About Junko Expertise I can answer most questions pertaining to teen health, thought I cannot give medical advice. I can explain medical terminology, describe medical conditions and hopefully help people understand what is going on with their bodies. If I don`t know an answer to a question, being a medical student, I can easily find out the answer since I have many resources I can refer to.
Expert: Junko Date: 4/17/2007 Subject: Breast Development
Question I'm almost seventeen, have my breasts stopped growing? I've always had very small to no breasts at all and I developed an eating disorder at thirteen which I know must have delayed both physical and emotional development. I'm now in recovery and was wondering whether there is a chance that they may catch up now I'm in better health. And even if my chest development had not been affected by my eating troubles, would my breasts have otherwise finished growth by seventeen?
Answer Hi Loren,
Girls typically stop growing around age 18, so I think what you're noticing is fairly normal. As you mentioned, your eating disorder surely had an impact on your growth and development. Some of these effects are not reversible.
Since breast tissue is mostly made up of fat, it's likely that your breasts will change as you reach a more healthy weight (if, in fact, you were underweight). But that's hard to predict.
I hope this helps, and good luck with your continued recovery.
