While navigating the twists and turns of the wild ride that is menopause, your body is bound to change in ways you didn’t see coming. Breast asymmetry can be one of those changes. But does that mean that menopause is a direct cause of breast asymmetry? Do other women experience the same thing? And is there anything you can do about it?
We all know how unsettling it can be to see your body change without knowing why - especially when no one’s talking about it. But don’t worry; we’re here to unpack all these concerns together!
So, let’s get real about what happens with your breasts during menopause, what causes it, and most importantly, how to remain confident and empowered in your body.
Understanding What Happens To Your Breasts During Menopause.
Breast changes are common during various stages of a woman’s life, including perimenopause and menopause, so don’t worry. The changes you’ll experience in one or both breasts during menopause occur largely due to the hormonal and physical changes you undergo during this period.
While transitioning from perimenopause into menopause, for example, you may experience breast tenderness and breast pain in one or both breasts. The soreness or breast pain may strike at unpredictable times even outside your periods. According to the National Cancer Institute, this is due to the fluctuation in hormone levels.
As you go through menopause, you may notice reduced breast size. On average, especially during menopause, older women are said to have lower-density breast tissue compared to younger women. This is due to a process known as involution, where your glandular tissues shrink and your breast tissue becomes less dense and more fatty.
You may also notice that your breasts feel lumpier during menopause. This doesn’t always have to be a cause for worry. However, because of the reduced breast tissue density, you should consult with a medical professional to rule out any breast cancer risk.
Some women, although not common, may experience an increase in breast size. But this is commonly attributed to fat redistribution in your breast tissue or overall weight gain. However, it could also be due to increased breast density if you’re undergoing hormone replacement to mitigate menopause symptoms or genetics.
Other breast changes you may experience are changes in your breast shape, fullness, and firmness. The decrease in hormone levels like estrogen, which typically occurs during menopause, plays a huge role in these changes. Low estrogen levels mean lower collagen production and reduced elasticity of the connective tissues and skin around the breast. This results in thinner skin, sagging breasts, stretch marks, and wider space between your breasts.
Can Hormonal Imbalance Cause Breast Asymmetry?
Hormonal imbalance is considered one of the causes of asymmetrical breasts in many women and it is a major menopause symptom. For example, hormonal changes like an increase or decrease in estrogen can either increase or decrease your breast volume, respectively.
However, it is worth pointing out that so far, no studies have proven that all women experiencing hormonal imbalance during menopause have uneven breasts. Women respond differently to the hormonal changes in their bodies. So while hormonal changes can cause asymmetrical breasts in some women, in other women it may not.
So, Does Menopause Cause Breast Asymmetry?
Menopause does not directly cause uneven breasts. The hormonal changes you experience during this period that affect your breast composition could cause slight breast asymmetry. However, major factors like genetics and aging in women experiencing menopause are more likely to play a bigger role in causing asymmetrical breasts.
What is the most common Cause of Asymmetry in the Breast?
At least about 25% of women have asymmetrical breasts. So, it’s safe to say that breast asymmetry is relatively common among women in any given age group. Some begin experiencing breast asymmetry during puberty, pregnancy, breast-feeding, or menopause. However, there is no single common cause of breast asymmetry.
Breast asymmetry can be due to several reasons. Some common biological causes of breast asymmetry, especially for women in menopause could include (but are not limited to) genetics, aging, or hormonal changes. Common physical causes could include (but are not limited to) injury or trauma in the chest area, previous breast surgery, or drastic weight changes.
There are also various medical conditions like Juvenile Hypertrophy, Poland Syndrome, or Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH), that can lead to asymmetrical breasts. ADH for example, is a condition diagnosed after a breast biopsy. It is characterized by the excessive growth of cells in the breast milk ducts. Some of these cells have an irregular shape and size, leading to benign lumps that give the breast an asymmetrical appearance.
According to a study published in the Breast Cancer Research Journal, although ADH is non-cancerous, it still increases the risk of developing breast cancer. If diagnosed with ADH, regular screening is recommended to enhance early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
What Does Breast Asymmetry Mean During Menopause?
As you grow older, it’s only natural to be concerned about any little change you see in your body - and as a woman going through menopause, you’ll see a lot. But is breast asymmetry one of the concerns you should have?
Breast asymmetry is not typically a cause for concern, even if you’re going through menopause. It could just be an aftermath of the breast changes happening due to the natural depletion of estrogen. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, women with high breast density have a high risk of breast cancer going undiagnosed. That’s because the low density makes early breast cancer detection easier as opposed to denser breasts.
But that doesn’t mean that all women going through menopause won’t develop breast cancer. Statistics show that 99% of breast cancer cases are women, and 80% are women over the age of 50 who develop breast cancer. So, when should you be concerned about breast asymmetry during menopause?
Consult a doctor when you notice the following signs:
- Puckered or dimpled skin
- New lumps in the breast or close to the armpit
- Redness or itchy flaky skin around the breast or nipple
- Nipple discharge
- Consistent breast pain
- Significant differences between the two breasts
Always practice good breast health during menopause, especially if you have a breast cancer family history. Conduct frequent self-examinations and go for regular mammograms. Also, ensure you follow up with more tests like breast MRI, breast biopsy, or breast ultrasound in case any abnormalities are found in the mammogram report.
For more insight into how breast asymmetry is linked to breast cancer, read our detailed article Breast Asymmetry and Breast Cancer Risk: Understanding the Link.
How to Deal With Breast Asymmetry During Menopause?
Your confidence and body image can take a hit during menopause. On top of the changes happening throughout the body, dealing with breast asymmetry can be overwhelming for many women.
You need to first accept that these changes are normal and inevitable. Doing this will help you embrace and enjoy this new journey. There are still no known treatments that can reverse the breast asymmetry or changes that happen during menopause. But here are some useful tips that can help you cope with breast asymmetry as you navigate menopause:
Exercise
Regular exercise can improve breast asymmetry. This is especially true if you have mild breast asymmetry. As we discussed before, your breast tissues become less dense and more fatty during menopause. By focusing on targeted exercises like chest presses and pushups, you can shed off some of the excess fat, tone the chest muscles, and give your breasts a perkier appearance.
Healthy Diet
Aside from regular exercise, it is important to also practice a healthy diet and cut down on things like caffeine and smoking. Include food and drinks that will improve your breast health. Flax seeds and fish like salmon, for example, are high in omega-3 fatty acids that help regulate estrogen levels. Staying hydrated at all times also helps maintain the elasticity of your skin and breast tissues.
Watch Your Weight
Remember drastic weight changes can increase the chances of developing asymmetry in the breast. Watching your weight is especially important during menopause since hormonal fluctuations can have an impact on your weight. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help with regulating your weight. But also avoid extreme diet plans and intense workouts that could lead to drastic changes.
Wear the Right Bra
As you enter menopause, it is even more important for your breasts to get the right support. And if you’re already dealing with breast asymmetry, investing in a good asymmetric bra is a great idea. Unlike traditional bras, asymmetric bras are designed to give customized support to each breast regardless of the difference in shape or size.
At Symmetrista, we pride ourselves on designing bras that offer superior support by providing the perfect custom fit for each of your asymmetric breasts. You can enjoy breast symmetry, too. Regain your confidence by grabbing your Signature bra today!
If you’re not sure which size to get, you can use our free size calculator to get accurate measurements.
Find the Right Outfits
If you’re not ready to invest in an asymmetric bra or you’re simply not a fan of bras in general, that’s okay too! There are a lot of creative ways to camouflage breast asymmetry using fashion. You can use bra inserts or layer your clothes, for example, so the size difference of your breasts isn’t noticeable. You could also use patterns, prints, or ruffles to distract from the asymmetry. The list is endless.
Cosmetic Surgery
A lot of women choose breast asymmetry surgery to correct the changes in their breasts, especially their breast shape. There are many options, from breast lift to breast reduction or breast augmentation. The best procedure will depend on several factors, including if you’ve done previous breast surgeries. Make sure you consult with a trusted plastic surgeon to decide the best plan for you.
Embrace Your Journey!
Breast asymmetry may be among the whirlwind of changes you’ll experience during menopause. Whether it is a change in breast shape, size or even position, all these shifts are part of your body’s unique journey. Just remember that these changes do not define you - they’re just another chapter in your story.
At Symmetrista, we’re all about helping you embrace and celebrate every stage of your body’s evolution. That’s why our Signature bra is carefully created to provide you with the comfort and confidence you deserve. It’s more than a bra - it’s a reminder that you are beautiful just the way you are.
Ready to feel confident? Explore Symmetrista today and discover how empowering and liberating it is to embrace your unique journey!