Breast Development

<p>Breast development goes through different stages at different stages of a woman's life. Breast development begins in the womb. The changes seen with puberty continue through pregnancy. Various changes also occur during menstruation and menopause.</p>

<p><strong>When Does Breast Development Begin?</strong></p>

<p>The first phase of breast development begins in the 6th week of pregnancy. By the end of pregnancy, the nipple and associated milk ducts have formed.</p>

<p>The second phase of breast development begins with puberty. With the release of estrogen from the ovaries, fat and supportive tissue increase in the breast area, and the breast begins to enlarge. At this time, the milk ducts also participate in this growth. These changes, usually seen in the breast, begin with hair growth in the groin and armpit areas.</p>

<p>With the onset of menstruation, breast tissue develops, and mammary glands form at the ends of the milk ducts. Breast development, which begins with puberty, progresses differently for each woman. With each menstrual cycle, breast tissue develops a little more, and this development continues until the age of 30.</p>

<p><strong>What Changes Occur in the Breast During Menstruation?</strong></p>

<p>During the first phase of menstruation, increased estrogen levels cause the milk ducts in the breast to enlarge. Ovulation occurs midway through the menstrual cycle due to the increased estrogen levels. Following this, a surge in progesterone levels begins, which stimulates the development of the mammary glands. During this time, water retention increases, causing the breasts to stretch and become tender. This development is the cause of the pain and tenderness that occur around the time of menstruation. This type of pain is not associated with breast cancer.</p>

<p>The externally palpable structure of the breast changes around the time of menstruation; various lumps may be felt in the breast as the mammary glands develop. Therefore, self-examination should be performed after menstruation.</p>

<p>This change in the breast is a preliminary preparation for feeding the baby if pregnancy occurs. If pregnancy does not occur, the period ends with the onset of menstruation. The increased cells are destroyed by other cells. The amount of water retained in the breast returns to normal. As a result, breast pain disappears or decreases.</p>

Gebelik Ve Emzirme Döneminde Memede Görülen Değişiklikler

Memenin tam gelişimi ancak doğum ile gerçekleşir. Memede başlayan değişiklikler gebeliğin en erken bulgularından birisidir. Süt kanallarının ve süt bezlerinin gelişmesi sonucu memede ağrı, meme başında ağrı, yanma gibi şikayetler olur. Gebeliğin erken döneminde süt kanalları ve süt bezlerinin gelişmesi olur; ileri döneminde ise süt bezlerinde bulunan hücrelerin süt veren hücrelere dönüşmesi tamamlanır.

Gebeliğin 5 veya 6. ayından itibaren memeler süt üretecek kapasiteye ulaşırlar. Bu sırada meme üzerinde östrojen ve progesteron gibi hormonların yanı sıra FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), prolaktin, oksitosin ve HPL (human placental lactogen) gibi çeşitli hormonların
etkisi vardır.

Memedeki tüm değişikliklerin tek sebebi yeni doğacak bebeğin beslenmesi için hazırlık yapılmasıdır.

Menopoz Döneminde Görülen Değişiklikler

Menopozun yaklaşmasıyla birlikte östrojen ve progesteron hormonlarının seviyesinde salınımlar başlar; hormonların kan seviyesinde aşırı derecede azalış gözlenir. Östrojen hormonunun etkisinde olan meme dahil tüm dokularda gerileme başlar. Süt bezlerinde gerileme olur, bağ ve destek dokusunda su miktarı azalır (dehidratasyon), elastisite kaybolur ve meme sarkar.