If you are a mother of a young girl who has not shown any significant signs of feminine development over the years, chances are you might feel a bit scared. Many questions surrounding her breath health like “when does a woman stop growing” or “at what age do boobs stop growing” tend to haunt your mind often. But let us tell you that breast development depends on certain factors, such as body chemistry, genetics, and so forth. It’s not until a woman hits puberty she gets to see first external signs of breast growth or development. Scroll down to know everything about boob health – from when breasts start to grow to at what age do breasts stop growing and everything in between.
When Do a Woman’s Breasts Grow?
Breast development kicks in before birth and continues through childhood and puberty. It is between the stages of childhood and puberty when breast tissue and milk-producing glands mature. However, the first external signs appear only when one hits puberty. And when menstruation starts, the glands continue to grow which eventually results in bigger breasts. This is due to the increased amounts of hormones estrogen and progesterone that stimulate the mammary glands. This is why many women experience slightly swollen or enlarged breasts during their period. But if there are no signs of pregnancy, breasts subsequently return to their normal size.
Although breasts reach their adult size in the 20s, other aspects of women’s health like pregnancy and childbirth also tend to affect the size. For instance – in some women, breasts do not mature until they produce milk. In others, breasts have minimal growth or attain a new size that stays for a long period.
And if you are wondering – “when do women stop growing” or “what age do boobs stop growing”, it is usually around the age of 35. At the time, mammary glands shrink. And when menopause hits, estrogen levels drop which leads to sagging. This is when you may feel that your boobs have lost some of their shape.
Different Stages of Breast Development
Breasts development occurs in three stages: birth stage, puberty stage, and menopause stage. Women will also experience changes in their breast growth during menstruation and pregnancy.
Birth Stage
Breast growth starts in the mother’s womb itself. By the time the female fetus transforms into a baby, she will begin developing milk ducts and nipples.
Puberty Stage
Generally, puberty in girls can kick in anytime between the age of 8 and 13. During this time, ovaries begin to create the female hormone estrogen which eventually results in breast tissues gaining fat. This fat makes the boobs appear larger. And when one’s body engages in a menstrual cycle, her milk ducts will transform into glands.
Menopause Stage
The menopause stage can begin anytime between ages 45 and 55. During this period, a woman’s body will not produce sufficient estrogen. Due to a significant drop in estrogen level, the glands will shrink and make breasts less dense. In other words, breasts will lose their elasticity to a certain level and sag.
What Impacts Breast Size?
Breasts development which is the first sign of puberty eventually leads to the formation of full-fledged breasts. Unfortunately, in some cases, breasts do reach the expected size. Well, there are certain aspects that affect breast size. These are:
- Age
- Genetics
- Hormones
- Bodyweight
- Pregnancy
- Monthly menstrual cycle
Breasts are composed of supportive, glandular, and fatty tissues. The size of the breasts will generally depend on the fatty tissue. If you gain weight, your breasts will appear fuller. Furthermore, factors like age, pregnancy, and menstruation also affect breast size.
If you are a teenager who is experiencing weird changes in breast development, we recommend consulting a doctor. Stay tuned with us for more beauty and health-related blogs!