From getting bigger to changing colour, the nine things your BOOBS could tell you about your health
THEY come in all shapes, sizes and colours.
And chances are you don't give yours much thought from day to day.
But, it turns out that paying a little more attention to your lovely lady lumps could prove very important... for your overall health.
Every woman's breasts are different - so it's vital to understand what's "normal" for you before you start checking what the size, colour, and feel of your boobs could really mean.
Breast cancer is one thing all women are aware of, and the NHS encourages you to check regularly for the signs and symptoms of the disease.
But there are a few other things to watch out for. Here are a few signs of other things you may have to worry about...
1. They've got bigger
OK, it might be every girl's (and her guy's) dream, but if your boobs have grown it could be reason to worry.
Like it or not, breasts are mostly just fatty tissue, and so a bigger rack is probably just a sign you're piling on the pounds.
But there could be another reason: it could be a sign of the pitter-patter of tiny feet.
As well as fat, breasts are also made up of milk ducts.
When a woman becomes pregnant, the milk ducts in their breasts begin to swell to get ready for breastfeeding.
And most women who are taking the Pill will notice that where they are in their menstrual cycle will also determine the size of their chest - as hormones can play a key role in fluctuating breast size.
While it may not be anything major to worry about, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your weight, and if you think it's getting out of control, see your doctor.
Being obese greatly increases a person's chances of developing a range of deadly diseases. These include type two diabetes, 11 different types of cancer, stroke and heart disease.
It also increases your risk of developing womb cancer by a fifth.
2. They've shrunk
If gaining weight makes your boobs bigger, it stands to reason that shedding pounds will shave inches off your chest measurement.
And while that's not often a bad thing, it may not be the only reason for boob shrinkage.
If your lady lumps appear to be deflating, it could also be a sign your oestrogen levels are falling.
The female sex hormone is responsible for breast growth in puberty.
Levels of the hormone fall naturally before a women goes through the menopause.
BE AWARE What is breast cancer? All you need to know about the signs, symptoms and treatment of the disease
But if you are not about to go through the menopause and you're not on medication that limits your oestrogen production, then it could be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome.
The condition affects how a woman's ovaries, which produce oestrogen, function.
It occurs when the sacs in which the ovaries sit are unable to release an egg, which means that ovulation doesn't happen.
In these cases, becoming pregnant naturally is impossible, as no egg is released into the Fallopian tube ready to be fertilised.
It can also lead to an absence of periods.
The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but medics believe that high levels of testosterone - the male sex hormone - could be to blame.
If a woman starts producing too much testosterone, it may throw off her oestrogen levels and cause her boobs to shrink.
3. Changing shape
The shape of your boobs is written in your DNA, but this will change over time.
Daniel Maman, a plastic surgeon who specialises in breast reduction, told Prevention: "Breast shape and appearance are largely based on age and history of child-bearing and breast-feeding."
After breastfeeding, and as women age, the ligaments that hold breasts in place stretch, the connective tissue breaks down and skin loses its elasticity, so boobs will droop and change into a tear-drop shape.
The best way to avoid this is wearing a good-fitting bra, said Dr Maman.
Changes in shape could also be a sign of something far more serious.
If the outline or shape of your breasts changes, it could be a sign of cancer, according to the NHS.
4. Lumps and bumps
Some women have naturally occurring lumps and bumps.
Around the time of their menstrual cycle, hormonal changes can cause benign cysts to fill with fluid, especially around the underarm area.
But like changes in shape, lumps and bumps can also be a sign of cancer. If you notice and new bumps, thickening or bumpy areas in one breast or armpit - with or without pain - then you should see a doctor.
Often the first symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the breast, according to the NHS. Most lumps aren't cancerous, but it is always best to have them checked.
Other signs of breast cancer to be aware of are dimpling of the skin, unusual rashes, swelling in the armpits or changes in the shape of your nipple.
5. Dense tissue
Boobs are made of fatty tissue and fibrous breast tissue.
Many women have more fibrous tissue that fatty tissue, meaning their breasts are denser than others.
While this doesn't pose any immediate threats to your health, it does make it harder for mammograms to accurately detect tumours or masses.
That's because cancer and dense breast tissue show up as white on X-rays.
Women who have dense breast tissue also have an increased risk of breast cancer. They should have an ultrasound or MRI to check their boobs for any masses, and be diligent on self-examinations.
6. Aches and pains
Many things can cause pain in the boobs. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can make them feel more sensitive. Also, a bad-fitting bra can also cause pain, as can strenuous exercise without the right support.
But pain can also be caused by the menopause or a cyst.
Cyclic hormonal pain is the most common type of breast pain, according to WedMD.
DON'T IGNORE THE SIGNS The eight things your PERIOD could be telling you about your health – and the deadly signs to watch out for
It usually occurs in both breasts and is described as heaviness or soreness that radiates to the arms and armpits, and is usually caused by hormones.
Non-cyclic pain is more common in women aged 30 to 50, and may only occur in one boob.
It can be a sharp, burning pain that occurs in one area.
Occasionally, it is caused by a fibroadenoma - a non-cancerous tumour or fluid-filled sac in the breast.
7. Inverted nipples
Some women naturally have inverted nipples.
But if you have always had nipples that poke out and they suddenly become inverted, it is a red flag for breast cancer.
Lauren Streicher, an associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, told Prevention: "The big issue is if you have new inversion.
"If you've always had 'outies' and one day you have 'innies,' get to the doctor right away because breast cancer is one cause of breast retraction."
8. Discharge
It is normal for some women to have discharge from their nipples, especially after sex.
But it can be a sign of a more serious health problem.
If you notice you have blood-stained discharge coming from your nipples you should see a GP immediately as it is a common sign of breast cancer.
Another cause of discharge is elevated levels of the hormone prolactin, which helps women produce milk when they are breastfeeding.
It can be a side effect of the Pill or other medication such as antidepressants, but it can also be a sign of a thyroid problem.
An underactive thyroid gland is where your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones.
Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed.
It can also caused muscle aches, dry skin and hair, and weight gain.
In the worst-case scenario, nipple discharge could be a sign of a pituitary gland tumour.
The pituitary gland, which is about the size of a pea, and is located deep in the base of your brain, controls the secretion of hormones in the body.
It controls several hormone-secreting glands including the thyroid, adrenals and ovaries.
If you have a tumour on the pituitary gland, it can affect how hormones are released and, in turn, the body's response to those hormones.
READ MORE ABOUT WOMEN'S HEALTH
9. Different-coloured nipples
If you've noticed your nipples have changed colour and become puffier, then you could be pregnant.
Nipples become hyper-pigmented when a woman is pregnant.
The areola - the small circular area of coloured skin around the nipple - also stretches.
A change in colour can also happen as women age, with nipples usually becoming darker.
But it is important to remember that any change in colour can be a sign of breast cancer, so be sure to keep up with your regular checks and mammograms.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368