Breast development is the earliest sign of puberty for girls. On average, breast development starts around age 10 or 11, but it can begin between ages 7 and 13.
The first time a girl’s boobs grow, they may feel tender or sore as the skin begins to stretch. The nipples may change shape and color, and stretch marks can appear.
Puberty
Girls go through puberty between the ages of 8 and 13. This is when they first notice their breasts growing. They may feel tingling or itching, and their areolas (the dark spots on the skin that form the nipples) might enlarge and look puffy.
Girls also might start getting their period, which is when their ovaries produce large amounts of estrogen on a regular basis. It’s important for girls to wear the right bra size, as doing so can help ease any discomfort that might come with their boobs growing.
It’s normal for breasts to grow at different rates. One breast might develop more quickly than the other, which can lead to one breast being larger or smaller for a while. However, this usually evens out as a girl gets older. This is why it’s important for teen girls to get routine medical care so doctors can check how their bodies are developing.
Teenage
As a girl grows into her teenage years, it’s common for her breasts to start filling out. At this point, nipples may appear fuller or the area around them (called the areola) will become darker in color. This is because fatty breast tissue is starting to develop.
Breast development is one of the first signs that puberty has begun, and it usually begins between the ages of 8 and 13. Girls may begin to notice changes in their boobs as early as age 7. It’s not uncommon for one breast to grow faster than the other—this is called breast asymmetry and is completely normal.
It’s also not uncommon for a teen to have a tender nipple or nipple-like tissue. This is called gynecomastia and can affect boys as well as girls. It’s generally caused by hormonal changes. Boys should see a doctor if this problem persists.
Early Adulthood
During early adulthood (or emerging adulthood), your breasts continue to grow. This is a normal part of life and nothing to be alarmed about. Your boobs can get sore, itchy, or tender as breast growth occurs. The skin may also get stretched or form stretch marks, which is totally okay.
Your nipple buds will start to appear, which is another sign of growth. Your nipples will look slightly fuller and may begin to darken in color. It’s important to know that you don’t need a bra during this time, but it’s okay to wear one if you want to.
During this stage, you’ll start to think about your career and relationships. Historically, this period has been marked by milestones such as getting married or having children. However, this is no longer the main indicator of adulthood. In fact, many people enter into early adulthood without these rites of passage.
Middle Age
Depending on your genetics and hormone levels, breast development can come to an end in your early 20s. However, every woman’s development is different and there is no definitive answer for how long boobs can grow.
Once you reach middle age, your boobs may stop growing or even shrink slightly. This can be down to a variety of factors such as fluctuating oestrogen levels (which affects the milk-producing glands) or putting on weight.
One of the most noticeable changes is the droopy appearance of your nipples as you get older, which has a medical name of nipple involution. You can also experience asymmetry, where one breast is larger than the other.
It’s hard to define middle age, but it’s generally thought to take place between the ages of 40 and 60. It’s also a time when you might notice more signs of aging, like fine lines around your eyes or a pot belly!
Older Adulthood
As you get older, your breasts will change slightly. The fatty tissue will become less dense, which will make them look lighter and less full. Gravity will also take hold, which can cause sagging (although this isn’t necessarily inevitable for all women). Lastly, the skin may lose its elasticity, and your boobs might feel less firm. These changes can happen whether or not you’ve had children. Keep in mind that all boobs go through these changes at different rates, so the way your breasts change will be a bit different than the way your best friend’s boobs change. But it’s all completely normal. Just try to embrace it! This is a big part of being a woman. And it’s awesome. It’s a wild ride. But it’s totally worth it.
Menopause
Women can experience a variety of changes during and around menopause including hot flashes, sagging skin and sore joints. Often, they are also surprised that their breasts grow bigger as they go through the menopause.
During the early phases of menopause, a time known as perimenopause, you may notice that your breasts feel tender and lumpy. This is because falling oestrogen levels can cause your breast tissue to dehydrate and become less elastic. It also means that your nipples lose their rounded shape and might start to invert.
Drinking plenty of water, and getting a good bra fitting can help to alleviate these symptoms. Stress can also exacerbate breast tenderness and sensitivity during this time. Finding ways to reduce your stress level can make a big difference here too. Knowing your biological age can be a great way to support your body through these hormonal fluctuations and changes.
