Why do breasts get bigger and smaller?

medicalnewstoday.com - How aging changes the breasts: Causes and treatment

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In this article, we explain how aging affects the breasts and discuss treatment options and prevention tips. These changes in the breasts occur as a result of low estrogen levels and changes in skin elasticity. Aging also increases the risk of developing growths, such as fibroids , cysts , and cancer , all of which can affect the appearance of the breasts. Aging affects everyone differently. Age-related changes in the breasts are not usually harmful but are a natural part of aging. As people get older, their body naturally produces fewer reproductive hormones, and this can lead to changes in the texture and shape of the breasts. Over time, estrogen levels drop, which leads to a loss of gland tissue in the breast. Along with changes in skin elasticity, this may cause the breasts to appear smaller and lower down than before. The nipples may also change in appearance.

Possible breast changes that may occur as a result of aging include:

stretch marks or wrinkles appearing on the breast skin

the breasts looking elongated, stretched, or flattened

extra space between the breasts

Changes to the breasts can occur due to:

Low estrogen levels

As females get older, their bodies start to produce less of the reproductive hormone estrogen than before. Estrogen stimulates the growth of breast tissue, while low levels of this hormone cause the mammary glands to shrink. Fat may fill the new space, making the breasts appear softer and less full. Low estrogen levels can also cause connective tissue in the breast to lose its elasticity and become dehydrated. These changes can cause the breasts to appear smaller, and they may seem to sag.

Other symptoms of low estrogen include:

irregular or absent periods

hot flashes

night sweats

breast tenderness

headaches

changes in mood

fatigue

difficulty concentrating

bone loss

During menopause, the body’s levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease significantly.

According to the Office on Women’s Health , females officially reach menopause when they do not have a menstrual period for at least 12 continuous months. In the United States, the average age for menopause is 52 years.

Skin changes

Over time, the skin starts to become thinner, lose fat, and develop wrinkles and age spots. In the same way, the breasts start to lose fat, and the tissues lose elasticity. As a result, they appear smaller and lower down.

Growths in the breast tissue

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The chances of developing growths in the breast, such as fibroids, cysts, and tumors, increases with age. In most cases, these lumps are noncancerous, and most females have them . However, it is important to get a doctor to check any new lumps.

Noncancerous lumps can include the following:

Fibroids are benign growths consisting of fibrous connective tissue.

are benign growths consisting of fibrous connective tissue. Cysts are round, tender lumps that contain fluid. A complex cyst can contain both solid and liquid components. are round, tender lumps that contain fluid. A complex cyst can contain both solid and liquid components. Ductal or lobular hyperplasia occurs when the cells that line the milk ducts grow excessively. occurs when the cells that line the milk ducts grow excessively. Fibroadenomas refer to benign tumors comprising glandular and connective tissue. According to the American Cancer Society , fibroadenomas most often affect females in their 20s and 30s. refer to benign tumors comprising glandular and connective tissue. According to the , fibroadenomas most often affect females in their 20s and 30s. Intraductal papillomas are benign tumors that grow inside the milk ducts. They often cause bloody discharge from the nipples. are benign tumors that grow inside the milk ducts. They often cause bloody discharge from the nipples. Adenosis causes enlarged lobules in the breast. These sometimes contain calcium deposits, which can make them resemble cancer on a mammogram.

Breast cancer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , doctors most commonly diagnose breast cancer in people 50 years of age or older. However, it is important for younger adults to conduct regular breast self-examinations and attend regular mammograms. Cancer cells may develop into growths that people can feel under the skin during breast self-exams.

Other symptoms can include:

swelling in the breast

redness, scaling, or dimpling of the breast skin

nipple retraction

nipple discharge

Learn more about the symptoms of breast cancer besides a lump here.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy affects the amount of hormones that the body produces.

Doctors often use this type of therapy to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer by slowing the growth of cancer cells. Hormone therapy can make the breasts appear firmer or more dense. These changes can also occur if people take menopause hormone therapy or hormonal birth control.

medicalnewstoday.com - How aging changes the breasts: Causes and treatment