Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAverage SizeOther VariationsWhy Size Can ChangeChanging Your Areola SizeWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Average Size
Other Variations
Why Size Can Change
Changing Your Areola Size
When to See a Provider
The size of anareola—the dark-colored skin on thebreastthat surrounds the nipple—can vary from one person to the next. Some people are simply born with big areolas, while others have smaller ones. Females tend to have larger areolas than males, averaging 2 inches in diameter versus 1 inch in diameter respectively.
Average Size of Areolas
The average size of an areola varies substantially across individuals and life spans. The size tends to increase in relation to a person’sbreastsize.
The average size of female and male areolas are quoted in medical literature as follows:
In females, the size of the areola increases substantially during puberty.It may then increase again should a woman get pregnant and lactate (produce milk).
Some research suggests that the natural areola-breast proportion in females is approximately 1:3. That means the diameter of the areola is typically one third of the breast’s base width.
Males generally have smaller areolas than females. Even so, there is a substantial variation from one male to the next.
While the function of the areolas remains the same irrespective of size, larger areolas may be somewhat less sensitive to touch.
Other Areola Variations
In addition to size, areolas can vary in their shape, color, texture, and firmness:
Why Areola Size Can Change
Areola size can change as a process of aging, in response to hormonal changes or fluctuations, and for other causes.
Boy_Anupong / Getty Images
Aging
The areola changes significantly in size over a lifespan. The first noticeable change takes place around the time of puberty in both females and males.
As the breasts begin to grow, the areolas also get larger and eventually form a raised area with more prominent Montgomery’s tubercles.Even so, the areolas may not always appear bigger in relation to the larger size of the breasts.
Weight Gain or Loss
Areolas can get bigger if you gain a significant amount of weight due to the stretching of the skin. The color may also lighten. If you then lose weight, the size may not change all that much (or at all), but the color may darken somewhat.
Breast Implants
Breast Implants, like weight gain, can also cause the skin around the breasts to stretch, making the areolas appear bigger. In many cases, these changes are not significant.
Hormonal Changes
Changes in the size of the areolas during adulthood are mainly due to the female sex hormonesestrogenandprogesterone, which are also found in males.
Each hormone plays a specific role:
During pregnancy and lactation, the areola will also become darker as the breast increases in size. After lactation is completed, the breast size will decrease as the size and color of the areola will tend to remain the same.
Does a Bigger Areola Mean More Breastmilk?No. While your breasts will likely grow larger during pregnancy and lactation, breast or areola size is irrelevant when it comes to how much milk you produce.
Does a Bigger Areola Mean More Breastmilk?
No. While your breasts will likely grow larger during pregnancy and lactation, breast or areola size is irrelevant when it comes to how much milk you produce.
During menopause, decreased hormone levels may not necessarily make the areolas and nipples smaller, but they make them less firm, prominent, and sensitive.
In males, areola sizes can change due to drops in the male hormonetestosterone. Having low testosterone (hypogonadism) alters the normal balance of male and female sex hormones. The proportionate increase of estrogen and progesterone can lead to the abnormal enlargement of the breasts, calledgynecomastia. The areola size may also change.
Hypogonadism may be a relatively normal part of aging in older males but may also occur due to genetics,liver cirrhosis,chronic kidney disease, andhyperthyroidism(overactive thyroid).
Surgery can be used to adjust the size of the nipples and areolas. This surgery is most often done in the context of breast reduction, but it can also be performed for:
Surgery used to alter the size and shape of the areola can permanently reduce nipple sensitivity and may affect sexual sensation and pleasure.It may also impact a person’s ability to breastfeed.
Can You Change Your Nipple Color?While there are several skin-lightening creams marketed for use on the nipples, there is very little research about their safety and effectiveness. What little research exists suggests that, at least in some cases, these products can sometimes increase rather than decrease pigmentation.
Can You Change Your Nipple Color?
While there are several skin-lightening creams marketed for use on the nipples, there is very little research about their safety and effectiveness. What little research exists suggests that, at least in some cases, these products can sometimes increase rather than decrease pigmentation.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You should see a healthcare provider if the areola suddenly changes in size, color, texture, or shape or if there is unexplained pain, bleeding, or discharge. Possible causes include:
Summary
Areolas are the dark circles of skin around the nipples. They vary in size and color and can change over time due to aging, hormonal changes, and weight gain. Females generally have larger areolas than males.
People may choose to alter the size or appearance of their areolas with surgery. It may be for cosmetic reasons, gender affirmation, breast reduction, or post-mastectomy reconstruction.
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