in shape. Some women may opt for hormone therapy to delay these changes.
Weight Gain
Breasts are made up of fatty tissue, meaning that if you gain weight, your breasts may grow. The same applies if you lose weight; your breasts will likely get smaller. These fluctuations will vary from woman to woman, so don’t automatically think you’ll get bigger breasts if you gain a few pounds.