Dear BeingGirl Experts,

Are my boobs growing?

Leah

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Dear Leah,

One of the first signs of puberty is when your breasts start developing. Many girls start to get "breast buds" (mounds or bumps around or under the nipple) at 11. If you're a few years younger or older than 11 when you develop breast buds, that's totally normal too. Next, your entire breast will start to get larger. Your nipple and areola (the area around the nipple) will get darker and form a separate, small mound. This whole process, from "flat" to "finish" takes from 2–3 years.

Some girls develop more quickly than others, and it's not unusual for one breast to grow faster than the other. Sometimes it can take a while for things to "even out." If after you stop growing, you have one breast a lot larger than the other, you may want to discuss this with your doctor/health care provider.

Breasts get a lot of attention during puberty because they're new and not everyone gets them at the same time. Remember everyone's breasts are different. What's important is the way you feel about your breasts.  Accept them as another unique and beautiful part of you!

Hope this is helpful!

Your BeingGirl Experts