Are Large Breasts In Teen Girls Normal?
By Elisabeth Dale
Doctors want you to know that the size of a young girl’s breasts can impact her wellbeing. That’s why they conducted a survey of female adolescents, asking them how bigger busts play a part in overall physical and mental health. Researchers sought to measure the significance of , or “abnormally large” breasts. They found that this condition takes a toll on young girls, be it from shoulder pain, unwanted attention, increased eating disorders, or an inability to wear well-fitting clothes. Media coverage of their conclusions resulted in headlines such as “Breast Growth Disorder Harms Teen Girls’ Health.” Breast reduction surgery was suggested as a solution for those suffering from the debilitating effects of enlarged breasts.
I wondered how far up the alphabet cup you needed to be in order to suffer from this disability. The lead investigator, Dr. Labow, confessed to the difficulties of making arbitrary classifications; one cup does not fit all different heights and weights of young women. Physicians referred the 96 subjects in the macromastia group. Their survey responses were compared to a control group of 103 females, whose breasts had been measured by asking for bra size. This inquiry revealed:
“The most frequently reported cup size in the macromastia group was DD in contrast to B in the control group.”
And nearly 20% of the B-cuppers thought their breasts “too large for their body.”
I assume bra fitters weren’t included in this investigation. They would have told participants that breasts have gotten bigger over the past 15 to 20 years, with some suggesting that “E” is the new “C.” They would have pointed out how bra manufacturers have stepped up to meet the needs of busty women by offering sizes from AA to N (and with smaller back bands). They would have shared with doctors, patients, and parents the good news that right-sized foundations alleviate and reduce breast pain and suffering.
The mostly female authors of this report may not have understood the implications of using specific bra letters to define a medical condition; or that self-reporting bra size is inherently flawed due to the differences among brands. But no young girl should be made to feel as though surgery is her only option, or that she is freakishly outside some non-existent breast norm.
Do large breasts on young girls lead to lower self-esteem? Could be. Or it could be the inaccurate and misleading reports of “normal” breast size. What do you think?
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It seems cruel that instead of encouraging teen girls to become comfortable with their changing bodies, this study pathologizes natural variation, and creates a "medical reason" to surgically enforce conformity of body shape/size. Many of the health and comfort issues with larger breasts can be rectified by good-quality, well-fitting bras, and many of the psychological issues can be dealt with by education, and encouraging body-positiveness. Just telling girls that LOTS of women wear fuller cup sizes, and having a wide selection of attractive, age-appropriate product available would help girls accept their bodies as they are, and breast reduction surgeries could be saved for only the most extreme cases, and certainly only for adult women, whose bodies are no longer growing.
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Very well said, Larissa. I would add that doctors should be educated as well. I was surprised at the number of female authors involved in this study and wondered how much they knew about bra sizing and fitting. These girls are suffering psychologically and physically and could use more immediate options than surgery.
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Sadly, my daughter had to have a reduction at 23. She was a DD/E cup in grade 5, by the time she was 19 she was in a 32J. She is a nurse and suffered from back, shoulder and neck issues all through high school. After her surgery she is a perfect D/DD. It has been seven months since the surgery and all her pain has gone away. This was probably the best thing she could of done, she will probably have to have it re-done in a few years but what a relief it has been for her.
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I'm glad it worked out for your daughter, Amanda! Your right, though, that a reduction doesn't guarantee breast size. I've known many women who have been surprised to find that their breasts keep growing, even through menopause..
Elisabeth Dale
Elisabeth Dale is an internationally renowned breast expert and author, and the founder of www.TheBreastLife.com. She has appeared on Good Morning America, The Tyra Banks Show, BBC World News, NPR, and has been featured in The New York Times, Cosmo, Glamour, Men’s Health, and the Sunday London Times.
In her book, bOObs: A Guide to Your Girls, and on her website, Elisabeth entertains, educates and encourages AAA through KK cups to learn more about their bodies and support the changes their breasts go through from puberty to motherhood and menopause.
At TheBreastLife.com, women can bare and share their intimate feelings and stories about their bodies (mammoirs), and experience a safe haven to explore new and innovative products, services, clothing, and surgical options. You can visit www.TheBreastLife.com to find the best breast gear and garments that have earned The Breast Life Seal of Approval from a trusted community of product testers, and share your finds and feelings with an active community of other smart, stylish and interested women.
