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I Really Want To Understand Macromastia

Okay, so here is a short primer:

"macro" = big or large; "mastia" = the two soft rounded organs on each side of the chest, hence, in street parlance: "big breasts"

macromastia (MM) is a disorder of the endocrine system; generally defined as a woman's abnormal reaction to estrogen and prolactin hormones.

MM is also known as breast hypertrophy or gigantomastia (GM). These terms are employed with a lack of precision--some assert that GM is a more extreme version of MM, but there is no unanimity in medical circles on the precision of the terms.

MM is different than "having curves," or "being busty." It is an actual disorder in which the size of the breasts often interfere with a female's everyday life.

When MM occurs around the onset of puberty, it is called juvenile MM; when it occurs during pregnancy, it is called gestational MM.

MM can also affect one breast (unilateral) or both breasts (bilateral).

MM can cause physical discomfort: back pain, shoulder pain, headaches, neck aches, soreness in the chest area, spontaneous lactation.

MM can cause mental distress: lack of self-confidence, social ostracizing, isolation, depression.

Although large breasts are fetishized in our modern culture, the MM female is often embarrassed and even ashamed of how she looks.

There is no "cure" for MM. It can reoccur without warning in sudden "spurts." Breast reduction surgery provides relief for some MM females, although, in a true MM female, the breasts may regrow even after surgery.

The only final, definitive way to stop MM is to have a complete mastectomy--removal of all breast tissue.

Now you understand macromastia.

You're Welcome. ☺
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AbbyVents · F
Gosh, where to begin. First and foremost I can see that VeeCee whom I have so much personal respect for has certainly continued to share openly and completely and I dare say is reminiscent in this and another recent post of an Abby vent. lols. I would add Gestational Macromastia to the above list. Gestational Macromastia can manifest at any stage during pregnancy but percentage wise is more common the third trimester or after nursing begins.

In most cases macromastia is not curable without invasive surgery removing all tissue however in Gestational Macromastia and limited incidents of VBH, hormone therapy has proved effective. Macromastia has so many roots that there are over 200 sub classes. Imagine a puzzle that changes every time you add or remove a piece. It's still a closeted topic and there are very few specialists within the US.

All that being said, one can research MM and find many text book explanations. Understanding that this has such a deep lasting personal, physical, psychological and emotional impact on the individual is more important in interpersonal relationships and communication then trying to understand the origins of the manifestation.

To conclude, above all things if you want to engage with others on the topic first and foremost be nice and respectful. We are all persons on this planet. Whatever transpires from your communication is what transpires. Often your initial approach determines the response.

-AV
veeceekay1991 · 31-35, F
@AbbyVents Amen and thanks!
doodlebug2013 · 41-45, F
@AbbyVents Thank you! How to say that is so hard. I guess I can add yes, I get that having this is really different and obvious so I get it's normal to be curious about it and that's ok. But same time it's something that has caused a lot of distress and includes a lot of really personal stuff and I really don't like feeling on display. I mean I don't like feeling like I'm being mean but when I'm just trying to go through my day putting off questions for later is a good idea. And don't ever be creepy about it and understand I might not want to talk about everything even when the timing's good. So tread lightly!