1. What age do breasts develop?
Breasts usually start to develop around the age of 9 to 11, but it’s normal for them to start earlier or later.
By the age of 17, breasts will usually be fully developed, although this may take a bit longer.
If a girl’s breasts start to develop at a younger age, this doesn’t mean she’ll have bigger breasts than someone who starts to develop later. The rate at which breasts grow is different for everyone.
2. How do breasts start to develop?
When breasts start to develop, a small bump called a breast bud (thelarche) grows under the nipple and the .
The breasts get bigger and rounder as the fatty tissue and milk-producing glands inside the breasts continue to grow. The areola also gets bigger and darker and the nipples may stick out.
You’ll probably notice that you and your friends grow in different ways. One girl’s breasts may start to develop first, but her friend may get her period earlier. Bodies don’t develop in any set order and everyone’s different.
Aching, itching or tender breasts
As your breast buds grow, you may notice tingling, aching or itching in your chest. Your nipples may swell or become tender. This is all normal.
After your periods begin, the changing hormones may make your breasts feel tender, painful or sore a week or so before your period starts.
3. Can I change the way my breasts develop?
There’s nothing you can do to speed up or slow down breast development.
Creams and pills
Adverts for creams and pills often claim they can make breasts bigger or smaller. These creams and pills don’t usually make any difference to breast size. Even if there’s a slight change in size, it’s unlikely to last.
Massage
Massaging your breasts won’t affect their size. Massaging too hard might even hurt your breasts or irritate the skin and nipples.
Exercise
Breasts are mainly made up of fatty tissue rather than muscle, so exercise won’t affect breast development.
However, exercise in general will help keep the pectoral muscles behind your breast in shape, as well as help tone the body.
It’s important to wear a sports bra that fits you well and supports your breasts during exercise.
Gaining or losing weight
Losing or gaining weight may affect breast size, but it doesn’t always.
Sometimes girls put on weight during puberty. This is normal and it’s essential to have some body fat. Because breasts contain fatty tissue, gaining weight may increase the size of your breasts and losing weight may make your breasts a bit smaller.
Sleeping on your front
Sleeping on your front won’t affect how your breasts develop or make them smaller. You might find it more comfortable to sleep on your back or side if your breasts are feeling sore.
Wearing a bra to sleep in
Whether you sleep with or without a bra is a personal choice, but neither will affect breast development. If you do sleep in a bra, make sure it’s comfortable and not too tight.
Surgery
Cosmetic breast surgery is the only way to alter breast size. This is through either a breast enlargement with implants or breast reduction.
Breast enlargement or reduction surgery is available to people over the age of 18. It may not be funded by the NHS.
Surgery has potential risks and side effects, such as:
- Scar tissue
- Infection
- Reduced sensitivity
- Not being able to breastfeed
4. Further support
Changes to your body during puberty can make you feel anxious or like you’re not in control.
If you’re finding it difficult to cope, you can talk to your GP. You can also call our free helpline. See the bottom of this page for more information.
