Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
Includes Expert Content
Reduction in breast size
avatar
An_247293 posted:
I have seen in the past two years a drastic reduction in breast size. I have lost about 2 1/2 cup sizes. I was a larger C cup now I am an A cup.
I don't know what is going on. I am 35 and have never had children. I have also lost 8 to 10 pounds in that time. Not to much. I had an injury that caused the weight gain. When I was recovered I could move around like before.
In 2006 (6 years ago) I made the decision to stop taking birth control for for the rest of my life.
The odd thing is my Mom went through menopause years ago. She has been living with me for 7 years. She also has seen the same thing happen to her breast in the past 2 years. Her weight has been back and forth but her breast size has not. According to what I have read our hormone profile should be different.
I was hoping that maybe enough time has gone by since the initial post that you might have more information.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Reduction in breast sizeI have seen in the past two years a drastic reduction in breast size. I have lost about 2 1/2 cup sizes. I was a larger C cup now I am an A cup. <br />I don't know what is going on. I am 35 and have never had children. I have also lost 8 to 10 pounds in that time. Not to much. I had an injury that caused the weight gain. When I was recovered I could move around like before.<br />In 2006 (6 years ago) I made the decision to stop taking birth control for for the rest of my life.<br /> The odd thing is my Mom went through menopause years ago. She has been living with me for 7 years. She also has seen the same thing happen to her breast in the past 2 years. Her weight has been back and forth but her breast size has not. According to what I have read our hormone profile should be different. <br />I was hoping that maybe enough time has gone by since the initial post that you might have more information.
Reply
 
avatar
Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear An: This that can cause a reduction in breast size (besides having stopped breast feeding) can include:

1. Lowered estrogen levels--- This is why some women will have breast enlargement when first increasing blood estrogen levels (eg starting birth control pills, starting HRT, early pregnancy).

2. Increased androgen levels---If a woman is taking large doses of male hormones (ie for body building) she may experience breast shrinkage. Very rarely a female can have an androgen producing tumor; but usually their will be facial hair and clitoral enlargement..

3. Weight loss--Some women seem to lose breast mass before thigh/abdominal fat recedes.

In terms of your mom, breast changes are common after menopause as estrogen levels drop, the hormonally stimulated breast tissue atrophies while fat tissue remains (bye, bye perky breasts). In your case, you did stop birth control pills (but six years ago) and did lose weight (but 10 pounds or less).

Even after multiple lit searches at the National Library of Medicine site I was unable to find any good studies about other causes of bilateral decreased breast size. An, you are correct, both you and your mom should have very different hormonal profiles at this time so I would urge you to see a breast specialist (eg breast surgeon or breast clinic) for their assessment.

Yours,
Jane

PS If you would like to read some other women's experiences about loss of breast size check this link:

http://forums.webmd.com/3/gynecology-exchange/forum/16851
Report This| Share this:Reduction in breast sizeDear An: This that can cause a reduction in breast size (besides having stopped breast feeding) can include:<br /><br />1. Lowered estrogen levels--- This is why some women will have breast enlargement when first increasing blood estrogen levels (eg starting birth control pills, starting HRT, early pregnancy).<br /><br />2. Increased androgen levels---If a woman is taking large doses of male hormones (ie for body building) she may experience breast shrinkage. Very rarely a female can have an androgen producing tumor; but usually their will be facial hair and clitoral enlargement..<br /><br />3. Weight loss--Some women seem to lose breast mass before thigh/abdominal fat recedes.<br /><br />In terms of your mom, breast changes are common after menopause as estrogen levels drop, the hormonally stimulated breast tissue atrophies while fat tissue remains (bye, bye perky breasts). In your case, you did stop birth control pills (but six years ago) and did lose weight (but 10 pounds or less). <br /><br />Even after multiple lit searches at the National Library of Medicine site I was unable to find any good studies about other causes of bilateral decreased breast size. An, you are correct, both you and your mom should have very different hormonal profiles at this time so I would urge you to see a breast specialist (eg breast surgeon or breast clinic) for their assessment.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane<br /><br />PS If you would like to read some other women's experiences about loss of breast size check this link:<br /><br /><a href="http://forums.webmd.com/3/gynecology-exchange/forum/16851">http://forums.webmd.com/3/gynecology-exchange/forum/16851</a>
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

See Related Women's Health Communities

See All Communities

Featuring Experts

Profile
Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP Expert
Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, RNP, is a nurse practitioner and has been a practicing women's health care specialist for 15 years. She was on the facul...More

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

extended period
I have had a period for almost three weeks. The first week was normal with a lot of cramping. The second week was like when you are almost ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
46 of 96 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Expert Blog

Below the Belt: Women's Health - Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, RNP

From HPV to irregular periods to PMS to fibroids, Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, is here to share her knowledge and insight...Read More

Related News

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.