Uneven boobs, weird hairs and inverted nipples ... Boob guru DOLLY Doctor Melissa answers all those questions you're BUSTing to know.
Q. I'm 15 and still have a really flat chest. All my friends have breasts ... Is there something wrong with me?
"That's unlikely! There could be two reasons for this. One is that your pubertal development started later or is taking longer than 'average'. Another is that it's in your genes - what are your mum's or other female relatives' breasts like and when did they grow? If you have absolutely NO breast development at all, then have a chat with your doctor."
Q. I was elbowed in the boob; does that mean I'll get cancer?
"No; there is no link between injury and breast cancer. Some of the risk factors associated with breast cancer include having a close relative who has breast cancer (ie genetic), alcohol (having more than two standard drinks a day) and getting older (meaning it's more common in older women)."
Q. One of my boobs is bigger than the other. Is this normal and will the other one catch up?
"A woman's boobs are never exactly the same size, or shape. And during puberty, one breast can grow faster than the other. It's likely they'll even out, but some women do end up with different sized boobs. Mostly no one notices - except them!"
Q. My left nipple doesn't stick out, but my right one does. What's wrong with them?
"You might have a flat nipple or an 'inverted nipple' on the left breast. Both are common and normal. A flat nipple is, well, flat! An inverted nipple points inwards. Your nipples may change further while you're growing. Women with flat or inverted nipples still feel sexual pleasure and are able to breastfeed."
Q. Is it bad to wear your bra to bed?
"No; wearing a bra to bed doesn't affect breasts or their development. But make sure it fits well and is comfortable. Any problems, such as being allergic to underwire metal, will be obvious during the day as well as night."
Q. I have lots of dark hairs around my nipples. Help!
"This is another delight of puberty! Hairs commonly grow out of the nipples once breast development starts - if you want to, you can pull them out gently. If you've noticed hair on other areas - like your chest, or stomach - or you're worried about the amount of body hair you have, chat to your doctor."
Q. I get teased about my big boobs - I'm 13 and wear a 12D bra. Will they ever stop growing?
"Anyone teasing you is being immature or they're jealous! Breasts grow over about four years, but can take shorter or longer - it's different for everyone. The fastest growth occurs up to the time of your first period. If you've had this, breast development will probably slow down."
Q. I have stretch marks on my breasts; how can I get rid of them?
"Breast stretch marks are common, as this part of the body grows quickly during puberty! You can't get rid of them - but they will fade. Try vitamin E or aloe vera cream."
Q. I heard you were meant to check your boobs regularly for lumps, but I'm not sure what I should be looking for ...
"You're looking for changes to the normal texture of your breasts. Breasts consist of milk glands, ducts, fatty tissue and 'connective' tissue (which holds the glands and fatty tissue together). Breasts with a higher proportion of glands and connective tissue may feel 'lumpy', and breasts can also seem 'lumpy' before a period. An actual lump, however, often feels distinct from the rest of the breast tissue. You can ask your doctor to show you what to look for."
Celebs have boob dramas too ... And they come in all shapes and sizes!
"I had doors slammed in my face as a 14-year-old because my boobs were too big." Jessica Simpson
When Keira Knightley was asked about her rather, ahem, big boobs in a recent Coco Mademoiselle ad, she said:
"Those things certainly weren't mine. I don't have any tits, so I can't show cleavage."
We're just glad she hasn't gone the way of other celebs and had surgery!
Words: Compiled by Melanie Crea
