Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Breast Enlargement Hormones?

Henry Gaudet
Henry Gaudet

Breast enlargement hormones might seem to offer an easy alternative to surgical breast augmentation for women seeking an increase in bust size. In fact, they have been shown to significantly increase the volume of breast tissue and has often been prescribed to transgender males. Women taking hormone replacement therapy or hormone-based birth control pills frequently report breast enlargement. Generally speaking, however, hormone treatments are not prescribed to healthy women who want them for purely cosmetic reasons, primarily because of the dangerous side effects of these hormones.

The most effective breast enlargement hormones are estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are produced in females, and their levels increase naturally with the onset of adolescence. Estrogen and progesterone trigger secondary female characteristics such as breast growth and are responsible for a girl’s development into a woman. Prolactin and human growth hormone also play a role in this transformation.

Breast enlargement hormones may be prescribed to transgender males.
Breast enlargement hormones may be prescribed to transgender males.

In the adult female body, hormone levels rise and fall because of the menstrual cycle, and factors such as pregnancy and menopause cause dramatic shifts. High levels of estrogen and other hormones will, among other things, affect breast growth and fluid retention, which also contributes to bust size. When hormone levels fall, the breasts reduce to their original size. It is possible to maintain high levels of breast enlargement hormones or similar substances by taking regular doses of these hormones, and as long as these substances are taken, the breasts will remain larger.

Breast enlargement hormones may affect fertility.
Breast enlargement hormones may affect fertility.

Side effects related to breast enlargement hormones can, however, be quite serious. Apart from their well-known effect on mood, high hormone levels can disrupt the menstrual cycle, affect fertility and cause chronic health concerns such as anemia, high blood pressure and even cancer and organ failure. For those willing to face these risks, this treatment still should be avoided by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Transgender men also should be aware of the profound effect that these hormones have on the male body and should take these hormones only under a doctor’s supervision.

Doctors are unlikely to prescribe breast enlargement hormone therapy to healthy women looking to increase their breast size because of the side effects.
Doctors are unlikely to prescribe breast enlargement hormone therapy to healthy women looking to increase their breast size because of the side effects.

There are a number of over-the-counter creams and pills that claim to produce results like those found with breast enlargement hormones. These products can trigger breast growth, but the results are likely to be modest compared with hormone treatment. Most of these treatments use a number of herbal components to stimulate growth. Some of these ingredients can behave in a way similar to estrogen, but it remains unclear what additional effects large doses might have on the body. Experts are concerned about potential side effects relating to menstruation, fertility and long-term health issues similar to those from hormone treatments.

Discussion Comments

anon317601

Does the menstrual period become longer while breasts are growing?

Proxy414

Some of these hormones may cause the breasts to become so large that balance is difficult even for women. This is the case with models like Pamela Anderson, who have become extreme examples of sex icons and have effectively lost their identities. Breast implants can also poison the body and cause cancer if they are not the right kind. What a terrible waste of money.

BigBloom

@TrogJoe19

The center of gravity for men can be a lot different than that of women. Normally, men have their center of gravity in the top half of the body while women have theirs in the lower half. Being aware of the shifts in balance involved with developing breasts can be important. Men may cause themselves to become too top heavy and fall over frequently.

TrogJoe19

If men are interested in developing breasts, it is important that they recognize the pain that can be associated with this process, as well as the many issues involved with properly caring for and protecting healthy breasts. Breasts drastically affect your figure and can cause your balance to shift. Maintaining healthy and appropriately sized breasts can be a difficult task for men.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Breast enlargement hormones may be prescribed to transgender males.
      By: Karen Struthers
      Breast enlargement hormones may be prescribed to transgender males.
    • Breast enlargement hormones may affect fertility.
      By: Ever
      Breast enlargement hormones may affect fertility.
    • Doctors are unlikely to prescribe breast enlargement hormone therapy to healthy women looking to increase their breast size because of the side effects.
      By: Connor Evans
      Doctors are unlikely to prescribe breast enlargement hormone therapy to healthy women looking to increase their breast size because of the side effects.
    • One of the most effective breast enlargement hormones is progesterone.
      By: logos2012
      One of the most effective breast enlargement hormones is progesterone.
    • Breast enlargement hormones can cause cancer in some individuals.
      By: Arto
      Breast enlargement hormones can cause cancer in some individuals.