Aging Changes In The Breast

As a woman gets beyond menopause, her breasts begin to change. These changes are associated with lower levels of the female hormone estrogen and may include:

• a loss of fullness in the breasts
• sagging and flattening of the breasts
• a decrease in the size of the nipples
• a reduction in the ability of the nipples to respond to stimulation
• replacement of milk-producing breast glands with fat

Since the sagging of the breasts is a normal part of aging, there are no exercises that can prevent the change. Exercise that results in weight loss will reduce breast size, and weight gain will cause breast enlargement. Other changes in the texture of the breast may be abnormal.

The risk of breast cancer rises with age. When caught early, breast cancer often responds to treatment. Any lumps or changes should be reported to a healthcare provider. A younger woman should discuss the best schedule of mammograms, or breast X-rays, with her healthcare provider.

The best schedule for mammograms is often related to a woman's risk factors for getting breast cancer. For example, if breast cancer runs in the family, earlier and more frequent mammograms may be advised.

However, by age 50, which is near the average age of menopause, mammogram screening is recommended yearly, and may need to be more frequent if anything questionable or abnormal is found.