Breast changes during puberty, pregnancy, menopause – the things every woman should know

A woman’s breasts goes through changes as she moves from childhood to puberty and then towards pregnancy and finally menopause. In all her phases of life her breasts undergo changes that she has to cope with. Sometimes it may become difficult for her to adjust to these changes. If she is equipped with the right knowledge then coping with a sensitive issue like breast change will be easier for her.

Causes of breast changes in women

There can be several causes of breast change and knowing them and the symptoms of each will definitely help a woman. Most of these changes are natural and need no medical care but some are quite painful and may lead to breast cancer also.

Breast changes during puberty

Women have a small amount of breast tissues from birth along with a few ducts. When she reaches puberty the hormones produced from ovaries help in developing the breast ducts and lobules are formed at the end of ducts. The amount of fatty tissues surrounding the ducts and lobules also grow.

This is the first change in breast that a woman experiences since her birth. The breasts start developing after 2 years of first menses and continue till next 2-4 years. Within this period the breasts are fully formed.

Changes in breast during the lifetime of women

Breast changes during pregnancy

During pregnancy a woman undergoes changes in her breasts. These changes occur as the breasts are getting ready to produce milk. The breasts get larger and tender. The areola darkens. Within 3 to 5 days of childbirth the breasts are ready to produce milk. They become larger and fuller. But after a few weeks the breasts feel softer and less full.

The breasts return to pre-pregnancy size within 6 months of delivery. The areola remains dark though. The breasts may feel soft and flabby at first but with time they regain their firmness.

Breast changes during menopause

During menopause the estrogen level drops in a woman’s body and since breasts respond to estrogen levels they also tend to change in shape, size and appearance as during menopause.

With menopause the breast tissues become less dense and fattier. The tenderness that is often experienced during menstrual cycle also disappears.

Other than these, there are other reasons also for which a woman’s breast may undergo some change although most of these are temporary.

Hormonal changes and breast tenderness

Often women feel pain in their breasts which also become swollen and tender. These changes occur during menstrual cycles and do not require treatment.

But if you feel uncomfortable with these changes then you can see a doctor.

Cysts may have breast cancer cells growing near or within them

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs which may develop in breasts. They are mostly found in women aged between 35 and 50 years and also in women undergoing HRT. Cysts are not cancer but sometimes they may have a cancer growing near or within them. A ultrasound is enough to know the actual case.

Cysts can be removed if they are painful.

Fibroadenomas or smooth breast lumps

These are firm, smooth breast lumps which are made of fibrous and glandular tissue. They are mostly found in young women and sometimes become tender during periods or grow bigger during pregnancy.

They are not related to cancer and need not be removed.

Other than these you may notice sudden changes in your breasts like a lump in your breasts or under the arms. The size or shape may change also. The nipple may change its color and may become itchy or swollen. You may have nipple discharge also.

You should immediately report these to your doctor and have a checkup to know the real cause.

Breast change does not always imply breast cancer. But knowing the various causes of breast changes and reporting any abnormal or sudden change to doctors will definitely help you in fighting breast cancer and other diseases.