Late or Early Breast Development

 

Does everyone develop breasts at the same time?

No. It is very normal for some girls to start to develop breasts when they are 7 or 8 years old, while others don't start until they are 12 or 13. Every girl has her own "clock" that her body follows. For example, girls who do gymnastics, dance, track, or some other very active sport may go through puberty at a later age. Even if your development is normal, it is still hard if you seem to be the first one or the last one to develop breasts. Talk to a parent or an adult that you trust and tell him/her how you are feeling. If you develop early, remember that other girls will soon catch up. It is a good idea to talk with your health care provider if you have not started any breast development by the time you are 13 years old.

 

Your breasts start growing when you begin puberty. Puberty is the name for the time when your body goes through changes and you begin to go from being a child to an adult. During puberty the hormone levels in your body change and this causes your breasts to develop and your menstrual periods to start. Heredity (the way certain characteristics are passed down from generation to generation) and nutrition determine when you are going to begin puberty and develop breasts.

 

Written by the Center for Young Women's Health Staff

 

Updated 5/12/2005

 

 

Related Information:

• A Guide to Puberty and Menstrual Cycles
• What Happens During Puberty
• Timing of My Menstrual Period
• Why I Get My Menstrual Period and What It Feels Like
• Pregnancy
• Feminine Protection
• PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome
• Menstrual Cramps
• Big Clots of Blood/Spotting of Blood
• Breast Health
• Choosing a Primary Health Care Provider
• Related Link

 

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