Breasts: They Come In All Shapes & Sizes / Question
Published: September 2, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I want to know if there is any reason why a girl my age has hardly any breast when others do?
Signed: 14 And Hardly Any Breast
Dear 14 And Hardly Any Breast,
Breast development can be a long, hard and tedious process that is different for every woman. It is impossible to tell what size your breast will be until they have finished growing. At 14 they probably have not completed the 5-stage development process.
- Puberty begins within the body
- First visible signs of nipple (enlarges, becomes dark and tender)
- Fat deposits start to fill out around the nipple
- Continued growth, period begins
- What you see is what you get
Depending upon when you started your period is a good judge of where your body is in this development process. Typically, puberty takes place over about a 5-year period. However, it can sometimes take up to 10 years for completion; so do not give up hope just yet!
The size of our breasts is something completely out of our control. Some girls end up large breasts, while others are left with those on the small scale. It is a characteristic that makes us all different and special individuals. It is a genetic trait, so it may help to look at the women on both sides of your family to see what size their breasts are. It is not always true, but may give you a better idea, even tough it may not be what you want to see!
If you have not seen any signs of puberty such as breast growth, tenderness, or your period by 16 it is a good idea to consult a doctor.
Whatever happens, try to accept and be happy with what you have been given because it makes you who you are, a beautiful individual.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Adolescents are more likely than young adults to become dependent on prescription medications.
