Areola size is something that you inherit from your parents, just like your breast and foot size, or your freckle pattern. That said, there are a few factors that can change the size, color, and shape of your areola over time, like puberty, periods, and of course, pregnancy.
Nipples can change in size
This happens frequently during pregnancy. One 2013 study of 56 pregnant women showed that their nipples grew in both length and width during the course of the study and their pregnancy.
Menopause. After menopause, your nipple area may become smaller and paler. This is perfectly normal and one of the many common changes that can affect your breasts over time.
The breasts get bigger and rounder as the fatty tissue and milk-producing glands inside the breasts continue to grow. The areola also gets bigger and darker and the nipples may stick out.
Breast development during puberty
2.1 Stage 1 This stage begins at about 8-12 years old, the nipples just begin to pop up, pink circle appears. This process takes quite a long time.
A girl's breasts are typically fully developed by age 17 or 18, however in some cases they can continue to grow into her early twenties.
It's common for nipples to become smaller, and the area around them, called the areola, almost vanishes. Lumps. Older breasts may be more prone to lumps or bumps.
Though breasts undergo changes before a period, nipples rarely undergo any change. If the nipples get bigger, or the colored area (areola) around the nipple gets dark, it may suggest pregnancy. Any other unusual changes to the nipple must be checked by your doctor.
The amount of fat in your breast, the length of your milk ducts, and the density of connective tissue beneath your nipples all play a role in whether or not your nipples protrude, lie flat, or are inverted. The shape of your nipples may also change during pregnancy.
Flat nipples1 don't protrude very far from the areola (the darker area surrounding them), even when stimulated. An inverted nipple dimples inwards at the centre. It may look like this all the time, or only when stimulated.
A retracted nipple is a natural variation of nipple type. That means you may be born with retracted nipples.
Dietary changes. In some cases, puffy nipples are the result of too much estrogen and fat. You may be able to correct this by making a few dietary changes. Mindful eating may also help you get fit and stay in shape.
The study found that the average nipple was 1.3 cm in diameter and . 9cm in height, about the size of a ladybug. If these measurements don't mirror yours – don't worry! It's perfectly normal to fall outside of this average, and size in no way affects your health.
In girls, the first puberty change is the development of breast buds. These are small mounds that form under the nipple as the breast and nipple become slightly raised. The areola (the circle of different colored skin around the nipple) gets larger at this time.
Something you may not have known: Your nipples can clue you in to some serious health problems. If you notice sudden puckering or dimpling of the skin around or on your nipple—particularly if it occurs around just one nipple—call your doctor. This could be a warning sign of breast cancer.
Just like with breasts, there's no one way that nipples are supposed to look. Both nipples and areolas (the circular skin around your nipple) come in different sizes and colors, from light pink to brownish black. The color of your nipples usually relates to your skin color.
Born with inverted nipples
Your nipples formed when you were in the womb. If they pointed inward when you were born, it's because your nipple base stayed small in the womb or your milk ducts didn't fully develop. That pulls your nipple inward.
Nipple changes during puberty
Just like breasts, nipples come in all shapes and sizes: some girls have “outie” nipples that stick out when they're cold, and others have “innie” nipples that stick inwards. Having inverted nipples is totally normal and nothing to worry about.
Nipples color can temporarily change due to things like normal hormonal shifts, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. The same goes for nipple size and texture. Permanent changes of the nipple can also occur and are often seen with breast surgeries, weight loss, and aging.
The short answer is no. Although your breasts will likely grow larger before and during your breastfeeding journey, breast size is irrelevant when it comes to how much milk you produce. A mom with small breasts might have just as much milk supply as a mom with large breasts.
Generally, the first major signs of puberty are getting taller and the beginning of breast changes. Rapid changes in a girl's height happen later. Pubic hair often appears next, followed by the beginning of menstrual periods, full breast maturity, and the release of eggs from the ovary every month (ovulation).
It's usually due to normal hormone changes during puberty, and almost always goes away on its own within a few months to a couple of years.
It's common for nipples to become smaller, and the area around them, called the areola, almost vanishes. Lumps. Older breasts may be more prone to lumps or bumps.