How Do Breasts Get Bigger?

Fetal Breast Development

Breast tissue begins growing long before we ever see the light of day. In the sixth week of fetal development, hormonal release causes male and female fetuses to grow small breasts. Infants of both sexes are born with nearly equivalent breast tissue. Both usually experience nipple discharge only days after birth. From birth to the age of ten or eleven, or the inception of female puberty, male and female breast tissue remains exactly the same.

Puberty

Female puberty may begin as early as age seven but usually around age ten or eleven. During puberty, female breasts begin changing to prepare for reproduction. Hormonal changes result in breast growth. The tissue begins to stretch and grow, which can be quite painful for some girls. The female hormones estrogen and progesterone are released from the ovaries and signal the development of glandular, fibrous, ductile, and fatty tissue that will make up the adult breast. Pre-puberty, the female breast is flat except for the protruding nipples. Early puberty sees the budding of the areola as the breasts fill in. Late puberty is characterized by the increase of glandular and fatty tissue, accompanied by a flattening of the areola. Breast size varies significantly between women based on age, weight, pregnancy or lactation, genetics, hormonal influences, overall volume and menopausal developments. Teen boys may even develop breast tissue due to hormonal changes. Gynecomastia is quite common and usually goes away by itself.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy drastically changes the breasts. Sore nipples and tenderness can begin as soon as one week after conception. Breast size then increases very quickly during the first eight weeks. Some women will experience growth equivalent to one or two full cup sizes during this time. Cued by increases in the female hormones estrogen, progesterone, prolactin and oxytocin, the nipples enlarge to prepare for mile. Estrogen surges enlarge the blood vessels. Meanwhile progesterone increases glandular tissue where milk will be produced. Prolactin signals the production and oxytocin aids in milk delivery. After pregnancy, breasts usually return to previous size, though this may not always be the case.

Menopause and Andropause

During the late forties or fifties of a woman's life, her breasts are still changing. Once menopause begins the female body halts production of estrogen and progesterone. This causes such symptoms as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness and disruption of sleeping patterns. The breasts become more tender and lumpy, losing the density of youth. Glandular tissue shrinks and increasing fatty tissue may cause the breasts to sag due to a decrease in connective tissue strength. During this time, some women will develop cysts, and the hormonal fluctuations may increase their risk of breast cancer and bone loss. After the age of 40, annual mammograms are recommended in addition to monthly self exams. Aging men may also develop breast tissue because of hormonal changes. Andropause is the male form of menopause, when hormonal production changes drastically. As testosterone drops and estrogen increases, paired with overall weight gain, men can begin to develop glandular breast tissue. Diet and exercise can improve the condition, but for extreme conditions, cosmetic surgery or anti-estrogen prescriptions may be advised by a qualified physician.