These are some of the creative items people have used to describe the size of the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple , aka the areola. Everyone with nipples has areola — it just comes with the territory. But why are some people in the quarter size range while others are much larger? The not shocking truth is that everyone's nipples are a different size , and that's perfectly fine. That means, in terms of size and shape, there's a very wide range of what is "normal" for areola.
The researchers found that the areola was, on average, about three times the size of the nipple. However, areolas that are larger than this are still perfectly normal. It is also normal for a person to have areolas that change in size and color over their lifetime.
Breast changes are often due to shifting hormone levels in the body, such as those that take place during puberty , menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. These changes may continue after the birth and while a person is breastfeeding. Some people believe that the larger size and darker skin of the areolas during this period may help attract a newborn to the breast for feeding. However, not all women experience these changes during pregnancy, and this does not typically affect their ability to breastfeed.
When latching onto a breast, an infant places the entire nipple and a large portion of the areola into their mouth. They do this to stimulate more of the milk-producing glands in the breast. Occasionally, a small infant may have difficulty latching onto the breast of a person with very large areolas.
Anyone who is having difficulty breastfeeding or has any concerns about it should speak to a lactation consultant for advice. Once a person stops breastfeeding, their breasts and nipples usually return to their previous size and color. The ovaries release estrogen in the early part of the cycle when the egg follicle is maturing and preparing for ovulation. Estrogen stimulates the milk ducts in the breasts to grow and develop. After ovulation, when an ovary releases an egg, estrogen production slows down, and the levels of another hormone called progesterone increase.
During this second half of the menstrual cycle, the breasts may swell and become tender. However, the nipples and areolas do not tend to change or get larger during a regular menstrual cycle. The body stimulates these changes to prepare itself for the possibility of an egg becoming fertilized. There are techniques and devices such as pumps to pull the nipple out that can help you breastfeed with inverted nipples.
You may also want to see a lactation consultant. Some females and males have an extra nipple, also called a supernumerary nipple or polythelia. Polythelia is estimated to affect around 0.
Extra nipples are usually small, located under the breast line, and may not be noticed at all until hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy affect breast tissue. Supernumerary nipples are benign and do not require treatment or removal. The areola often enlarges or swells as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you notice a change in the areola of one breast only, or are concerned for any reason, it is best to give your healthcare provider a call.
Montgomery's glands tend to enlarge during pregnancy and lactation, but go back to their normal size once you have stopped breastfeeding your baby. You should never ignore changes of the nipple—especially when the changes only affect one side. If you are at all concerned, mention it to your healthcare provider. More likely than not, the change is due to a benign condition. If it is something more worrisome, it's always best to have it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
Get honest information, the latest research, and support for you or a loved one with breast cancer right to your inbox. Anatomy of the nipple and breast ducts. Gland Surg. Association of the nipple-areola complexes with age, parity, and breastfeeding in Korean premenopausal women. J Hum Lact. Cleveland Clinic. If you have breast pain, should you worry? National Cancer Institute. Inflammatory breast cancer. Geffroy D, Doutriaux-Dumoulins I. Clinical abnormalities of the nipple-areola complex: The role of imaging.
Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging. The secretion of areolar Montgomery's glands from lactating women elicits selective, unconditional responses in neonates. PLoS One. Published Oct Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women's Health.
Polycystic ovary syndrome. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Benign nipple conditions. Clevelnad Clinic. American Cancer Society.
Intraductal papillomas of the breast. A systematic review on prevention and treatment of nipple pain and fissure: Are they curable? J Pharmacopuncture. Management of breast conditions and other breastfeeding difficulties. Geneva: World Health Organization; Paget disease of the breast. Subscriber Account active since. Dinner plates. These are some of the creative items people have used to describe the size of the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple , aka the areola.
Everyone with nipples has areola — it just comes with the territory. But why are some people in the quarter size range while others are much larger? The not shocking truth is that everyone's nipples are a different size , and that's perfectly fine.
That means, in terms of size and shape, there's a very wide range of what is "normal" for areola. So, what determines the size of someone's areola? White says.
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