While you may see the changes in your skin and feel the changes in your body as you go through life, you may not be as aware that your boobs are changing too. Not only in how they look, but the changes can also extend to how your boobs may feel. It's time to check in with your changing chest to understand the changes as you age better.
What Happens To Your Boobs As You Age
Your 20s
This is the decade where your boobs change a lot; size can fluctuate as your metabolism may slow down or your weight settles. As you put on or take off the kgs, so will your breasts lose or put on weight. If pregnancy is on the cards in your 20s, you also need to factor in breast enlargement as you gain weight and your body gets ready for lactation, using your mammary glands and changes to cup size. When your milk is no longer coming in, you might feel your boobs are bigger or smaller than before you got pregnant. Don't be shocked if your areolas darken or your nipples get bigger during pregnancy – these will go back to your 'normal' after you give birth. Check out our range of maternity bras and wire-free bras.
Your 30s
Many women in their 30s have children and will notice their boobs stretching because of putting on and losing weight. Weight gain associated with pregnancy results in stretch marks and drooping and is a natural consequence when you're expecting a baby. If you're finding your changing boobs challenging to adjust, remember how amazing your breasts are and what they've been through.
Your 40s
As you go through menopause, there are yet more changes your boobs will go through. At this age, your ovaries create less estrogen, and as a result, your breast tissue is replaced by fat as part of a process known as involution. Because fat is softer, your boobs may not feel as firm as they did in your 20s and 30s. And it's not always an equal occurrence throughout your boobs; while some of your breasts may become fatty, the adjacent tissue might feel like a lump in contrast. If these lumps are soft (like the side of your nose), it's likely fine, but if the lumps are harder (think the bridge of your nose), see your doc. Make sure you stay familiar with your boobs and their changes through frequent self-exams. And remember, these changes are all a very natural part of aging.
Lumpy Road
Another phenomenon that can happen in your 20s is fibrocystic change, which will appear as benign lumps in your boobs. As your menstrual cycle varies, so do your hormones, such as your estrogen levels. As a result, your chest may develop breast lumps – all normal and to be expected, so try not to worry. A sore lump that feels like other areas in that same breast is probably a fibrocystic change. Always trust your gut, but bear in mind that more often than not, cancerous lumps are not painful. You need to keep an eye out and ensure you screen for breast cancer which, if left unchecked, can spread through connective tissue. So, get yourself to your doc and seek medical advice if you notice significant changes to receive the correct diagnosis or treatment. Check out DeBra's range of sports bras because this is a good time to get more support during your exercise.
Less Dense
Even though breast ptosis is more likely after you lose a lot of weight or have had a pregnancy - losing firmness and fullness is a natural phenomenon and part of the ageing process. As you age, your breasts gradually become less glandular and fattier. Your collagen will begin to yield, resulting in less dense breasts, which means your boobs will sag – it's a fact of life. Mammograms come highly recommended after you hit 40. Regular bra fittings are also essential to keep your chest in check. Getting frequent fittings to update your bra as your breasts change is necessary.
We Have Helped Thousands of Women
Check out DeBra's Bra collection. If you're not confident about buying a bra online, DeBra's offers an In-store Fitting Service, Virtual (Zoom) Fitting service, phone consultations or support on live chat. Don't let sizing uncertainty stop your boobs from being snug and supported. DeBra's can help online and in person.
Book your complimentary In-Store Fitting Appointment or a Virtual Fitting Appointment, or if you have a question, you can contact our customer service team during business hours through Live Chat, which can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.
