While breasts come in all shapes and sizes, some women are overly concerned about how their breasts appear. Generally, the breasts fully mature during the waning teenage years, but most women experience a significant change in their breast size as they move through different phases of life. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are said to increase breast size, and based on anecdotal evidence, birth control can make your breasts bigger too.
Let's peel the layers on this matter and answer the most pressing question – does birth control make your boobs bigger?
Hormones At Play
Does birth control pills increase breast size? The short answer is yes. A majority of oral contraceptives contain hormones such as estrogen and progestin. These hormones stop ovulation and prevent the fertilization of eggs. But that's not where it ends. Estrogen and progestin may also influence how the fat is distributed across the body, and in most cases, it accumulates in the hips and breasts. As a result, most women notice their breasts getting bigger during the initial days of taking birth control pills.
Women on birth control are required to pop a pill every day for three weeks and then take a break for a week. During this week of the cycle, the breast size may return to normal as the pill's effect dwindles.
There are two ways hormones in birth control increase the size of breasts.
Increases Fat Concentration In Breasts
Hormone-based birth control pills contain estrogen and progestin, which are naturally occurring hormones that peak during puberty. These hormones are responsible for physical changes that are prominent in the hips and breasts region.
How does estrogen make your breasts grow bigger? Here’s an explanation. Breast fat has estrogen receptors that respond to the hormones in birth control. As a result, the fat cells become enlarged and thus increase the breast size. The number of fat cells remains unchanged, though.
Fluid Retention
The estrogen in birth control also increases the body's tendency to retain water. This phenomenon often results in bloating and larger breasts. This is a temporary condition that phases out as the body starts metabolizing water as it usually does.
How Do Different Birth Control Methods Affect Breast Size?
The composition of birth control you take determines the effect it will have on your breasts. Some birth control options have progestin and estrogen, whereas some are progestin-only. And then some options are free from hormones.
Here are a few examples of hormone-based birth control that could increase breast size.
- Pills
- Patches
- Shots.
- Implants
- Rings
- Intrauterine devices
Here are a few examples of non-hormonal birth control options that do not increase breast size.
- Copper IUDs.
- Male & female condoms.
- Spermicides
- Cervical caps
- Diaphragms
While most women don't mind the size of their breasts, some may prefer bigger sweater stretchers to enhance their appearance. If you are trying to add volume to your breasts, using birth control may not be a reliable method – as larger breasts are just birth control pills side effects.
Conclusion
The question of whether birth control makes your breasts bigger is a complex one that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. While some birth control methods may cause breast enlargement in some individuals, the effects vary greatly and depend on numerous factors such as age, genetics, and hormone levels. Additionally, birth control may also cause other side effects such as irregular periods, changes in prolactin levels, and decreased milk production during breastfeeding.
Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any form of birth control. They can help determine which method is best suited for each individual based on their unique medical history and lifestyle. It is also important to regularly monitor any changes in breast size or other side effects while using birth control and report any concerns to a healthcare provider.
