Although breast size seems to be predetermined, there are many factors that can affect breast size.
Monthly cycle fluctuations aren't the only reason your breasts get bigger and smaller, feel sore, or have other strange symptoms.
Many of the changes are related to hormone levels, but your breast size can also be affected by coffee consumption, weight changes, diet, and physical activity.
We can say that your breasts can say a lot about what is happening in your body and with your health.
What factors really influence breast size?Let's figure it out.
1. Genetics
Although genetics is not a death sentence, it certainly plays a role in the size of breasts you will have.
Breast size is a combination of genetic and environmental factors.Some people are predisposed to having large breasts.Furthermore, if we gain weight, our breasts also increase in size.
Genes determine the basic parameters of the breast, but not the actual size.
For example, genetic predisposition affects breast sagging, volume and shape.But breast size can change throughout life.
This doesn't mean that just because your mom and sister were size 3, you will necessarily be the same size.However, the probability is much higher than for a woman who was born in a family where the first breast sizes predominated.
2. Training
In general, you are unlikely to notice any changes in your breasts, even if you do vigorous physical activity with weight lifting.The fact is that the mammary gland is located above the pectoral muscle, without being part of it.
Many people believe that it is possible to endlessly pump the muscles located under the chest, and this will not affect its shape and size in any way.
Although the exercises themselves do not increase breast size, training the pectoral muscles can create the illusion of larger, firmer breasts.
Push-ups, bench presses and chest flyes are the main exercises that strengthen the pectoral muscles.
- Do 3 sets of 20 push-ups at the beginning and the same number at the end of the workout.Use this complex at least 3 times a week.
- Chest flyes are another useful chest exercise.Take dumbbells (or water bottles) in your hands, sit on a slightly inclined bench and keep your feet on the floor.Extend your arms out to the sides (arms should be slightly bent) to chest level and then bring them back.Do 3 sets of 15 repetitions three times a week.
3. intimacy
The pleasure we experience during intimacy also temporarily increases breast size.
When we are aroused, our heart rate increases, which increases blood flow to various parts of our body, including the chest.This makes the breasts appear fuller and larger, although this effect is temporary and can vary among women from barely noticeable to more impressive.
In any case, you shouldn't expect much from physical intimacy alone.Once it returns to normal, your breasts will also return to their normal size.
4. Phytoestrogen products
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Experts say that some foods have the ability to influence the size of a woman's breasts.
During the transition period, the level of the hormone estrogen in girls increases, which leads to breast growth.At the end of the transition period, hormonal levels normalize and the breasts remain almost the same size for life.
Since the hormone estrogen promotes breast growth, products containing an estrogen analog, when ingested, can also affect breast size.
Phytoestrogens are plant-based chemicals that attach to estrogen receptors in cells and behave like this hormone.
Phytoestrogens include: tofu, green soybeans, soybeans, sunflower seeds, and flaxseed.Carrots and beets also contain phytoestrogens, but it is recommended to consume them in moderation as the side effects of consuming large amounts of foods rich in phytoestrogens are not yet fully known.
5. Your weight
The breasts are made up of supporting tissue, mammary glands, and ducts, and the percentage of each varies from woman to woman.
For example, some women have more supporting tissue than fat and vice versa.If your breasts contain a decent amount of fat, you will notice changes in your bust size as you lose or gain weight.
The difference will most likely be insignificant if you lose or gain a couple of kilograms, but it will become more noticeable with large fluctuations in weight.
6. Phases of the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle can be roughly divided into two halves: from the first day of menstruation and before ovulation, the follicular phase, and after ovulation, the luteal phase.
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During the follicular phase, particularly between the fifth and seventh day after the onset of menstruation, low levels of estrogen and progesterone are observed and breast volume is minimal.Since your breasts are not as affected by hormones during this period, this is the most accurate indicator of what your breasts really look like.
As hormone levels increase during ovulation, blood flow to the breasts increases and they become fuller, rounder and more tender.
In a study of more than 200 premenopausal women who underwent mammograms, breast density and size were greatest during the luteal phase of the cycle.
If you notice something unusual about your breasts, keep an eye out for changes at different points in your cycle, as it may simply be due to hormonal fluctuations.If the condition does not go away, see a doctor.
7. Spider bites
It is unknown why, but for some reason spiders like breasts.Some spider bites can cause a swollen lump, which may make a woman think she has breast cancer.
In fact, it is most likely a reaction to a spider bite, which can be reduced with antihistamines and anti-inflammatory medications.In any case, if you suspect a spider bite, you should consult a doctor.
Breast cancer doesn't appear overnight, so if you suddenly notice redness, swelling, and inflammation, it could be an insect bite.
8. Lavender oil
Lavender oil, which is often added to soaps, shampoos and laundry detergents, can cause abnormal breast growth, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
For example, in girls with premature breast development before age 8, breast growth symptoms stopped after they stopped using products containing lavender oil.
Lavender oil and tea tree oil are known to mimic the properties of estrogen and block testosterone.Scientists believe that these essential oils have anti-androgenic properties, which explains breast growth.
9. Pregnancy and breastfeeding
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During pregnancy, your breasts also undergo changes that prepare your body to breastfeed your baby.The blood vessels, ducts and lobes involved in milk production dilate and grow.This process leads to increased sensitivity, heaviness, and increased breast size.You may also notice that your areolas and nipples become larger.
A pregnant woman's breasts can grow several sizes due to hormonal changes, and even more so during breastfeeding.
Shortly after childbirth, the level of the hormone prolactin increases in a woman's body, so the breasts begin to produce milk and swell even more.As a general rule, breasts return to their normal size between 3 and 6 months after stopping breastfeeding.
If a woman has several children, the effect may be more significant and the size and shape of the breasts will be different after numerous births and feedings.
10. Contraception
Contraceptives not only prevent pregnancy and help regulate the menstrual cycle.Hormonal methods such as birth control pills and intrauterine devices can, in fact, affect breast size.
When oral contraceptives first appeared, the estrogen content they contained was very high, so women's breasts increased significantly.
Modern products contain only a fifth of the hormones that were originally present, so the effect is not as noticeable.However, it is completely normal for you to notice a slight enlargement of your breasts when you start using hormonal treatments.This is mainly because estrogen causes increased fluid retention in the body.
11. Your age
Your breasts are probably not the same as they were when you were 16.Most women's breasts lose firmness over time and this is normal.This is mainly due to the loss of elasticity and stretching of the ligaments.
Although breast changes are a normal process, sudden enlargement, changes in breast shape and density should alert you and be a reason to consult a doctor.
12. Good posture
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It seems pretty obvious, but this is another reason why you should stop slouching.With good posture, any breast will look firm and toned.
When you have a strong muscular corset, your back is well supported, there is no forward bending, your shoulders are not closed, your chest appears larger, since it does not fall inward, but protrudes.
How to correct your posture
First, you must be constantly aware of how you hold your body.The habit of slouching is not that easy to break, but the more you think about your posture, it will improve.
- Your weight should rest primarily on the balls of your feet.
- Your knees are slightly bent and your feet are shoulder-width apart.
- Straighten your shoulders, with your arms hanging freely at your sides.
- Tighten your stomach.
- The head should be positioned so that the ears are at the level of the shoulders.There is no need to tilt your head forward, back or to the side.
- Shift your weight from your toes to your heels or from one foot to the other if you have to stand for a long time.
13. caffeine
Did you know that your coffee habit can affect your breasts?Researchers from Lund and Malmö University in Sweden have found that excessive coffee consumption can lead to smaller breasts.
If you don't drink more than one or two cups of coffee a day, this is unlikely to affect your bust size.However, women who consumed more than three cups of coffee a day had breasts that were, on average, 17 percent smaller than those who did not drink coffee.
Scientists say almost half of women have a genetic mutation that links coffee consumption to breast size.
This may be due to the fact that coffee affects the female sex hormone estrogen.However, coffee also has its benefits.For example, researchers have found that it reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.
14. Breast implants
If you have breast implants, you probably won't wonder if your breasts are growing.However, having breast implants can cause some of the breast tissue to atrophy.
This is because the implants put pressure on the breast tissue, which will cause it to deteriorate over time.
And by the way, if you have breast implants, it's harder to notice any changes in your breast tissue, so you should have your doctor check your breasts regularly.
15. menopause
Breasts are a hormonally dependent tissue, so it would be logical to assume that they will become smaller with the onset of menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels.However, this is not entirely true.
On average, women gain half a kilo per year after menopause.This is due to a decrease in physical activity and a decrease in lean muscle mass, as well as a hormonal change that causes more fat to accumulate in the abdominal area.
Unfortunately, gaining more than 9 kilograms of weight increases the risk of developing breast cancer by 18 percent.
Additionally, Cooper's ligaments, a connective tissue that acts as internal support, stretch over time.
Because of this, with age, the breasts become softer and begin to sag.