Breasts: They Come In All Shapes & Sizes / Question
Published: August 15, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm 13, and I got my first period last month. My nipples have already begun to develop (they sort of stick out) but my breasts are kind of hard and they hurt if I press against them a little roughly. Sometimes, when people and objects hit me, it feels like a bruise. Does this mean they could soon begin to grow? Can people hitting them cause complications? HELP!
Signed: Breast Growth - Bumping And Accidental Bumping
Dear Breast Growth - Bumping And Accidental Bumping,
It is normal for your breast to be tender during the early stages of growth. Hormones cause your breast to start "budding" and the new tissue is tender at first. Since this is an early phase of breast growth you could consider it as a signal that your breasts are starting to grow.
Hitting any part of the body has the potential to damage to your body, but it will not alter the course of your growth. New breast tissue can be very tender and a bra is recommended at this time as a way of protecting the breasts and helping to minimize pain due to tenderness.
If you have been hit in the chest and are experiencing pain a doctor should check you out just to make sure there is no medical concerns. Usually it is not a need for concern, but it is better to be safe. Also, try to protect your breast and your body from being hit accidentally.
If you need to meet with a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health at 973.889.6350 for an appointment.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Alcohol kills 6.5 times more youth than all other illicit drugs combined.
