Breast Development During Puberty

Breast development during puberty tends to begin around age 10 and continues until age 18. There could be some variation in these ages because every girl is different, but she will go through five stages of development as she matures.

Stage One: Childhood breasts are flat without any puffiness in the nipple or areola.

Stage Two: The next stage of development happens when the nipples protrude a little, forming "breast buds" which are soft and slightly raised. Girls at the second stage of breast development may find their nipples are tender or sore, and may feel more comfortable purchasing and wearing some training bras, which are undergarments without very much support, but mostly meant for coverage and protection.

Stage Three: Breast tissue begins to grow around the areolas, making breasts have a rounded shape.

Stage Four: Further growth of the breast area, making breasts rounder and fuller, and the nipples and areolas increase in size.

Stage Five: Breasts are fully mature when they have reached their roundest shape. Breast size is a factor of heredity, and, since breast tissue is made of ducts and glands, it is mostly fatty tissue and can't be changed by exercise, supplements or creams. Weight gain, however, could contribute to increased breast size due to the fatty tissue in breast cells.

Breast development during puberty may cause girls to feel self-conscious or compare themselves to their peers. Everyone is different, and development is a factor of one's own unique biological clock for the most part. Questions or concerns about early or late development should be referred to one's doctor.