Breastmilk is a nutrient-rich fluid produced and secreted by the breast tissue (mammary glands) after childbirth. It can arise in pregnancy and usually persists for months or even years after giving birth. This is the appropriate time for breastmilk production and secretion. However, it can sometimes be present in women at inappropriate times meaning that there is no pregnancy, recent childbirth or breastfeeding. In these cases it is referred to as galactorrhea. Although it arises more commonly in women, galactorrhea can also occur in men and even babies.
Breasts are actually modified skin appendages that lie on the front surface of the chest wall. While it is present in both males and females, it is substantially larger in women and has specific functions that are otherwise inconsequential in men. The breast undergoes significant changes with puberty. This is driven entirely by the changes in hormones and is in preparation for nourishing offspring should pregnancy occur within the reproductive years. In order to understand the differences between the prepubertal and postpubertal breast, it important to have a knowledge about its structure.
The female breast develops after puberty to cater for the production and delivery of milk to offspring after childbirth. Fat tissue within the breast, apart from providing protection, is also a rich supply of energy for this purpose. The breast has numerous alveoli which empty its secretion into ductules that drain into the lactiferous ducts. The milk accumulates at the lactiferous sinuses before being passed out into the exterior through the nipple. Although breastfeeding is a rewarding bonding experience between mother and child, apart from physically nourishing the infant, it may predispose the mother to certain injuries and infections that would not normally arise.
Any breast swelling, whether it is on one side or both, is likely to be a cause for concern as the worry of breast cancer is always on a woman’s mind. While it is absolutely necessary for all breast swellings or lumps to be evaluated by a doctor, in most cases they do turn out to be non-threatening in nature and can be treated effectively.
It is important to note that if you do discover one sided breast swelling, with or without any palpable lumps, it is advisable to consult with your doctor or gynecologist first before you jump to any conclusions or decide to ignore it. The reality is that both breasts are not exactly the same size or shape, but it is usually such a subtle difference that it cannot be easily noticed.
Itchy breasts may occur infrequently for most women and seem quite unimportant at the time but if it persists, it can prove to be both an embarrassing and uncomfortable ailment. The odd case of itchiness of the breast is not a cause for concern – maybe it was that new dress that was a bit ‘itchy’ or the perfume you sprayed on your chest. But if it is ongoing and there are other symptoms present, then it requires further investigation.
A larger bust is often portrayed as key to feminine beauty and an indication of a woman’s appeal to the opposite sex. In the search for larger breasts, many women undergo breast augmentation, opting for implants rather than accepting their natural form. breast enlargement creams, push up bras and even vibration belts for the breast continue to sell globally as less ‘well endowed’ women grasp onto the hope that one of these methods will be the answer. However breast size can significantly impact on the spine, hip and major muscles and nerves of the body and this should always be taken into consideration before opting for breast augmentation.
Large breasts usually cause a significant shift in the center of gravity resulting in a number of effects on the body’s musculoskeletal system. The additional weight extending beyond the center will add up to 10 times its weight in pressure on the spinal column due to the action of gravity. Over time, this can affect the spine and cause long term back problems, initially experienced as back pain. Over time, the altered gait and posture may complicate to other spinal complications and nerve problems like a ‘pinched nerve’ or ‘bulging disc’ (herniation).
