Know Your Breasts
Despite what mammary-obsessed guys might think, the biological reason a girl grows breasts is to prepare her body to feed a baby. No worries: Small breasts make as much milk as big breasts do!
Are they normal?There are many ways breasts can differ and still be normal, but if you’re ever unsure, visit your doctor just in case.
Size and shape
Each breast develops at its own rate; fully grown ones can even be different sizes. But if they differ by more than two cup sizes—or if one is tubular—see a doctor. It may signal a hormone imbalance.
Hair
It’s fine to have a few wispy hairs on the areola. But if you have about 10 or more on either breast, or if any are bristly, see a doctor. It could be polycystic ovary syndrome (it’s treatable).
Nipple variations
Nipples can project out or be inverted—both are normal. But if a nipple that was projecting out inverts or leaks fluid or blood, see a doctor. It could be an infection or a noncancerous tumor.
Stretch Marks
As breasts grow, skin fibers can stretch and snap, forming stretch marks—they’re normal and may fade in a year. Try a drugstore cream like Mederma or a prescription like Retin A to speed the fading process.
*Girls over 20 should do a breast self-exam monthly.
July 3rd, 2007 11:10
Hello, my name is Jennifer and I am 11 years old. I know this is kind of weird, but I have the biggest breasts in my class! They’re a children’s bra size 34DD. I have always felt embarrased because I’m afraid they aren’t normal.
July 16th, 2007 10:01
hello,i want to make larger breast ?and i have stretch mark on breast ?
October 16th, 2007 12:12
Hi, I am 24 years old and have to shop for a bra in the pre teen section. I am about 3/4 A cup and 36 inches around my chest. I have thought of implants and went as far as to research doctors. I guess it is to make me feel more like a woman. I realized it isn’t the size of my breasts but the size of what is beneath them. Cheesy I know but hey, my husband loves my body the way it is so that is the way it stays.
January 22nd, 2008 22:38
i agree with karen. i have small breasts too and wish they were bigger because i find bigger breasts to be more womanly. i too have thought about implants but said no becasue being fake isn’t right to me, then i’d be like the rest. my boyfreind likes me for me and the rest of my body makes up for that area i lack in.
February 17th, 2008 00:34
Hi Mandi & Karen,
I too once considered breast implants to boost my self esteem but my husband persuaded me not to. This was 8 years ago & I have found as time passed my confidence & self esteem has increased to the point where I no longer worry about it. No regrets.