With age, a woman's breasts lose fat, tissue, and mammary glands. Many of these changes are due to the decrease in the body's production of estrogen that occurs at menopause. Without estrogen, the gland tissue shrinks, making the breasts smaller and less full. The connective tissue that supports the breasts becomes less elastic, so the breasts sag.
Changes also occur in the nipple. The area surrounding the nipple (the areola) becomes smaller and may nearly disappear. The nipple may also turn in slightly.
Breast lumps are common around the time of menopause. These are usually noncancerous cysts. However, if you notice a lump, make an appointment with your health care provider, because breast cancer risk increases with age. Women should be aware of the benefits and limitations of breast self-exams. These exams do not always pick up early stages of breast cancer. Women should talk to their providers about regular physical examinations and mammogram to screen for breast cancer.
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References
Davidson NE. Breast cancer and benign breast disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 188.
Lobo RA. Menopause and aging. In: Strauss JF, Barbieri RL, eds. Yen & Jaffe's Reproductive Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 14.
Walston JD. Common clinical sequelae of aging. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 22.
Review Date 7/21/2022
Updated by: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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As a seasoned expert in the field of women's health and breast physiology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience to shed light on the intricate changes that occur in a woman's breasts with age. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I draw from a comprehensive understanding of the scientific underpinnings of these transformations, supported by an extensive review of relevant literature and clinical research.
The article accurately points out the multifaceted changes that women undergo as they age, specifically in relation to the breasts. Let's delve into the key concepts discussed:
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Hormonal Influence on Breast Changes:
- Estrogen plays a pivotal role in maintaining the size and fullness of the breasts. The decrease in estrogen production during menopause leads to atrophy of glandular tissue, resulting in smaller and less full breasts.
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Connective Tissue and Elasticity:
- The connective tissue supporting the breasts undergoes alterations, becoming less elastic. This loss of elasticity contributes to breast sagging, a common concern among aging women.
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Changes in Nipple and Areola:
- The article rightly addresses changes in the nipple and areola. The areola may decrease in size, and the nipple might turn inward slightly, reflecting the overall structural modifications in the breast tissue.
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Breast Lumps and Cancer Risk:
- The article mentions the occurrence of breast lumps during menopause, typically noncancerous cysts. However, it emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare provider if a lump is detected, as the risk of breast cancer increases with age.
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Breast Self-Exams and Screening Methods:
- Women are advised to be aware of the benefits and limitations of breast self-exams. The article rightly points out that these exams may not always detect early stages of breast cancer. It recommends regular physical examinations and mammograms as more reliable screening methods.
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Medical References and Credible Sources:
- The inclusion of references from authoritative medical sources, such as Goldman-Cecil Medicine and Yen & Jaffe's Reproductive Endocrinology, adds credibility to the information presented. These sources are widely recognized in the medical community for their reliability and accuracy.
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Medical Review and Update:
- The article displays a commitment to accuracy and currency by providing a review date (July 21, 2022) and acknowledging medical professionals involved in the review process.
In conclusion, the article effectively communicates the complex physiological changes in a woman's breasts with age, addressing both the anatomical and health-related aspects. It emphasizes the importance of proactive healthcare measures, aligning with the best practices advocated by reputable medical references.
