What Factors Affect The Size And Shape Of The Breasts?
Weight
The breasts are mainly composed of fat tissues. Thus, the size of the breasts may change when an individual gains or loses weight.
Genetics
The unique size and shape of your breasts could also be a result of the genes that you have inherited from your parents. However, some other parameters, such as your diet and the environment you are exposed to, can alter the pattern of your inheritance.
Hormones
Your hormones are another determinant of your breast size. Most women undergo phenomenal changes during puberty. This is due to the production of a hormone called estrogen. Any imbalance in the growth hormones of your body may result in poor breast development. Now that you know what factors may play a key role in the development of your breasts, let’s look at some natural ways that could help in increasing their size.
How To Get Bigger Breasts Naturally
In the following sections, we will explore and understand how diet, home remedies, and certain exercises may affect breast size.
1. Diet And Breast Size
Diet may affect the size of the breast directly or indirectly. For instance, in a controlled study, a high-carb, low-fat diet was shown to reduce breast density and breast area (1). Conversely, a high-fat diet may lead to an increase in breast size, although it may lead to overall weight gain if calorie intake is not monitored. There is some evidence to suggest that body weight is directly correlated to breast size in women who have not undergone hormone therapy in the form of birth control pills (2). According to another study, foods rich in isoflavones (a class of phytoestrogens) may cause an increase in the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (3). Increased levels of IGF-1 have been linked to high breast volume in women (4). Foods rich in isoflavones include (5), (6):
Soy and its products Legumes such as lentils, beans, and peas Dry fruits such as currants, raisins, and nuts
Foods rich in other forms of phytoestrogens may also have an estrogenic effect on the body and influence the functions that are associated with the female reproductive hormone, including growth in breast size in certain situations (7), (2). Some other phytoestrogen-rich foods include:
Dates, prunes, and dried apricots Flax seeds Peaches and berries such as cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower
Although these foods may exert estrogen-like effects on the body, there is no direct evidence to suggest that estrogenic foods contribute to breast enlargement in the general population. Note: High levels of IGF-1 have also been linked to a higher incidence of breast cancer (8). However, contradictory evidence points towards a protective role of phytoestrogens against cancer risk (7). As there is a lack of conclusive evidence, it is necessary to consume foods rich in phytoestrogens in moderation and consult healthcare professionals before using dietary or supplementary methods of breast enlargement.
2. 8 Home Remedies To Increase Breast Size
1. Massage Oils And Essential Oils
a. Fenugreek Oil
Fenugreek seeds are known to help enhance breast size due to their mastogenic effect (9). Thus, applying the oil on a daily basis may help increase the size of your breasts. 2 teaspoons of fenugreek oil Do this once daily before going to bed.
b. Olive Oil
Olive oil contains oleuropein as its main constituent. In an animal study, it was seen that on topical application, oleuropein enhanced the levels of IGF-1 (10). As high levels of IGF-1 have been associated with increased breast size, massage with olive oil may positively impact the volume of the breasts (11). In addition, olive oil is a rich source of antioxidants, which may have an anti-aging effect on the skin and slow down the process of sagging. However, there is a lack of evidence with regard to the effects of olive oil massage on the breasts. In addition, it is important to exercise caution while massaging with olive oil as it has been shown to negatively impact skin-barrier function when used too frequently (12). 2 teaspoons of olive oil Do this one to two times in a day.
c. Soybean Oil
As a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, soybean oil massage may improve hydration and prevent the appearance of stretch marks, which may help enhance the appearance of breasts, making them look fuller and firmer (13). In addition, soybean oil massage may help prevent the loss of breast fullness, a symptom of menopause. This is because it contains isoflavones (a form of phytoestrogens that exert an estrogenic effect) that may help with perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms (14), (15). However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that soybean oil massage can increase breast size. 2 teaspoons of soybean oil Massage this oil gently onto your breasts in a circular motion for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this at least once daily.
d. Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil is often considered a remedy to enhance breast size as it contains a compound called nerol, which shows estrogenic activity at high concentrations (16). However, the estrogenic activity of nerol is only present in concentrations of nerol which is toxic for cells. In addition, there is a lack of scientific evidence to suggest that massage with lemongrass oil can cause an increase in breast size. Although, lemongrass essential oil may enhance the appearance of the breasts owing to its antioxidant properties. Regular massages with the oil may help slow down the signs of aging affecting the skin around the breast area (17).
10 to 12 drops of lemongrass essential oil 30 ml of any carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil
Do this every morning and night until you see the desired results.
e. Rose Essential Oil
Rose oil is rich in a monoterpenoid called geraniol. Like nerol, geraniol is also found to exhibit estrogenic activity at higher concentrations, which may be a reason it is often considered to be a remedy for breast enlargement (18). Unfortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that the concentrations of geraniol in rose oil can safely or effectively increase breast size. However, rose oil can help combat the signs of aging due to its antioxidant properties (19).
10 to 12 drops of rose essential oil 30 ml of any carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil
Do this at least twice daily.
2. Fenugreek
The mastogenic effect of fenugreek on the body has been established in several studies (20). It can enhance breast size through a mechanism that increases the levels of prolactin and IGF-1 in the body (21). Elevated levels of IGF-1 and prolactin have been positively associated with an increase in breast size in several studies (22), (4). 500 mg fenugreek capsules Consume 500 mg of fenugreek capsules daily. Do this at least once daily.
3. Soy Milk
Soy milk contains high levels of phytoestrogens that may increase levels of prolactin and growth hormones in the body (23), (24). This in turn may result in an increase in the size of the breasts. However, there is no direct study on the impact of soy products on breast volume, so the results may vary. 1 to 2 cups of unsweetened soy milk Drink at least a cup of unsweetened soy milk per day. You can do this 1 to 2 times daily.
4. Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a small tree that grows 3 to 4 feet tall. Its supplements have been used for a long time for breast enlargement in women. Saw palmetto contains phytonutrients that may have an estrogenic effect on the body. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of this herbal supplement with regard to its use for breast enlargement (25). 500 mg saw palmetto capsules Consume 500 mg of saw palmetto capsule daily. You must consume this supplement twice daily.
5. Vitamins
Vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E may help enhance the appearance of breasts. Vitamin A assists in the production of collagen that may help in maintaining the firmness and elasticity of the breasts (26). Vitamin B3 helps in improving your blood circulation, which can help in increased blood flow to the breasts, making them appear fuller temporarily (27). Vitamin C produces collagen, keeps the breast cells hydrated, and may have an anti-aging effect on the skin around the breasts, thus enhancing their appearance (28). Vitamin D has been associated with breast development and growth (29). Vitamin E plays a protective role against the oxidation of lipids (fats) and affects levels of cholesterols in the body. In a study, researchers found some positive correlations between cholesterol levels and breast size (30), (31). Therefore, vitamin E intake may influence the size of breasts. However, there is no evidence that supplementation with vitamins or their dietary intake changes breast size and causes enlargement.
6. Wild Yam
Wild yam exerts an estrogenic effect on the body and has been seen to improve postmenopausal symptoms. As loss of breast volume is a symptom of menstruation and is directly linked to a lack of estrogen in the body, the effect of wild yam may help in maintaining breast appearance due to its estradiol elevating properties (32). However, there is no direct evidence to suggest that wild yam consumption increases breast size.
2 teaspoons of wild yam root 1 cup of water Honey (optional)
Do this at least twice daily.
7. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are rich in flavonoids that possess estrogenic activity which can lead to an increase in the production of estrogen in your body and help mimic ovulation-like conditions (33). In a separate animal study, it was seen that fennel seed extract can increase the levels of prolactin in the body, a hormone associated with breast volume and breast milk production (34), (22 ). However, there is a lack of direct evidence to suggest that the consumption of fennel seeds can increase breast size.
1 teaspoon of fennel seeds 1 cup of water Honey (optional)
Do this at least twice daily.
8. Red Clover
Red clover is a rich source of isoflavones that can mimic estrogen activity inside your body. In addition to this, it also contains a strong phytonutrient called genistein (35). Genistein is known to increase levels of prolactin and growth hormones in the body (36), (37). Studies indicate that growth hormones, prolactin, and estrogen play crucial roles in breast development and growth (38), (22). While there is no direct study to establish whether red clovers increase breast size, the effect of this herb on hormonal levels and activities may aid breast development.
1 to 2 teaspoons of red clover herb 1 cup of water Honey (optional)
You can drink this tea 2 to 3 times a day. A great diet, when coupled with some great chest exercises, will help you achieve fuller breasts.
3. Execises That May Help Improve Breast Size
Regular exercises that strengthen the chest muscles may help give the breasts a fuller appearance. Chest exercises usually involve your arms and shoulders, and this helps in stretching and toning the areas around your breasts. Push-ups, chair lifts, wall presses, and chest presses target the pectoral muscles beneath the breasts and also strengthen the muscles in the back and shoulders. Performing these exercises regularly can help lift the breasts, prevent sagging, and make them appear larger and higher. It should be noted that these exercises do not increase the size of the breasts permanently and instead only improve their appearance. Exercises that help improve posture, such as the plank, can also help perk up the breasts and improve their appearance.
4. Yoga For Breast Enlargement
Yoga is a gentle alternative for those who want to avoid hitting the gym. Regular yoga practice can help improve posture and strengthen different muscle groups in the body. While there is little evidence that yoga can make breasts bigger, certain yoga poses can help improve their appearance, making them look bigger, firmer, and perkier. Some of the best yoga poses for improving breast appearance and size include:
Cat-Cow (Chakravakasana) Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) Camel pose (Ustrasana) Cow Pose (Gomukhasana) Bow Pose (Dhanurasana) Double Angle Pose (Dwikonasana)
Do Alternative Breast Enlargement Methods Work?
1. Pushup Bras
Pushup bras can be really helpful if you want your cup size to appear bigger. Although wearing a pushup bra will not make your breasts grow, it can lift the breasts and make them appear fuller and bigger. It is important to find the right fit. If the bra is too small, it can compress the breasts and cause spillage, making them unsightly. If it’s too big, it won’t support the breasts well and make them appear saggy. Try to get professional guidance when shopping for bras and keep changing them as they tend to stretch out within a few months.
2. Ointments & Breast enlargement cream
There are several ointments and breast enlargement creams on the market, all claiming to increase breast size within weeks or months. However, most of these products are not scientifically studied or clinically proven to work. One study suggests that cosmetic products may work to make breasts firmer and larger, but it is specific to a cosmetic product and does not speak for all the products on the market (39). Some may have beneficial herbs and estrogenic components that may help the skin surrounding the breasts, but there is a lack of evidence to suggest that any of them actually increase breast size.
3. Pumps
Breast enlargement pumps work on the principle of suction to increase tissue growth. The continuous suction on the breast through a manual or electric pump forces the tissues to stretch and grow, resulting in overall growth in the size of the breast. This is to say that breast enlargement pumps do work, but they come with certain limitations (40). The gains in size are modest and require commitment and investment of time—around 10-12 hours daily for up to 18 weeks or so. The continuous suction may also cause swelling (edema), which when resolved reverts the amount of gain by a few units. What is the best breast size according to one’s age? Explore this infographic to identify the shape of your breasts and get inspired to love them just the way they are. Although one’s breast size is unique and usually dictated by one’s genes, normal breast size ranges from 30 to 40 inches in girls aged 15 and older. Will my breast size reduce after I lose weight? Most breasts are made up of fat tissues that expand when you gain weight. Hence, when you lose weight, there is a higher probability of a drop in your breast size. However, some individuals have denser breasts with less fat tissues. In such cases, the drop in the breast size is less evident. At what age does breast stop to grow? Breast development usually stops by the end of puberty—around 18 years of age. However, in some individuals, it may grow during the early twenties. Pregnancy and lactation may also lead to temporary breast growth due to hormonal changes and biological requirements. Do breasts grow when touched? No, breasts do not grow when touched. However, sexual arousal can cause the breasts to look perkier and bigger. Does sleeping position affect breast size? Yes, sleeping on your stomach can compress your breasts while sleeping on your side can stretch your ligaments over time. The best position to sleep in is on your side with a pillow underneath your breasts to support them. Does sleeping without a bra help breasts grow? No, sleeping without a bra will not increase breast size. However, it can stretch your ligaments and possibly make your breasts saggy.
