Breast Health
Reminders that Make a Difference
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I remember one of those Oprah shows that was talking about bra size women wear. Basically, it was a huge hit with women learning that up to 85% of them (of us all) were wearing bras that don’t fit. Not a good fact to live with. A lack of proper support can lead to poor posture, neck and back pain, and even nerve problems in your arms and shoulders.
Keep in mind that a bra size is not set for the rest of life. It changes a lot! Your weight, pregnancy, and menopause affect the size and type of bra you need. Get measured to find the right fit. A pro at a department or lingerie store is your best bet, but a trusty measuring tape works, too.
The grass is greener on the other bustline. Fewer than a third of women ages 18 to 65 say they like the size and shape of their breasts. Some women want smaller breasts and go for breast reduction surgery. For others, bigger is better, and they turn to breast augmentation. Short of plastic surgery, a better bra and a kinder body image could be the boon to feel better about your boobs.
Your breasts go through changes when you have your period, when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and when you go through puberty and its flip side, menopause.
Let’s check out some facts about breasts and get wiser about our own part of the body given to us by Mother Nature.
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Women’s Health On Breast Health And Bras #AMCoffee #HeartThis #WomensHealth #Health https://t.co/Bq0O14alig pic.twitter.com/iCXoRD7nrG
— Celebrate Woman (@DiscoverSelf) September 1, 2017
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BREASTS are a huge part of WHO we are. They are part of our well-being, looks, and attitude towards life. Let’s take a look on some facts that would could boost our positive attitude towards the part of the body that needs a respectful and loving attention from us.
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i am so late but i need to come read this one
Karen,
That’s why you are so successful!
Love ya!
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Things About Your Breasts
A nipple is an organ! Did you know that?
Organs have a purpose. The breast’s job is to make milk. That happens in small lobules inside the breast,. A series of ducts carry it out through the nipple. Fun fact: Men don’t have these lobules, since they don’t breastfeed.
The average breast weighs between 5.3 and 7 ounces. One that’s full of your baby’s meals can weigh as much as 17 ounces. No wonder your back hurts.
i agree and i got some big ones they do make my back hurt
Breasts Sagging
It is not true that breastfeeding make your breasts sag!
Nursing isn’t the problem. Sagging is about getting older. Age loosens firmness and elasticity. Smoking, more than one pregnancy, and changes in your weight can also make your “girls” head south.
i have learned to let them get out i wear my bra only when i go out i heard to keep them all bundled up is not good
Discharge from Nipples
Discharge during late pregnancy, after giving birth, and if you’re breastfeeding is fine. Any other time, it’s not. A leak can signal a number of things, from thyroid and other hormone problems to cancer, so see your doctor to get it checked out.
A milky-white leakage from both breasts can also happen before menopause. This is due to hormones. It’s not uncommon.
But if the discharge is bloody, greenish, or clear, or if it affects only one breast, if there’s a lump, or if it happens without prodding, see your doctor, whether you’re in menopause or not. The cause could be an infection, a sac filled with fluid called a cyst, other lumps that aren’t cancer (such as fibroadenomas), or cancer.
Your doctor will give you a checkup, including a physical exam of both breasts. She’ll ask you about your symptoms and family’s medical history, too. You may also get a mammogram or sonogram to check inside the breast.
Lumps, Color, Soreness
Source webMD
Lumps
Try not to worry. But do see your doctor to find out what it is. This is especially important if you notice large lumps in your armpit or if the bumpy area doesn’t go away after 6 weeks.
Most breast lumps — more than 80% — aren’t cancer. Most of the time, they show up when you have your period or are nearing menopause. They can be small or large in size and feel hard or squishy. Many are harmless cysts filled with fluid.
Your doctor will check your breasts and will probably recommend a mammogram and possibly other tests. She may use a needle to remove a little bit of the fluid from the area or take a small sample of the lump for more testing.
It’s a good idea to get to know what’s normal for your breasts. That way, if you notice something different, you can work with your doctor to find out what it is.
Color and Texture Changes
If the skin around your breasts becomes dimpled, itchy, scaly, or red, you should check in with your doctor. She may just keep on eye on this or order a biopsy — removing a small piece of tissue — to make sure everything is OK.
Soreness and Tenderness
It could just be “that” time of the month. A lot of women feel this way before or during their periods. This is normal and usually the pain goes away on its own. You should get it checked out if the pain gets worse, or if it’s in one specific area of your chest, or if it affects your daily routine (like working out or picking up your kids).
Things that can cause breast pain include birth control pills, large cup size, and hormones. During your exam, your doctor may consider whether it might help to change the type of birth control pills (if you’re on them), or adjust your hormone therapy (if you take it for menopause symptoms). For some types of breast pain, it may help to cut down on caffeine.
Changes in Size or Shape
Your breasts may change during different points in your life. For instance, this can happen when you have your period and when you’re pregnant – often enlarging due to hormones.
Once you reach menopause, you may feel like your chest sags, becoming smaller and losing its shape. This all all normal.
But if you notice changes outside of this time – if your breasts look or feel different – then you should check with your doctor to make sure everything is OK.
Breasts And Menopause
Source webMD
There are three common ways menopause and perimenopause can affect your breasts.
1. Tenderness or pain.
Why It Happens: Before your period, fluid builds up in your breasts, making them feel more swollen, tender, or painful than other times of the month. Because the hormonal changes of perimenopause make your cycle irregular, breast soreness can strike unpredictably, according to the National Cancer Institute.
What You Can Do About It:
If your breasts hurt, wearing the right bra can make a big difference: 85% of women with breast pain gained relief when they wore a well-fitted sports bra, according to a 2014 study. The same researchers found that relaxation techniques or massaging achy breasts with over-the-counter pain creams was helpful for up to 60% of women.
If breast pain is severe or won’t go away, talk to your doctor.
2. Changes in breast size and shape
Why It Happens: As you near menopause, your levels of estrogen drop dramatically. As your milk system starts to shut down, glandular tissue in your breasts shrinks. That causes them to become less dense and more fatty, which can lead to sagging. You may also notice that your breasts aren’t as full as they used to be, and their size may change.
What You Can Do About It: Time to hit the gym or invest in some hand-held weights!
Although there’s no proven way to reverse sagging, exercise makes your breasts look better by developing and toning the muscles underneath. Working out regularly also has another important perk: You’ll be less likely to get breast cancer. Good ways to tone your chest muscles include pushups and lifting weights.
Some lingerie styles, such as a pushup or underwire bra, can give you a youthful lift. For maximum boost and support, make sure your bra fits correctly: By some estimates, up 70% of women are wearing the wrong size.
After menopause, you may need to go big when you shop for bras: A recent study found that 1 in 5 women went up a bra size after menopause (typically due to weight gain), but only 1 in 50 needed a smaller bra.
3. Lumpy Breasts
Why It Happens:There are several reasons why this can happen during perimenopause, including normal aging and hormonal changes. Just like at any age, though, you’ll need to see your doctor to find out what the lumps are.
You could have cysts, fluid-filled sacs that are very common. They can feel like grapes and aren’t cancerous. Many women, of all ages, have them. Sometimes they go away after menopause, but they can stick around, especially if you take hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Fibrocystic changes are another common reason for lumpy, painful breasts and areas that feel rubbery to the touch. They don’t make you more likely to get breast cancer. Nor do cysts.
What You Can Do About It:
Some women find when they cut down on caffeine, their breasts are less tender. You can also apply heat — try a warm compress — to the painful area or use over-the-counter pain relievers.
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When To Check With Your Doctor
Source webMD
Most midlife breast changes are normal. But you can’t be sure on your own. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these problems:
A lump or a firm or thick area in your breast or under your arm.
Nipple discharge fluid or changes, such as a nipple that becomes sunken into the breast, also called “inverted.”
Skin changes, such as redness, dimpling, puckering, or ridges that look like orange peel.
Unexplained swelling or shrinkage of the breast, especially on one side only.
Most of the time, breast changes are not cancer, but it’s important to get any new or unusual symptom checked out quickly.
Also talk to your doctor about how often you should get mammograms, since guidelines vary. The American Cancer Society recommends one every year, starting when you’re 45. Other groups advise every 2 years when you turn 50 until you’re 74.
You may need to start sooner if you’re at high risk.
Your doctor can help you decide what’s best for you.
Lots of good info today!!
Amanda,
I am glad you found something worthy for your own sake!
than you what a good read today