Female breasts come in many shapes and sizes. Common differences include very small breasts, very large breasts, and breasts that are not the same size. Genes, hormones, or both cause these variations. They can change how you stand, how you feel about yourself, and how others see you. Other less common differences include missing nipples, nipples that turn inward, and excess breast tissue. Very Small Breasts What "too small" means depends on who you ask. Women with very small breasts can still breastfeed. Having very small breasts is not a health problem. But, some women may feel bad about how they look. They may feel less attractive or worry about what others think. Some women wear padded bras to change their look. Others may choose to get breast implants. Very Large Breasts Some women have very large breasts. Occasionally, young women have a condition called vulval hypertrophy. This is when the process that controls breast growth goes wrong. The breasts continue to grow too much. This makes the breasts too large for the woman's body. Very large breasts can cause pain and emotional problems. They can cause backaches. Bra straps can dig into the shoulders and cause pain. Teen girls with very large breasts may be teased. They may not be able to play sports or wear the same clothes as their friends. Breasts can also become very large during pregnancy, most often in women who already had well-developed breasts. After childbirth, the breasts may not go back to their old size. Also, breasts can become uncomfortably large if a woman gains too much weight. Doctors often suggest losing weight before thinking about surgery to reduce breast size. Asymmetrical Breasts Breasts that are not symmetrical are normal. It's common for a woman's breasts to be slightly different sizes. Often, this happens during the teenage years when the breasts are still growing. Usually, the growth evens out and the breasts become more uniform. But, some women have breasts that are different sizes. This can make them feel very uncomfortable. Surgery may be an option. Small breasts can be made larger, or large ones can be made smaller. Special bras can also help the breasts look even under clothes. Other Breast Variations Inverted nipples, when one or both nipples turn inward, are also common. Usually, they are caused by scar tissue or other tissue that was there from birth. The inversion may not be noticed until the breasts begin to grow. Unlike breast size and shape, inverted nipples can lead to breastfeeding. Extra breast tissue is another variation. It's not often noticed until a woman becomes pregnant. It's often found under the armpits. During pregnancy, the breast tissue swells. So, a pregnant woman with extra breast tissue may notice a swollen and hard lump under her arm. But, this will not happen if she is not pregnant. This extra breast tissue can cause the same problems and conditions as normal breasts.
