Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s completely normal for them to be slightly different from one another. There is also a saying, ‘Breasts are sisters, not twins’, which is why most people have some degree of asymmetry, whether it is their shape, size or nipple position. For many women, these asymmetries are just a natural variation. According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, it is estimated that about 88% of women have breasts that are different in shape, size or position.
However, for some, the difference is significant or changes suddenly or drastically. This change can lead to concerns about appearance, self-consciousness or any underlying health issues. In this article, we will go through common causes of uneven breasts, when it is considered normal, and when you should seek professional help.
What is Breast Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry refers to a condition where one breast is either larger or different from the other. The difference can range from barely noticeable to a visible change in the shape, size or position. While most of the time, it is not a cause of serious concern, some people may feel uncomfortable.
What are the Causes of Breast Asymmetry
Dr Sushma Tomar, Consultant - Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, mentioned that while it is not normal to have highly uneven breasts, some asymmetry in shape and size is pretty common.
She stated that some of the common causes for uneven breasts are:
Puberty: Oestrogen is responsible for breast development. During puberty, hormonal changes lead to variations in oestrogen in both breasts, causing differences in the development of the breasts. This means that one breast might outgrow the other. It can be a temporary phase, or in some cases, the unevenness might be lifelong.
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Pregnancy and Lactation: During pregnancy, several hormonal changes occur in a woman’s body, and sometimes these changes may lead to breast asymmetry. The body also prepares for breastfeeding or lactation during pregnancy, and this too causes unevenness in the breasts. Your breast shape changes during breastfeeding, when the baby tends to feed from a certain side only. This is perfectly normal, and the unevenness usually evens out after a few months.
Genetics: Genetics also play a role in determining the shape and size of breasts and can lead to uneven breasts. Hormone levels, tissue development. and growth rates are affected by genes. If asymmetrical traits are present among family members, there is a high probability that these genes will affect other females in the family.
If breast unevenness is not due to any of the reasons listed above, immediately consult a doctor for any possible abnormalities.
When You Should Be Worried About Breast Asymmetry
Though breast asymmetry is harmless and common, sometimes it is a sign or warning of something serious. The change in your breast shape could be an early warning sign for your health. Dr Tomar pointed out, “Sometimes, infections, tumours, or even cancer in one breast can cause a noticeable change in shape or size.”
Here are some signs to help you with warning signs to look out for:
- If there are sudden or recent changes, this can be due to some underlying health issue.
- If the asymmetry is accompanied by a lump or area of thickening that feels different from the surrounding breast tissue.
- If you see a sudden change in the colour of your skin on a particular area of the breast or any redness.
- If there is persistent pain, especially in one breast, then it can be something that you get checked by a professional.
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How Can You Keep Your Breasts Healthy
Knowledge of self-examination of your breasts is important for maintaining healthy breasts. Reach out to a clinic check-up if needed and follow a healthy lifestyle. Routine self-exams are very crucial for maintaining breast health. Mammography and Sonomammography: These clinical examinations help detect early signs of any abnormalities. If there is any suspicion, further tests, like FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology), can be done to confirm the diagnosis. Apart from all these, a balanced diet and regular physical activity can help maintain breast health.
Common Myths About Breast Asymmetry
There are several myths surrounding the unevenness of the breasts. One such myth is that the uneven size of the breasts is the cause of some serious health problems. Most people assume that a change in the shape is associated with cancer. However, in most cases, it is not any underlying health issue. The reason for unevenness of the breasts can be hormonal conditions, pregnancy, genetic or any other.
A journal article published by Oxford Academic on the genetic interplay between body mass index, breast size and breast cancer risk concluded in their findings that there was no clear evidence for a direct relationship between breast size and breast cancer risk.
Another common myth is that breast unevenness needs to be corrected, or it can pose health risks. Many women have breasts that look different from each other; this is completely normal, and it does not pose any health risk.
According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine increase in breast size with age cannot be the reason for the physical and mental well-being of any mature woman. The correction of the breast size affects the physical features of your body, and it has nothing to do with the health concerns. Hence, this is one of the biggest myths that altering the physical appearance of your breast can save you from the health issues that a sudden change in the shape of the breast can cause. When you notice a sudden change in your breast size, seeking medical help is advised.
People assume that exercise and natural remedies can change the appearance and shape of your breasts. While a healthy lifestyle can benefit your overall health, correcting uneven breasts often requires medical attention or surgical intervention. These steps depend upon the person’s choice and the severity of the condition.
Conclusion
Breast asymmetry is a common and usually benign condition affecting many females. Absence of proper education and information about the cause of breast asymmetry can lead to panic and chaos. The cause of the breast asymmetry can be linked to hormonal shifts, developmental changes, and sometimes underlying medical conditions. Hence, it is important to discuss any concerns that you may have with qualified healthcare professionals. The medical expert can provide proper assessment, reassurance, guidance or treatment when needed. Open communication with a professional ensures peace of mind and also supports breast health.