Breasts: They Come In All Shapes & Sizes / Question
Published: March 12, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
While I was going through puberty, my left breast was not as large as my right. I always thought they would even out eventually near the end of puberty. I am extremely petite, and it took a long time for them to develop...I am only a size A. I am now 22, and my right breast is still slightly larger than my left. Is my "growth time" over?(ie puberty) Could I have helped them or still help them even out by taking birth control pills or some kind of hormone pill? (I have had friends that didn't go through puberty at the proper time, and birth control pills helped thier body grow. If not, will my Left breast have a chance to grow if I am ever pregnant? I just would like some hope. They are almost symmetrical, but I am a very picky person: and safe as well, and I am assuming that implants are particularily safe. I have read the other questions re. breast growth, but if my specific questions could be answered that would be great. Could you please give me a link to any medical sources/proffesionals regarding this situation? (doctors please not breast growth salesman) Thanks
Signed: 22 - Breast Growth Time Over?
Dear 22 - Breast Growth Time Over?,
Almost no one is perfectly symmetrical. A good shoe salesman will tell you that one of your feet is likely to be just slightly bigger than the other. The same is true for your breasts -- about 40% of all women have breasts that are slightly different sizes. TeenHealthFX wants to emphasize that this is completely normal. We suggest you ask other women you know - you're likely to find that they are just like you. Also, check out FX's Breast Size, Shape & Concerns to see our answers to other women who have similar issues.
At age 22, it's likely you are done growing, or will be done very soon. It's possible your breasts will grow a little more and even out, but it's also possible they won't. Your breasts may get a little bigger if you are ever pregnant, but there is no way of knowing if they will grow larger or if they will even out.
We would not recommend taking any kind of hormones to try and even out your breasts. While the birth control pill sometimes makes breasts a little bigger, this is a side effect, and not a reason to take the pill. TeenHealthFX does not recommend you try breast implants to even out the size of your breasts. If this really concerns you, you could look into special inserts you can put in your bra to even them out - a lingerie store could help you find the best fit.
It's very likely that you are the only one who notices this size difference if it's so slight. In any case, it is important to accept yourself for who you are and discover all the many things that make you special as a person. Dwelling on imperfections is counter-productive to your self-esteem. Besides, it's those little imperfections that make you unique.
If you are still interested in getting a medical opinion on your breasts, we recommend you speak to a doctor in person. In the northern New Jersey area, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.971.6475. If you are elsewhere, see your regular physician, or call a local health center.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
In the 
