The association between breast size and fertility has been an interesting and debatable topic these years. And, even many women consider breast size as a reliable indicator of fertility.
But, is it true? If so, then, what’s the role of genetics, body composition, and body weight? Get clarity on all your doubts and be aware of what determines your breast size.
Relation between breast size and fertility
No scientific evidence says that there is a connection between breast size and fertility. So, women with small breasts don’t want to worry and suspect they might be infertile or their breast size is the reason for their infertility.
If it is true, then why do people link breast size and fertility? There are two important reasons available for associating these two factors. They are: body weight and estrogen production.
Yes, women being underweight are predisposed to small breasts. If they are underweight means, then there is a chance of small breasts and infertility. This might be an important reason for interconnecting small breasts with infertility.
Another important thing is the decreased secretion of estrogen. The thing is women with larger breasts are more likely to have higher estrogen levels, so it could be vice versa. Estrogen is a significant hormone in the female reproductive system, particularly it supports for optimal ovulation and pregnancy.
So, if lower estrogen levels are the main reason for small breasts, then there might be a chance for infertility. This is how people usually interconnect infertility with breasts.
Correlation between breast size and fertility, what do popular studies say?
Correlation between breast size and fertility, what do popular studies say?
Many associations held a special test to identify the correlation between breast size and fertility from 2014 to 2018. They are JAMA Pediatrics, Human Reproduction, Fertility and Sterility, Human Fertility, and European Journal of Obstetrics and Reproductive Biology.
They examined the fertilizing ability of women with small breasts and found that there is no correlation between fertility and breast size. But, why the breast size varies? However, one common reason for this is every individual’s body is different.
Why does a woman have small breasts?
Several factors contribute to why a woman may have small breasts, here are the main reasons,
Genetics
Genetics play the largest role in determining breast size, similar to a person’s height, eye colour, and hair texture are inherited traits, breast size is too. If women in a family tend to have smaller breasts, their daughters will likely have smaller breasts as well.
Weight
Body fat is an important factor in determining breast size. Breasts are made up of both glandular tissue (which produces milk) and fatty tissue. Women with lower body fat may have less fatty tissue in their breasts, which can result in smaller breasts.
On the other hand, women with higher body fat may experience larger breasts due to increased fatty tissue. So, body weight also contributes to the increased breast size.
Role of hormones in breast development
Estrogen and Progesterone
Hormonal changes play an important role in breast size, particularly during the menstrual cycle and Estrogen is responsible for the growth of milk ducts and the enlargement of breasts.
While progesterone prepares your breasts for better lactation. Both hormones work together in the growth and development of breasts, so these hormones are crucial in determining breast size.
In addition, testosterone is a male hormone that also promotes the growth of areolae and nipples. Therefore, testosterone levels are also pivotal for maintaining optimal breast size.
What factors can affect the breast size?
Several factors can impact the size of a woman’s breast throughout her life journey, you can consider factors like menstruation, pregnancy, and others.
Age factors: puberty to menopause
Age is a significant factor in breast size. Breasts typically develop during puberty, and they often reach their maximum size in a woman’s late teens or early twenties.
As a woman ages, hormonal changes during menopause can cause the breast tissue to lose some of its firmness, volume, and fullness. Breasts may shrink or sag as a result of this decrease in estrogen levels.
Hormonal birth control
Birth control pills and hormonal contraceptives can temporarily affect breast size due to increased estrogen and progesterone levels. Some women may experience slight enlargement, but these changes are usually not permanent, and breast size typically returns to normal after stopping the contraception.
Menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle can cause temporary changes in breast size due to hormonal fluctuations. During the luteal phase (after ovulation), increased progesterone can make breasts feel fuller or more sensitive. These changes are usually temporary and go away after the period ends.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes hormonal changes, with higher levels of estrogen and progesterone leading to breast enlargement in preparation for breastfeeding. Breast size may increase significantly during pregnancy and may change further after childbirth, especially with breastfeeding.
Smoking
Smoking can reduce blood flow to breast tissue, affecting collagen and elastin production. This leads to sagging, loss of volume, and reduced elasticity. Hormonal imbalances caused by smoking may also impact breast size.
Bottom lines
Hopefully, now you can say that small breast size doesn’t mean that you’re infertile because breast size is influenced by factors unrelated to reproductive health. Factors like genetics, hormonal levels, body weight, and age play a significant role in determining breast size.
Infertility is usually related to issues with ovulation, sperm quality, or hormonal changes in your body. Thus, it’s important to remember that breast size doesn’t necessarily reflect your ability to conceive. Even still, if you doubt that your breast size is the reason for infertility, then you need to consult a healthcare provider.
FAQs
Small breasts mean that there will be a small amount of breast tissue. Other factors like genetics, age, and hormonal changes can also contribute to this condition. And, most importantly, having small breasts doesn’t mean you’re infertile.
A woman’s breast starts developing between the ages of 8 and 13 and is fully developed by her 17 or 18. For some women, their breasts continue to grow in their early twenties. So, almost by the age of 17 or 18, a woman’s breasts are completely grown.
No, exercise can’t increase breast size in females. Regular exercising can only strengthen and tone the chest muscles. Cosmetic surgeries are the only permanent way to change breast size, which also has risks and are also expensive.
