1. Breast size and shape
The size and shape of your breasts are determined by the genes inherited from your parents.
Your breasts will constantly change while they’re developing and throughout different stages of your life.
Our booklet Know your breasts: a guide to breast awareness and screening explains how your breasts develop and age, and the normal breast changes that can occur throughout your life.
Find out how breasts develop during puberty.
2. Nipple shape, size and colour
Nipples come in different shapes, sizes and colours. They can:
- Point up or down
- Be dark or pale
- Be big or small
- Look different on each breast
We can’t change the size, shape or colour of our nipples.
Your nipples may get hard and stick out (become erect) when they’re cold or when they’re rubbed. Or you may have nipples that stick out all the time.
If you’re uncomfortable or feel embarrassed about having erect nipples, choose a bra that’s padded at the front so they don’t show through.
Inverted nipples
You may have 1 or both nipples that are turned inwards (inverted) instead of outwards.
Inverted nipples can be like that from birth or happen as breasts develop. If you’ve always had inverted nipples, this is normal for you and nothing to worry about.
Sometimes inverted nipples will stick out if they’re rubbed, and they may eventually stick out once your breasts have finished growing or after childbirth and breastfeeding.
Hair around the nipples
It’s normal to have a few hairs growing around the nipple and the .
3. Uneven breasts
It’s normal for:
- 1 breast to be larger than the other
- 1 to sit higher or lower than the other
- 1 breast to grow more quickly than the other
There’s nothing you can do about uneven breasts. Most differences will even out as you get older. A well-fitting bra will help make any differences between breasts less obvious.
4. Breast pain and tenderness
You may have tingling and an aching feeling in your chest when your breasts are developing.
After your periods begin, the changing hormones may make your breasts feel tender, painful or sore a week or so before your period starts. However, this doesn’t happen to everyone.
Sometimes a bra that doesn’t fit well can cause pain and discomfort, so it’s worth making sure your bra fits you properly. You can read more about finding the right fit in our information Your guide to a well-fitting bra.
If you feel tenderness or pain in your breasts that doesn’t go away, talk to a parent, school nurse or GP. You may be offered pain relief to help make you feel more comfortable.
5. Lumpy breasts
It’s normal for breasts to feel either smooth or lumpy.
Lumps may develop while breasts are growing, and these are nearly always due to normal changes in the breast tissue.
Your breasts may also feel lumpy or different around the time of your period, but they’ll often settle down again when your period has finished.
Very occasionally lumps are a sign of a benign breast condition which may need to be checked out by a doctor. “Benign” means harmless, and a benign condition will not become a breast cancer. The most common benign lump that happens as the breasts develop is known as a fibroadenoma.
If you find a lump in your breast that you’re worried about, see your doctor. Although it’s very unlikely there’s anything wrong, the doctor will check it out and should put your mind at rest. You can ask to see a female doctor or the practice nurse if this will make you feel more comfortable.
6. Stretch marks
Girls whose breasts develop and grow very quickly may get stretch marks.
Depending on your skin colour, stretch marks may look like coloured lines that appear on the skin. These lines could be:
- Red
- Purple
- Black
- Brown
- Silver
Lots of girls get stretch marks during puberty. They can also happen if you suddenly lose or gain weight, or during pregnancy.
Over time stretch marks usually fade, but there are no creams that will make them go away.
Nothing much can be done to stop stretch marks appearing, especially if your body develops quickly. However, keeping the skin well moisturised may help.
7. Nipple discharge (liquid)
Once your breasts have fully developed, usually around the age of 17, you might get some spontaneous discharge (liquid) from your nipple. This is normal and might happen after exercise or after massaging your breast or nipple.
Nipple discharge is generally white but can range from yellow to green to a brown or red colour. It usually appears in small amounts.
You can visit your doctor or practice nurse if you’re worried by any discharge.
8. Extra breasts and nipples
A small number of girls have an extra breast or pair of breasts. These are known as accessory breasts and are usually found in the lower armpit. They’re often present from birth, though sometimes appear during puberty.
Some people have an extra nipple or nipples. These are usually below the breast or above the belly button.
Accessory breasts and extra nipples might make you feel anxious or embarrassed, but they are normal. Sometimes they may produce a discharge, but this isn’t usually anything to be worried about. Extra breasts and extra nipples are not a health concern and don’t need to be removed.
When girls get their period, they may notice normal changes such as a heavy feeling and tenderness in the accessory breast as well as in their natural breasts. If this is upsetting or uncomfortable, talk to your doctor or practice nurse for further support.
9. Excessive growth
During puberty, a small number of girls have excessive breast tissue growth. The breasts may grow large and out of proportion to the rest of the body. This is known as breast hypertrophy.
It’s not known what causes breast hypertrophy, but it may be due to increased sensitivity to hormones.
Girls with breast hypertrophy often feel embarrassed about the size of their breasts. It can also cause physical symptoms such as backache.
Surgery is the only option to reduce the size of the breasts for girls with breast hypertrophy, as dieting and losing weight won’t help. If you are concerned about this, talk to your doctor or practice nurse.
