All You Need to Know About ... Boobs!

When you got your awesome new MP3 player, it came with a user’s manual. When you decided you wanted to bake your BFF a cake for her birthday, you looked up a recipe. Even your shampoo comes with “Wash, rinse, repeat” printed on the bottle. But -- so frustrating! -- there aren’t any instructions for your boobs.

Here, we answer your most baffling breast questions to make living with “the twins” a little easier. Consider this your go-to guide for all things boob-related!

When will my boobs start growing?
Early bloomers might notice “budding” around age 8, but your set can start growing any time between then and age 13. It typically takes three to five years from when your pair starts coming in to when you reach your final size. Still, some girls might feel like they grow a pair overnight, while others develop more slowly -- your boobs could even keep growing into your 20s!

What color are my nipples supposed to be?
Whatever color they are is the color they’re supposed to be! Once your breasts start growing, your nipples and the skin around them usually get a little darker, and the end result is different for every girl. (You might also notice a few hairs growing in that area -- that’s totally normal.)

Should my boobs be this sore?
Some ladies notice their boobs are slightly tender during the early days of blossoming and in the days leading up to a period. Usually, giving ’em some TLC around that time of the month (be gentle and wear a sports bra) is enough to avoid any pain. If you’re still super-uncomfortable, ask your doc if it’s OK to take a pain killer for it.

My boobs are pointy (or lopsided). What’s wrong with me?!
Nothing is wrong with you! Boobs come in all different shapes and sizes, especially when they’re growing in. They might be pointy for a while -- or be two different sizes -- and then even out by the time you’re done developing.

Can I do anything to make my boobs bigger?
Sorry, babe, but your cup size is determined mostly by the genes you get from your ’rents. You can’t swallow a pill or rub on a special cream and expect it to work like Miracle-Gro. Although, you might notice that your boobs change size when you lose or gain weight.