Does Estrogen Affect Breast Growth?

Estrogen does affect breast growth and, later on in life, the lack of it also has a bearing on breast tissue, and not in such a good way. The lack of estrogen will affect the shape and size of your breasts.

Hormones Kick In

When a girl goes through puberty, her hormones, including estrogen, kick in. Her breasts begin to develop and she starts to grow pubic hair.

Oral Contraceptives

When a female takes birth control pills, which contain estrogen, this can make her breasts increase in size due to the fluid retention caused by estrogen.

Fat Cells

Estrogen has a direct impact on adipose (fat) cells. Estrogen does not make the cells bigger but does make a greater number of cells.

Impact of Estrogen and Progesterone

During a female's menstrual cycle, estrogen stimulates the growth of milk ducts in the breasts. Estrogen is produced by the ovaries the first two weeks (or thereabouts) of the menstrual cycle. When estrogen levels increase, that paves the way for ovulation in mid-cycle. The hormone progesterone takes over during the second half of the cycle and stimulates the formation of milk glands. Breasts can change in size and feeling the closer the woman gets to her menstrual period. Breasts may swell, become tender and painful to the touch. This is caused by the hormones estrogen and progesterone, according to Medicalcenter.osu.edu.

Loss of Estrogen

Estrogen levels decline drastically during (and after) menopause. Without estrogen, the connective tissue of the breast becomes inelastic and dehydrated. The breast, which was designed to produce milk, begins to lose its shape and shrink due to the lack of estrogen. This is what causes sagging breasts.