The Five Stages of Breast Development

Breasts, nipples and areolae are evident from the day we are born. Girls reach a time during which their breasts begin to develop further. When they do, they go through five individual stages that have been described by Dr. J. M. Tanner, a British doctor. These stages are used to indicate relative change that occurs in female breast development, and may tend to be a little ambiguous. Consequently, they are open to the interpretation of the observing physician.

Stage One technically starts when the ovaries begin production of estrogen. Visually, it is defined as that which is happening from birth until some enlargement occurs in the breast. The breast is referred to as a breast "bud" at this stage. All of the components of the breast are there, but they have not yet developed. Development in the female will usually begin to occur at the onset of puberty. A male's breast will usually remain in this stage throughout his life.

Stage Two is that breast development which occurs after the breast bud has begun to change and shows some enlargement. The nipples will increase in size, often causing some embarrassment due to their appearance under clothing. The areolae will begin developing to a larger size and may start to slightly darken in color. The nipples become very sensitive at this time, and may actually have some mild sensations.

Stage Three is a little difficult to describe. Specific breast features are somewhat arbitrary, and are subject to the professional that is making the judgment. Stage three is obviously between stages two and four, and general overall enlargement of the breasts, nipples and areolae occurs. Professional experience is usually used to decide where stage three starts and finishes. During stage three is when the first menstrual flow (menarche') usually occurs.

Stage Four may often be indicated by the formation of a secondary swelling just under the areola. It is almost as if a second breast bud is developing on the front of the existing breast. This can be seen during the early teens, or as late as the early twenty's.

Stage Five is when the breast is fully matured. Changes to the breast will continue to occur throughout the rest of a woman's life, but they will be caused by pregnancy, lactation, weight loss or gain, and aging.

The beginning of breast development (when a young woman enters stage two) is considered one of three signs of the start of puberty. It is common for this to occur between the age of 9 years and 14 years. Some girls may wait until as late as 18 years or more, while some start earlier than nine, There are exceptions to all rules it seems, and if she starts earlier than 8 years old, she is generally considered to be the victim of precocious puberty. In the past twenty or so years, extremely early breast development was controlled with Tamoxifen, an estrogen blocker that is now being used to reduce the chance of breast cancer returning in women who are survivors of that disease.