Hi, everyone! Sorry to ask yet another question, but I can get so worried about these things. :/

So, I've been on hormones for a month and a half now, and I am noticing my breasts are beginning to bud. Very hard, nodule structures are forming behind each nipple, they're getting very tender; sometimes sore, and they're pointing out like crazy. I have to wear two shirts now to disguise myself in front of people who don't know.

But, I was talking to my friend, and she said I need to get a training bra that will help shape and support them, as they grow. Is this as necessary as she says? I've also heard that massaging them for two minutes a day can help stimulate growth and proper shape. Just wondering if any of that is just a bunch of bologna.

- Katie

A bra can offer some protection when they're tender, but no, you do NOT need to "train" them. They'll grow to the shape and size that they need to, regardless of what you do to them. (Within reason - you could probably do permanent damage by binding or reshaping, but you don't' want that!) Training bras are called that because they train the *girls* to wear bras.

I think the only "training" that goes on with a bra is to help you learn what it's like wearing one every day, it sure won't shape them, that is just a myth. You can try massage - some people swear by it while others say it is rubbish. At one and a half months in on HRT I'd suggest just letting them do their own thing, especially while the gland is developing as you don't want to damage anything. A non wire unpadded sports bra might help you to cover up the bumps a bit - by and large I'd just suggest wearing a loose shirt over a snug undergarment or t shirt until they do become more noticeable.

I find that bra top camis like the kind they sell at Victoria's Secret work fairly well, they are fairly inexpessive and hold the developing girls in place without being overly binding

I've found that lightly massaging them with a body lotion of your choice helps with soothing the pain and stimulates growth, how much pressure you apply to your massage is up to your own liking but I tend to go fairly lightly then variate as I feel necessary (basically you want a firm pressure without hurting them)

I usually cup each breast with my palms to the side then massage with my fingers inward at the top then work about in a circular motion

Hope that helps

Hugs

Hi Redhead;
I have now been on HRT for a little under 3 years and have developed small C Cup. I certainly found massage to be very good. I try to massage my breasts at least once a day just before I go to bed or after a shower. I especially using a Vitamin E  Intense Moisturiser and I spend about 5-6 minutes on them in a slow massage of kneading and gently squeezing, not forgetting the areas around your armpits and around your aureola. Obviously as you start you will find your nipples quite tender, so you should be very gently with them, especially as after 6 or so months you will find that they get pert and erect very easily. My advice like Ms Grace says don't waste money yet on expensive bras. But be prepared to start wearing one at least after about 6 months of development. I think it is important to start wearing one as "the name suggests" its all about reminding you as you grow into becoming a woman that you will need to wear one every day as very soon you will need one to ensure your breasts remain properly supported.
Best of luck
Judith

PS sometimes if I am in bed with a partner , I try to get them in the habit of gently cupping their hands alternatively in my breasts to help with the massage. Its a great way to doze off!

Even though because of gynecomastia i was a large A size prior to HRT i have had fast breast development to a C-cup today. As others have said, the main thing is just to get use to wearing bras daily. I too, have found that cami-bras and camisoles in general were a good solution and a way to change up from a bra and still provide some coverage.

I also am a proponent of massage with vitamin E and moisturizers. This has seemed to cut down on the pain during the the last year. Some of the pain though i love because it tells me i am woman

Also check out the non-wire "coobie" bra on Google. I love these bras, they have an option to have pads in or out and the fit over my development time has been great.

Thank you all so much for you replies! I'm going to let the girls just grow naturally, but I'll start trying out bras soon, and massaging them with lotion. Any lotion recommendations?

I'm sure there are plenty of brands out there but I go the economical route and use