The loss of sensitivity in nipples can be caused by a number of reasons, says Dr. Elizabeth Lourens, director of the Age Management Institute in Calgary. She notes the main sensitivity-stealing culprits include breast surgery involving the nipples (breast lift, augmentation or reduction), menopause and aging.
The science says that nipple sensitivity is influenced by a host of factors including, but not limited to, the body's levels of estrogen and progestogen, the location of your nipples, the placement of your nerves and your breast tissue.
Nipple sensitivity is decreased or eliminated when the nerves below the nipple are severed. The likelihood of this occurrence is dependent on the type of breast surgery, the incisions used, and the way the patient heals.
Changes also occur in the nipple. The area surrounding the nipple (the areola) becomes smaller and may nearly disappear. The nipple may also turn in slightly. Breast lumps are common around the time of menopause.
As you reach the age of 40 years and approach perimenopause, hormonal changes will cause changes to your breasts. Besides noting changes in your breasts' size, shape, and elasticity, you might also notice more bumps and lumps. Aging comes with an increased risk of breast cancer.
You might notice that your nipples change as well. 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.
There's no specific age when your breasts will start to sag. It's common for some droop in your 40s and beyond, but many women experience saggy breasts earlier. If you're lucky enough to escape the droop in your 30s and 40s, you'll most likely notice changes in elasticity and fullness as menopause approaches.
In addition, low estrogen may cause changes in your nipples and areolae. During menopause, you may notice that your nipples start to turn slightly inward. Your nipples and areolae may also start to shrink. However, some studies suggest that hormone replacement treatment may help prevent these changes.
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.
"If you don't wear a bra, your breasts will sag," says Dr. Ross. "If there's a lack of proper, long-term support, breast tissue will stretch and become saggy, regardless of breast size." Still, both experts agree that multiple factors play into if and when sagging (technical term: "ptosis") occurs, bra-wearing aside.
Nipples are sensitive, and they can hurt for lots of reasons. Tight clothes, rashes, and infections can all irritate the tender skin. For women, sore nipples are common during periods, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Any pain in your nipples can make you wonder if you have breast cancer.
Everyone experiences nipple soreness or tenderness differently. Some may describe their nipples as being: Very sensitive to touch.
Hormonal fluctuations are one of the most common reasons for heightened nipple sensitivity, and breast tenderness more broadly. Rising levels of oestrogen and progesterone at certain stages of your menstrual cycle can cause the breast tissue to swell, sometimes causing pain in either one or both nipples.
Lack of sensation in the breast is loss of feeling in the breast. You may not be able to feel touch, pain, or temperature. This can be caused by damage to nerves during surgery or may be a late effect of radiation therapy to the breast. Sensory changes are common with surgical treatments for breast cancer.
It appears as a red, scaly rash on the skin of the nipple and areola. The affected skin is often sore and inflamed, and it can be itchy or cause a burning sensation. The nipple can sometimes be ulcerated. The rash is often similar in appearance to other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.
We found that the skin of the superior quadrant was the most sensitive part of the breast, the areola was less sensitive, and the nipple was the least sensitive part.
nipple discomfort that lasts for more than a few days. nipple discharge associated with a lump in the breast. changes to the skin around the nipple, including color changes or pulling from under the skin. signs of infection with breast pain or discharge, plus fever or chills.
Eczema or dermatitis which affects the skin of the nipple, particularly if it becomes infected, can cause a weeping, crusty nipple discharge. The treatment is the same as for eczema elsewhere on the body; with cortisone-based creams the main first-line treatment.
Women may also experience a reduction in the size of their breasts and decreased nipple sensation. Urogenital symptoms may make sex uncomfortable or painful or reduce a woman's libido.
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.
Breast/nipple tenderness is very common on the approach to the menopause, even if you are still getting regular periods. This is often caused by fluctuating oestrogen. As long as you are not on any other hormonal contraception/medication you could try Menopause Support.
The breasts can enlarge after menopause due to the hormone oestrogen levels going down. When the breasts go through an " involution " process, the milk glands shut down, and the tissue is replaced with fat.
As oestrogen goes AWOL, breasts go through a process called 'involution' where milk glands shut down and this tissue is replaced by fat. Weight gain also causes an accumulation of fat cells, and some of these camps out in your bra. Many women get bigger all over as their oestrogen stores get smaller.
Areolas can also change in size as you age, gain or lose weight, or experience hormonal changes during puberty, periods, pregnancy, or menopause. While most of these changes are normal and perfectly harmless, certain changes may warrant an examination by a healthcare provider.