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BE BREAST AWARE > Normal changes
NORMAL CHANGES
A woman's breasts develop from childhood, through adolescence, and through adult life. Therefore, it is normal to notice changes over time to the way they look and feel. In addition, some changes to the breasts are caused by the body's hormones. The following are some normal breast changes that you may experience at different times in your life:
- Adolescence. For most girls, the breasts grow during adolescence. During this growth period it is possible for breast lumps to form. Such lumps are usually part of normal breast development.
- Menstrual period. Cyclical pain is breast pain that occurs around the time of a woman's menstrual period and is related to hormonal changes. The intensity of the pain can vary and can occur in one or both breasts. The breasts can also become larger or feel lumpy.
- Pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, her breasts will change in preparation for breastfeeding. The breasts become larger and firmer. The areola become darker in colour. And the nipples become larger. The breasts may also feel tender or more sensitive.
- Breastfeeding. During breastfeeding, the breasts can change size several times a day. After breastfeeding stops, a woman may continue to have some secretions for a few months or up to one or two years.
- Menopause. After menopause, a woman's body produces lower levels of the hormone estrogen. This can change the composition of breast tissue and cause the breasts to become less firm, less dense and to change shape. The breasts can also change in size after menopause.
There are also benign (noncancerous) breast conditions that are not related to normal development or hormones.
Most breast changes are not signs of breast cancer. If you're breast aware, you will know how your breasts normally look and feel. This will help you know when any changes you experience are not part of the normal changes that are experienced by women and should be discussed with your doctor. It is helpful to become aware of what changes to look and feel for in your breasts. Any persistent breast changes should be reported to a doctor.
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