Why are My Breasts Different Sizes?
But you might feel like you're alone when you look in the mirror and you realize that your breasts are different sizes. Are you normal? Do you have a health problem?
It's normal and common to have different-sized breasts, especially as you develop during puberty. Breast size and shape is unique to each girl or woman - large, small, medium, flat, round, full - so you shouldn't freak out just because yours don't look exactly like the ones on the girls on Dawson's Creek. Every woman is different, and no two women's breasts will look exactly the same.
When girls begin puberty, usually between the ages of 8 and 13, their breasts begin to develop starting with just a little swelling under the nipple, which is known as breast budding. You may notice that one of your breasts starts developing before the other or that one is growing more quickly than the other. The medical term for this is differential development, and it's nothing to worry about. In fact, it's estimated that about 40% of women have different-sized breasts, so you are definitely not alone. Many times this difference in breast size evens out once a girl is older or fully grown, usually around age 20.
Your mom, grandmother, older sister, and aunt may have had different-sized breasts also. Ask around - you might feel better if you find out that they had to deal with the same issue.
Many girls with different-sized breasts just accept that they are normal and don't do anything differently. The fact is that exercises, supplements, or diets won't help you change the size of your breasts, so those really aren't options. Other girls feel more comfortable with their bodies if they wear especially supportive bras or special inserts that make their breasts appear more equal in size. The good news is that other people usually can't see the difference in the size of your breasts.
Talk to a nurse or a female family member if you want some suggestions for evening things out. If you're still really worried about your breast size, talk to your doctor or gynecologist. He or she should be able to reassure you that you are normal, and that you don't have any health problems.
Everyone develops differently, and girls aren't the only ones with questions: guys may wonder if their facial hair or penises are developing normally, too. And keep in mind that during puberty every guy or girl develops at his or her own individual pace.
Updated and reviewed by: Kim Rutherford, MD
Date reviewed: July 2001
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD
