Breast Development
Updated:Breast development, also known as thelarche, is the process of breast growth and maturation that typically occurs during puberty in individuals assigned female at birth. It's one of the first visible signs of puberty and is triggered by hormonal changes, primarily an increase in estrogen. The process usually begins between ages 8 and 13 and can continue into the late teens or early twenties.
Additional Information
Breast development occurs in stages, often described using the Tanner scale, which ranges from stage 1 (pre-pubertal) to stage 5 (adult). The process involves the growth of breast tissue, including glandular tissue, fat, and the nipple-areola complex. It's important to note that breast size and shape vary widely among individuals and are influenced by factors such as genetics, body weight, and hormonal fluctuations.
While breast development is typically associated with female puberty, it can also occur in individuals assigned male at birth due to certain medical conditions or hormone therapy. This is known as gynecomastia.