Breast Problem

[Islander]

I have always had large breasts with dark areola......until today! Now, I like most women I know self examine my breast on a daily basis in the shower , having a 'proper' feel about once a week. I would have thought I would have noticed any change, but no, out of the bath, look down . I kid you not my areola have gone. Disappeared. In fact, I have a job to see where they have been. Any ideas why , you knowledgeable people ?

[LadyCG]

I've never heard of anything like this before, but your post suggests this is bilateral (both sides)?

For this to happen bilaterally, similtaneously, it is unlikely to be due to a malignant process.

Skin can fade / pale in the presence of anaemia - I honestly can't think what else it could be. Perhaps Sqad could suggest something...

[Mamyalynne]

Until Sqad arrives and I know he hates links but, it is featured on this page.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/breast-changes-in-older-women/

[LadyCG]

Further thoughts ...

How old are you, if you don't mind saying? Your body could be going through an endocrinological process such as menopause. I don't actually know much about this, but if there are hormonal changes going on, that could be the reason for your change in appearance. I developed darkening of the areola during pregnancy.

[Islander]

Thank you ladies for your replies. Yes, it is both and I am out the other side of menopause 10 years since. Apparently childless women go through it earlier. I am 59. Sqad may look in, meanwhile I will take a look at the link.

[Sqad]

I don't quite understand......are you saying that your nipples AND areola have disappeared OR your nipples are still present but just the areola has disappeared?

[rowanwitch]

Nature does not need to invest resources creating a target when the purpose has passed, the areola is full of cells that release natural oils that protect the nipple area , the pigmentation is to tell males you are a breeding female. Not needed... production slows and or stops.

I think that is what I remember from my maternity nursing. Bit long ago ...

[Mamyalynne]

I am 64 and virtually all pigmentation has gone, as said seems quite natural.

[Islander]

Sqad, nipples are present and correct, no change at all. Breasts, no change, just missing areola !
Thanks Rowan, makes sense, I was kind of surprised at how quickly it happened !

[Old_Geezer]

Good, it sounds like it's natural, anyway.

I was thinking, you've heard of the tooth fairy; well maybe you've encountered the areola fairy. If you look under your breasts you'll probably find a bright new shiny silver sixpence !

[Islander]

OG, maybe, just maybe x

[Smowball]

Ok it’s the middle of the night while I’m reading this but what’s disappeared??

[Eleena]

LOL .. soooooooorrrry! :0?

[Eleena]

( at some responses by the way!)

[Sqad]

Sorry. went to bed.........(turned on by the thread;-)

I agree with the replies of all the above ladeeees, particularly the poetic reply by one..rowanwitch.

I agree hormonal in nature and no big deal.

[rowanwitch]

Mrs Sqad has just had her areolae checked very thoroughly

[Sqad]

rowan......LOl....LOL......yes.....the glands are still quite active ( and hers )