Seeing Sudden Change In Breast Size? When To Be Concerned

In this article, we’ll talk about why breasts may change size suddenly, how to keep track of these changes, and what steps you can take to stay healthy.

Common Causes Of Sudden Change In Breast Size

Your breasts can change for many reasons. Some changes are harmless and part of being a woman, while others may be related to other problems.

Here’s what to know:

Hormonal Changes

Hormones are chemicals in your body that control many things, including the size of your breasts. Sometimes, hormonal fluctuations cause breasts to become bigger or smaller.

Menstrual Cycle: Before or during your period, you may notice breast tenderness or swelling. This is because of hormone changes during the menstrual cycle. Usually, the swelling goes away after your period ends.
Pregnancy And Breastfeeding: Your breasts may get bigger when you’re pregnant. This happens as your body gets ready to feed your baby. After childbirth, your breasts may change again, especially if you breastfeed.
Menopause: When you get older, you may stop having periods. This is called menopause. During menopause, the body makes less of certain hormones, and your breasts may feel smaller or less firm.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Some women take HRT to help with menopause symptoms. This can cause changes in breast size as well.

Weight Changes

The inside of the breasts is made of fatty and glandular tissue. When your weight goes up or down, your breasts may get bigger or smaller.

It’s normal for your breasts to change when you lose or gain weight, but big weight changes may cause your breasts to change quickly.

Breast Infection Or Inflammation

A breast infection can also cause swelling and make your breast feel bigger. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a serious condition that can cause sudden swelling, redness, and skin changes in your breast.

It’s important to see a doctor right away if you have breast pain, redness, or swelling that doesn’t go away.

Fibrocystic Changes

Many young women have fibrocystic changes in their breasts. This is when small breast lumps or cysts form in the breast tissue. These lumps can change in size and may feel tender, especially around the time of your period.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer symptoms may include a sudden change in breast size. If you feel a new lump in your breast, nipple discharge, or changes in your breast shape or size, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Family History

If you have a family history of developing breast cancer, keep track of any changes in your breast size and talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

Lymphatic Changes

The lymph nodes under your arms can also cause changes in your breast size. These nodes can get swollen due to an infection or, in rare cases, cancer.

If you notice swelling or pain in the area under your arm, it’s important to talk to a doctor.

Breast Surgery Types For Sudden Breast Changes

If you notice sudden changes in your breasts that you want to fix, surgery might be an option to help.

Here are a few types of surgeries that may be suggested:

Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation is a surgery that adds implants to your breasts to make them bigger. If your breasts feel smaller or uneven, this surgery can help make them fuller and more balanced.
Breast Lift: A breast lift surgery raises and firms your breasts. If your breasts have sagged or lost shape, this surgery can make them look firmer and more lifted.
Fat Transfer: Fat grafting is a surgery in which fat is taken from another part of your body and placed in your breasts to make them bigger or fill in any lost volume. It is a natural option if you don’t want breast implants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I track sudden changes in my breasts?

You can track changes in your breasts by doing breast self-exams and having mammograms when needed.

A breast self-exam means checking your breasts yourself to see if anything feels different, like lumps or changes in size.

A mammogram is an X-ray that helps doctors find early signs of breast problems, even before you feel any changes. If you’re over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor might suggest having a mammogram.

How often should I do a breast self-exam?

It’s a good idea to check your breasts once a month. The best time to do this is a few days after your period when your breasts are not swollen or tender. This is because most breast pain may come from hormone changes.

If you have gone through menopause, choose one day each month for your exam.

What is the best way to prevent breast cancer?

While there is no way to prevent breast cancer, living a healthy life completely can help lower your risk.

Stay active, eat well, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking. Regular exams also help with early detection and keeping your breasts healthy.

Conclusion

A sudden change in breast size can happen for many reasons. It’s important to keep an eye on any changes in your breasts, but remember, not all changes mean something serious.

Regular breast self-exams and talking to your doctor are great ways to maintain breast health. By staying aware and proactive, you can help keep your breasts healthy and catch any problems early.

If you notice any changes in your breasts or have any concerns, we can help! Call Refine Clinic today at (02) 8599 7161 to speak with a doctor. Our cosmetic doctors in Sydney will answer any questions you might have.

Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Sources

Brody, B. (2024, August 4). Ways Your Breasts Change in Your 40s. Health. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.health.com/condition/sexual-health/breast-changes-after-40

Gabriel, A. (2024, October 25). Breast Anatomy. Medscape. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://reference.medscape.com/article/1273133-overview

Johnson, M. (2023, February 10). What’s the Average Breast Size? And 9 Other Things to Know. Healthline. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/average-breast-size

WebMD Editorial Contributors. (2023, September 18). Options in Cosmetic Surgery for Breasts (Mammoplasty). WebMD. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-surgery-mammoplasty