The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a complex process which prepares the body for a potential pregnancy each month. A series of hormonal changes beginning in the brain build up a thick lining of tissue in the uterus. An egg is released from the ovary which travels down the fallopian tube in hopes of coming across sperm cells, one of which may fertilize it. If the egg is fertilized, the embryo will then implant into the thickened lining. If fertilization does not occur the egg and the lining are passed through the vagina as menses.

Menarche, or the beginning of menstruation usually occurs in the onset of puberty, around 12 years old. At first, cycles may be irregular or annovulatory, but eventually a regular cycle will emerge. The length of this cycle which is counted from the beginning of one menses to the beginning of the next varies from woman to woman, but averages at 28.

The cycle is initiated when the hypothalamas gland secretes a hormone called Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) which travels to the pituitary gland. Both glands are located in the brain. This hormone is the body’s way of telling the pituitary to start releasing Gonadotropins, the hormones which cause an egg follicle in the ovary to begin growing. The two main Gonadotropins are Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Leutenizing Hormone (LH).

The developing egg follicle begins to secrete estrogen, which causes the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to begin to thicken. Once the follicle matures, LH levels increase dramatically, triggering ovulation. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from an egg follicle within the ovary. This occurs on approximately day 14 of the cycle. After the egg is released, the follicle is then called the corpus luteum and begins to secrete progesterone. Progesterone causes glands and blood vessels within the endometrium to curl and become more complex, preparing it for implantation. If implantation does not occur,estrogen andprogesterone levels drop and the lining is shed as menstruation, triggering the beginning of the next cycle.

The menstrual cycle is typically referred to in ovarian and uterine changes. The ovary goes through two phases: the follicular and luteal phases. It is said to be in the follicular phase as the egg follicle is developing. Once ovulation occurs, the ovary enters the luteal phase where it remains until the next cycle. Uterine phases are a little more complex. During menstruation (usually day 1-6), the uterus is in the menstrual phase. Once menses has finished, and as the endometrial lining begins to build up again, the uterus is in the proliferative phase. The secretory phase occurs after ovulation occurs, once the glands and blood vessels in the endometrium prepare the lining for implantation. If implantation does not occur, progesterone and estrogen drop, causing the uterus to enter the ischemic phase and the lining to disintegrate.

This may seem complicated, but if any of the steps do not happen, your cycle will be affected. It is helpful to understand the basic steps that your body is supposed to go through each month so that you can have a more meaningful conversation with your doctor if you think something is abnormal. It may be helpful to keep track of your cycle on a calendar so you can give your doctor concrete information about your concerns.

How to Fit a Bra

Breast come in all shapes and sizes depending on the amount of fatty tissue contained within. One’s breast size and shape are generally described based on the classifications of the Bra & lingerie industry. Use our standardized technique to determine your correct bra and cup size.

Prior to World War I, women breasts were stuffed into corsets and other single-fabric contraptions. The precursor of the two cup bra was designed by a woman named Caresse Crosby. She sold the patent for her concept -two handkerchiefs sewn together with attached ribbon straps- in 1913, and the beginning of the 11.3 billion lingerie business was born. Caresse’s flimsy bras slowly evolved to more constrictive undergarments. Bra manufacturer’s (run by men) began to sew the bras to girdles, thus tightly binding the woman wearer. These slowly evolved into pointy bras in the 1950s. (Is it any wonder why the woman’s liberation movement began with folk burning their bras?)

Today’s bras are more functional and comfortable. They provide support while “helping” a woman’s figure to conform to current societal norms. Brassiere manufacturers have come up with nomenclature to allow standardization of their products. The chest size is actually determined by measuring the diameter of the rib cage below the breasts and adding 5. The cup Size is a measure of the volume of the breast, and is denoted by the first letters of the alphabet. Click here to calculate your correct breast and bra size.

The photographs below show examples of varying breast and cup sizes. (Please note, sizes labeled below are estimated and may not be correct.)

Breasts are usually asymmetrical, meaning that one woman’s breast may be a different size or shape than her other breast. Interestingly, a woman’s left breast is usually a little larger then her right breast, though this is only a generalization. (It is also quite common for men to have one testicle that is a different size or shape than the other - see our Male Genitalia Kit for more details.) The woman shown has a left breast that is larger than her right breast, in fact, many of the photos above show breast asymmetry.

Inverted nipples are also quite common and are not a problem unless they cause difficulty during nursing. Special nipple cups can be used to help during lactation. A nipple that previously was not inverted but then became inverted is a warning sign of breast cancer and needs to be brought to the attention of a doctor (see the Breast Disease section).

Nipple hair is also quite common for some woman, and is usually not abnormal. In these women, a number of straight strands of dark hair grow from the outer border of the areola. Occasionally, the amount of nipple hair is excessive (and usually associated with an increase in total body hair). When there is excessive hair on a woman, it is called hirsuitism (see photo). Hirsuitism is usually due to hormonal influences, though in rare circumstances it can be caused by a hormone-producing tumor. Excessive hair growth should therefor be discussed with your family physician.

Breast and bra classification is as follows (from smallest to largest): A, B, C, D, and DD F, G, H (and larger) also exist. These biggest bra sizes are often needed by very large-breasted women, or women whose size increases with pregnancy and nursing. A training bra for developing girls (usually Tanner stage 2, 3, or 4) is also available and is smaller than the A cup. This is sometimes called AA. (also known as Double D or sometimes called E). Though less common, the larger cup sizes of (double A)

Cup Size: AA

30 AA 32 AA 34 AA

Cup Size: A

32 A 34 A 36 A 38 A

Cup Size: B

30 B 32 B 34 B 36 B

Cup Size: C

30 C 32 C 34 C 36 C 38 C

Cup Size: D

34 D 36 D 40 D 42 D

.

Cup Size: DD (E) or larger

How to Find the Right Bra

Buying a bra may seem simple but it is actually quite complex. First and foremost it is essential that you know your correct size. A properly fitted bra is essential for both comfort and posture and is especially important during the teen years when your body is growing.

The Importance of Knowing Your Bra Size

A poorly fitting bra can cause back problems, muscle tension, and even headaches. Since teens are still growing the strains caused by an improperly fit bra can lead to life long problems with posture and back pain. To ensure that you are wearing the right size bra you should be fit by a lingerie consultant once a year or after every noticeable growth spurt.

Different Bras for Different Reasons

After you have the right size the next thing to think about is why the bra is needed. Is it for support, coverage, comfort or athletics? Bras come in a variety of fits and fabrics. There are different styles of bras designed for specific body types, fashions and activities. No one bra can do it all!

First/Training Bras

Training bras are for young girls who have started to develop breasts but do not yet fit the standard bra sizes. A young girl who has started to develop breasts should wear a training bra but there is no harm in letting a girl get one before there is a real need. Remember, training bras are intended for girls of any age who have started to get breasts and who are not yet able to be fitted with a regular bra. If your breast size warrants a full fitting bra you should wear one, even if you are very young.

Light Support Bras

Light support bras usually have no under wire and are good for g irls with smaller breasts. They are less constricting than full support bras and many girls feel that they are more comfortable. Because they are wireless they offer less shaping than other bras and are most flattering on trimmer figures. These bras come in padded and unpadded versions, which you choose is really a matter of personal preference.

Full Support Bras

Full support bras usually have an under wire or plastic boning holding them up. They can be worn by girls of any breast size and are a must for those with larger cup sizes. These bras offer a shapely cut and have a structured build. These also come in padded or unpadded version and are flattering on any figure type.

Push Up Bras

Once called padded bras, push up bras are designed to show off cleavage. These bras lift the breasts and add shape to them with extra padding. Some more innovative push up bras use silicone inserts or water sacks to imitate the fullness of a natural breasts. They are said to lift and separate creating a full cleavage look on breasts of all sizes. These bras always offer lots of support.

Sports Bras

Of all the bras the sports bra is probably the most important one for growing teens to have. Sports bras stop the breasts from moving during athletic activity. Breast tissue is very delicate and growing breast tissue needs to be protected during high impact exercise. Even girls with smaller breasts should invest in a good sports bra if they take physical education or participate in sports.

What Teenage Girls Need to Know About Breast Development and Health...?

"Come on grow!" said a 15-year old girl I knew when I was a teenager. She was giving her breasts a pep talk as she looked hopefully down her blouse. Teenage girls, and grown women, have long worried about their breasts or lack of breasts. Some girls like the one above, worry about their breasts not growing enough, while other girls worry about having breasts that are too large.

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. Nipples can be large or small, they can stick out or be inverted. Some girls have breasts that are not the same size with one being large while the other is small. All of these are perfectly normal.

Some girls develop breasts early at eight or nine, while other girls are still waiting at 14 or 15. While this is normal, it is often hard for the girl who is 13, 14, or 15 to understand why her friends have developed breasts and she has not.

Breast maturity can occur very slowly, or almost overnight for some girls. The important thing to remember is that everyone is different and each girl will develop breasts in her own time.

How Big Will My Breasts Grow?

How big breasts eventually grow depends on a couple of factors:

• Heredity plays a key role in the size and shape of breasts.
• The amount of fatty tissue in the breast is a major factor in how large or small breasts will become; however, this has little to do with body weight.

Many girls try to increase their breast size by exercising the pectoral muscles (the muscles under the breasts). While exercising the pectoral muscles might increase the firmness of that muscle, it has nothing to do with the amount of fatty tissue in the breasts and will do little to increase breast size.

Do I Need to Wear a Bra?

Wearing a bra is less popular than it once was, and is basically a personal decision. If you feel comfortable without wearing a bra, then don't wear one. But if wearing a bra makes you feel better, or feel you look better, then wear it. If you are going to wear a bra, it's a good idea to go to a large department store and be fitted by the sales lady. A properly-fitted bra will be comfortable and will not cause red marks on your shoulders or around your chest.

Why Do My Breasts Swell and Feel Tender?

Swelling and tenderness of the breasts just before your menstrual cycle is normal for many girls and women. This happens because breast tissue tends to retain fluid before your period starts. Even if you don't normally wear a bra, wearing one when your breasts are swollen, tender, and feeling extra heavy might help to relieve some of these symptoms--just be sure that the bra is well-fitted.

Will I Get Cancer If I Bump My Breast or Something Hits My Breast?

While getting a hard hit to your breast may feel pretty bad, it won't cause breast cancer. Your breasts may bruise, but unless the bruising is severe you should have no cause for concern (and it still won't cause breast cancer).

Help! There's Hair Growing On My Breasts

Don't worry, you are not turning into the hairy-chested lady at the circus. Many, many girls and women have some hair on or around their breasts. Some girls have only one or two hairs, while others have many more. If it is an issue that you are not comfortable about, talk to your health care provider.

What's Wrong With Me? I Have a Discharge Coming Out My Nipples

This can be quite scary, but unless the discharge has pus or blood in it, or if it is brownish in color (most likely caused by an infection, although blood can indicate cancer), it is probably nothing to worry about. It is normal to have a nipple discharge that is thin and milky, clear, light green, grayish, or light yellow. Again, see your health care provider if you are unsure about any nipple discharge that you may experience.

I Have a Lump in My Breast. Do I Have Breast Cancer?

Lumpy breasts are very common in girls and women. In most cases, breast lumps are not a sign of breast cancer. Teenagers, both girls and boys, will often feel a lump called an "adolescent nodule." An adolescent nodule is a sore, swollen spot just under the nipple that will go away without any medical intervention. Although breast cancer is very rare in teens, anytime you feel a lump it's a good idea to have it checked by your health care provider.

Learning and practicing monthly breast self-exam is an important step that you can take to protect your health. Starting monthly breast self-exam as soon as you begin to menstruate will help to make it a lifelong habit. Breast cancer sounds very scary, but when detected early most breast cancers have a survival rate of over 90 percent.

Good Luck...All