Breast/Nipple/Aerola questions

[RobynD]

Hi there,

I've been on T-blockers since Feb and Estrogen since June. Should i say i have been on HRT for 6 months or 10 months? I have no idea, i guess we'll call it 10 months.

I have seen pretty fast breast growth (yay!). I did have gynecomastia before and used some phytoestrogens in the past. My areolas are significantly larger and my nipples are larger by perhaps 25%. I'm even seeing some Montgomery glands. I'm not sure what tanner stage i am at though, i will try to get my doc to render an opinion next time. Overall I am really happy.

My question is about darkening of the areolas. Mine are pretty light still. Does darkening happen on estrogen alone or do you have to use progesterone for that? I have seen info both ways.

I am pretty fair skinned. My spouse is as well, but i notice hers are way more pink then mine. I'm not sure i should be comparing though.

[Rachel]

Mine are in-between. I guess on the pinkish side. I have been on hrt for almost 2.5 years and progesterone for about 1.5 years.

[Dena]

Mine are pale pink and flat after years of exposure to both hormones. It's genetic as to the type of nipples you will develop and mine would be fine on the chest of a man. 

[Ashey]

Mine have always been a bit dark and haven't changed color, just shape and size. I think racial background and genetics are the determining factor. But I can't say for sure because I was going to mention genital coloration being the same way but I think hormones can affect genital coloration a bit, so I'm not really too sure now.

[Beth Andrea]

There is an entire spectrum of nips/areoles to be seen in cis-women, and trans-women are no different. 10 months is a bit early to see full development. In my case, after almost 4 years of HRT (both E and S) my nips are twice as big as pre-HRT...they are also flat (and very soft/silky) and fair, unless aroused. Then they darken and get more...bumpy.

http://www.007b.com/breast_gallery.php

[RobynD]

Thanks for the feedback all. I feel like i am being nit-picky about it and yes they come in all colors don't they.

[iKate]

Mine are very dark, but I'm also darker complexion, type v skin on the fitzpatrick scale.

[Jenna Marie]

You may have seen info both ways because it varies person to person?

I've only been on estrogen - no progesterone, no T-blockers - and my areolae definitely darkened considerably and also turned more brown than pale pink.

[Karen5519]

I have been post-op for more than a few years now.......my nipples are much larger (longer) than I would imagined they would be......but my areolas are not as big as I would have liked.  I guess you can't have everything you want.....huh?

[kittenpower]

I have been post-op for more than a few years now.......my nipples are much larger (longer) than I would imagined they would be......but my areolas are not as big as I would have liked.  I guess you can't have everything you want.....huh?

Mine are like this too

[Lady_Oracle]

I think the darkening has to do with estrogen levels. The first day of my first shot mine are basically black then fade to a brownish pink by the time I'm ready for my next shot.

[iKate]

I think the darkening has to do with estrogen levels. The first day of my first shot mine are basically black then fade to a brownish pink by the time I'm ready for my next shot.

Ethnicity and estradiol levels. Basically the darkness is theorized to be a signal to the baby to find the nipple. And of course darker skinned people have more melanin in their skin.

[Lady_Oracle]

Oh yeah def, I'm light to brown skinned. When I first started hrt my areolas were pink, I never thought they'd get this dark.

[RobynD]

I'm not pale in color there, i think it has darkened a bit to a shade of pink, but not super dark. My estradiol levels are pretty much where they should be. I think it is genetics as the rest of the attributes of my breasts, nipples have changed.

[DianneM]

Okay.....I've had gyno since puberty and have always had enlarged breasts so even after only a week on E I'm noticing a difference. There is a slight difference in size but mainly it's weight! Ive definitely felt a heaviness and last night could feel a slight bounce😄😄...! I'd like to start massaging them and wondered if any of you girls could describe the technique or send a link...
Hugs
Dianne
xo

[KayXo]

Darkening of areolas on estrogen, most definitely. Estrogen increases skin pigmentation. My complexion is fair.

[WendyAnn.1969]

I was up to almost 400 pounds at one point for almost 10 years. Yes, there was a lot of fat cells formed during that period.  So, now, at 185, when I started HRT as an older person - almost 46, I have seen a lot of changes in the last year. Much more so than I suspected considering age. I attribute it to the fat days.

[RobynD]

I was up to almost 400 pounds at one point for almost 10 years. Yes, there was a lot of fat cells formed during that period.  So, now, at 185, when I started HRT as an older person - almost 46, I have seen a lot of changes in the last year. Much more so than I suspected considering age. I attribute it to the fat days.

Good point. I have always felt that i was higher in estrogen than most genetic males. Gynecomastia as a young adult and other evidence. Prior to transition ,i went form about 225# down to my present weight which hovers around 170-180. My one time chubbiness may have made more estrogen.