FAQs

I’m a 13-year-old boy. I’ve suddenly developed breasts, what’s happening to me? Am I turning into a girl? I’m so embarrassed and I don’t dare take of my shirt in case someone sees them and then everyone would know. Can you help me, I’m scared and don’t know what to do.

Answer

You're not turning into a girl! Some breast development happens to about 60-70 per cent of boys and is quite normal. When baby boys are born they often have some breast swelling due to their mum's hormones but this usually disappears within a few weeks.

During puberty the breasts can sometimes enlarge a bit, again because of high hormone levels, but the increase in size is usually so small that most boys don't even notice it. Within six months to two years they've usually gone again as hormone levels settle! It looks like you are unlucky enough to belong to the two per cent of boys who develop breasts large enough to cause them embarrassment - but the good news is that they'll disappear within a couple of years. This may seem like a long time, but the important thing is that you are normal and the breasts will eventually go.

Sometimes a boy will appear to have breasts if he's overweight - but these are fatty deposits and will disappear if he loses weight. If you're worried, go to a doctor for a check-up They should be able to reassure you that everything is normal.

If you're worried about being teased or bullied at school try talking about it with someone you trust. Or ring the Kid's Help Line 1800 55 1800 (for people from 5-25) to help you cope with this.

Further reading:
The Puberty Book
Puberty Boy