Things Your Breasts Say about Your Health

To your surprise, breasts are more than a site attraction on your body. If you do not pay enough attention to your breasts, it’s about time you did so because your breasts have a lot to say about your health.

Enlarged breasts

Since your breasts are mostly fat cells, if you notice them getting larger, it’s probably that you have been putting on weight lately. Or, if you have had unprotected sex, you may end up with a pregnancy, which causes your milk ducts to prepare themselves for lactation. Birth control and hormone changes during menstruation can also cause your breasts to grow.

Shrunk breasts

Your breasts may shrink when you lose weight or when your estrogen drops. If you notice your breasts shrinking without you losing weight or getting into menopause, you should get tested for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Besides PCOS, excessive consumption of coffee may result in shrunk breasts, study suggests.

Changed shape

Although your breast shape is probably predetermined by your genetics, it can still change as you age. This is due to the stretching of ligaments, connective tissue breakdown, and loss of skin elasticity. The best thing you can do is avoiding weight fluctuations, exercise regularly and get yourself good supportive bras to help you fight the force of gravity.

Lumpy breasts

During your period, you may be able to feel some lumps in your breasts as the increased hormones allow the existing cysts to fill up with fluids. These menstrual lumps absolutely normal and will disappear after your period is over. However, make sure to check with your doctor if you are worried about them, just to be safe.

Painful breasts

Breast pain can be the result of a whole lot of things, ranging from hormonal imbalances, ill-fitting bras, excessive caffeine consumption, to trauma to the chest. Even a heavy purse can hurt your breasts. This type of pain may stay with you for a long time, sometimes too long for you to connect the dots. In some cases, breast pain may be caused by an iron deficiency, resulting in thyroid dysfunction. A study reports that women experienced relieved breast pain when they were given 6 mg supplements of iodine which helped with thyroid function.

Inverted nipples

If you were born with inverted nipples, there is no need to worry. Inverted nipples are only concerning if it happens to you recently because they may be a warning sign of breast cancer. If you see your nipples retracted, make sure the shape is not caused by your bra, then seek medical help as soon as possible.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.