Are girls’ breasts blocking their sports participation?
A recent study found that breasts were a “barrier” to teen girls’ participation in sports.
Breast development is usually the first sign of puberty in a girl. Breast development starts, on average, at age 9 or 10, but it can start as early as age 8 or as late as age 13. It starts as a "breast bud," which is a small lump under the nipple. Breast buds may develop asymmetrically — one larger than the other — and they may be tender, so parents may mistake one for a cyst, a tumor or an abscess. Some girls' breasts grow slowly, and others grow quickly.
Mixed feelings. As puberty progresses, boys develop a more positive self-image and mood. Girls, on the other hand, tend to become less satisfied with their physical appearance and feel a diminished self-worth. Before adolescence, there are no gender differences in depression; during adolescence, girls experience depression at twice the rate as boys. Girls who start their breast development at an early age have an even greater risk of depression as well as substance use and early sexual behavior.
Too small or too large? Either way, adolescent girls often worry whether their breast size is "normal." There is a wide range of normal breast sizes, depending on age, heredity and overall body weight. Abnormally large breasts (macromastia) may cause neck, back and shoulder pain as well as a groove from the bra strap in the shoulder areas, but breasts don't have to be too large or develop too early to cause problems. The breast contains weak internal support, so physical activity causes independent breast movement (which increases with breast size). This movement can cause embarrassment and physical discomfort.
Adolescent girls may avoid sports because of their breasts. A recent study found that breasts were a "barrier" to teen girls' participation in sports. In this survey of more than 2,000 girls aged 11-18, almost half (46 percent) of all girls reported that their breasts had a negative effect on their participation in sports and exercise; the numbers were even higher among girls aged 13-14 years (51 percent) and larger-breasted girls (63 percent). The girls' top concern was breast bounce, followed by embarrassment about their breasts or bras when getting changed. Some (15 percent) were concerned that their breasts were too big to exercise. The more concerned they were, the less they participated in sports.
Sports are win-win. Taking part in exercise, recreation, and school and community sports programs are enjoyable ways for kids to improve and maintain fitness. Youth who participate in sports report healthier eating habits, higher levels of cardiovascular fitness, increased parental support, and decreased anxiety and depression; lower rates of tobacco, drug and alcohol use; and greater disapproval of their peers' substance abuse, according to studies reported by Child Trends,
Control the bounce: support girls in sports! Breast support from a well-fitting sports bra reduces breast bounce and breast pain during sports, yet girls who need sports bras may not always wear one. Why not? Buying a bra is often an overwhelming experience for adults, let alone teens. A, B, C, D or DD, underwire, front closure, racerback, convertible or minimizer: so many choices, no wonder it's confusing! But you can do it — I know you can (the other kind of support)!
My advice: If your pre-teen or teen is about to buy her first bra, start by going to a department store and asking a salesperson for help with a "bra fitting." This service is free and will help make sure that her bra fits correctly. The salesperson can also help pick out a sports bra.
Game on!
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