Why are my breasts shrinking?

Question

I'm 29, during the last year my breasts have shrunken significantly. I weigh abt 107 pounds, and haven't lost any significant weight. I take levothyroxine sodium for hyperthyroidism. Additionally, and this may be unrelated, I recently started growing facial hair, which I haven't had since being a teenager. What could this be? Thanks!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It's possible that the thyroid replacement alone could be the source of volume loss in the breast. It does affect fat metabolism in breast tissue has substantial fat. The hirsutism is another issue. In any event, it sounds as though you have a complex endocrine issue that should be sorted out by your endocrinologist.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello now_now. Thanks for your question. Breasts will change over your life time  due to a variety of factors including weight gain & loss, hormone use, like oral contraceptives, pregnancy, breast feeding and other conditions. Seek advice from your medical physician and get a work up if you're very concerned. If this is may normal, you might consider a breast augmentation in the future. Best wishes, Dr. Aldo.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your history, it is likely to be a hormonal issue.  See your gynecologist as well as an endocrinologist to be worked up.  Best of luck to you in resolving this problem.

Bruce Hermann, MD · Answer

Hello!Normally shrinking breasts are due to one of two factors - weight loss or recent pregnancy and cessation of breast feeding. It sounds like neither of these are the culprit in this case. The other common reason for this could be cessation of oral birth control pills, as the sudden decrease in circulating hormones can cause your breasts to shrink as well.One much less common reason for breasts shrinking is changes in your hormonal balance. The breasts respond to changes in hormones by growing or shrinking. Given that you are stating that you have recently developed facial hair growth (a sign of increased testosterone), I would cautiously speculate that this is the cause of your breast shrinkage. Some diseases, such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, can cause surges in testosterone which can be seen symptomatically by more masculine features - facial hair, acne, shrinking breasts. There are many other issues which can effect your hormonal balance as well.I would highly recommend you make an appointment with your primary doctor to get this checked out.Hope this helps.B Hermann, MD

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

If you have a history of hyperthyrodism and have not lost weight, but have started growing facial hair and have noted that your breasts have shrunk in size,  you may have developed an imbalance in your normal hormone production.  I would suggest you see an endocrinology specialist.  This type of physician would be best qualified to determine if there is a hormonal imbalance and, if so, how to treat it.  Best wishes, Dr Lepore.

Why are my breasts shrinking?

Answers (5)

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