Breasts · For ages 8–12
Why do my breasts hurt, and why aren't they exactly alike?
When your breasts begin growing, an area may feel tender or a little firm. One side may start developing before the other.
About what you notice
What is happening?
Perhaps one breast looks bigger than the other, or you can feel a tender lump just under a nipple. This may be part of your breasts beginning to grow.
Breasts are on the front of your upper body, one on each side. In the middle of each breast is the nipple. Around it is an area called the areola. Its colour, size and shape may vary from person to person.
When the body begins developing from a child's body into a more adult body, this is called puberty. Breasts may begin growing then. The body makes hormones, substances that send messages between different parts of the body. Some of these messages cause the tissue in the breasts to develop. Tissue is made of small parts of the body that together build things such as skin, muscles and breasts.
The first thing you notice may be a firmer or slightly swollen area under one or both nipples. A small firm or tender lump there may be a breast bud, the beginning of breast growth. You may notice it on only one side at first.
Breasts can grow at different rates and continue developing for several years. It is common for them to differ a little in size and shape, even later. If you feel a lump somewhere else, have a lot of pain, or the skin becomes very red or hot, tell an adult. You can also ask if something worries you.
Find what fits best
Which sounds most like what you notice?
Choose the option closest to what you have seen, felt or noticed.
Why do my breasts hurt, and why aren't they exactly alike?
Forklaringskort
Important to know
When breasts develop, the things inside them grow. Some of this is fat, while some is small glands that form part of the breast. These develop gradually, and breasts may continue changing for several years.
At first, you may notice a small change under the nipple. Gradually, the breast may become rounder. This often happens slowly, and there may be periods when little seems to change. Both breasts do not have to grow at the same rate.
A breast bud is a small firm or tender lump that you may feel just under the nipple when a breast begins developing. You may feel it on only one side at first. It does not necessarily mean that something is wrong.
Your body is making new breast tissue, which may feel unfamiliar when you touch the area. Try not to press the area repeatedly to check. If you are unsure what you are feeling, you can ask a school nurse, who is used to questions about breast development.
As breasts grow and change, the area may become more sensitive. This means it might be sore when you lie on your tummy, run, bump into something or clothes rub against your breast.
Soft clothing or a comfortable top may make moving around easier. Some people prefer support when running, while others prefer not to wear it. You can try different options with help from an adult. Your breasts do not have to be any particular size for you to choose what feels comfortable.
Breasts do not always grow at the same rate. One may start before the other or grow a little faster for a while. That is why it is common for breasts not to look exactly alike.
The difference may be most noticeable while the breasts are developing. Adults can also have one breast that is larger or sits a little lower. You can ask questions if the difference worries you. An adult should help you get a new, rapid change with severe pain or redness assessed.
There are many different breast shapes and sizes. Nipples and areolas can also differ in size, shape and colour. Your body does not have to look like a friend's body or a picture to be normal.
Pictures often show only a few kinds of bodies, so they tell us little about all the normal variations. You decide who may see or touch your body. You can ask for privacy when changing clothes and speak up if someone makes comments about your body that upset you.
A small tender lump just under the nipple may be a breast bud. If you feel a lump somewhere else, if the area becomes very red or hot, if it hurts a lot, or if you are worried, it is a good idea to tell an adult you trust. A school nurse or doctor can examine it.
Tell the adult where you can feel the lump, when you first noticed it and whether it hurts. You do not have to work out what the lump is yourself. Ask someone to explain what will happen if a healthcare professional examines your breast, and say if you need a break.
What next?
What can you do next?
You can describe what you feel just as it is. For example, you could say: 'I can feel a small lump under my nipple', 'It is tender when I touch it' or 'One breast looks bigger than the other.'
Sources
These are the sources used for this article. Some are written for teenagers, adults or healthcare professionals.