SHARING one of her sexy selfies on Instagram, Rhian Sugden posed the question "what age do your boobs stop growing?".
The Page 3 model, 33, left fans baffled as she asked her followers the surprising question this week, while flaunting her famous assets in some new lingerie.
But it prompted us to look at the issue, and ask the experts.
And we have discovered your boobs stop growing and changing much later than you may think.
In particular, regardless of their shape or size, breasts can dramatically change in your 20s and 30s.
Hormones, pregnancy and some health issues can cause your boobs to fluctuate in size, change colours, develop stretch marks and droop.
Here, Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical director of Patient.info, talks us through the 11 main ways your breasts can change during your 20s and 30s.
1. They may change in size
Many people think your boobs stop growing in your teens, but it turns out they can continue growing and changing size in your 20s and 30s.
One of the main reasons is weight gain and weight loss – and of course this can happen at any time in your life.
Dr Jarvis said: "Your breasts are, in many respects, just like the rest of your body.
"You get bigger by putting on weight, they get bigger."
2. Your areolae may get darker
It may sound strange but the area around your nipples can change colour.
In particular, nipples become hyper-pigmented when a woman is pregnant.
The areola – the small circular area of coloured skin around the nipple – also stretches.
Dr Jarvis said: "During pregnancy, your nipples usually get bigger and the areolas at the edge of the nipple get darker.
"This may or may not disappear in time, but it’s perfectly normal either way."
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.
3. They can get stretch marks
As your breast size changes — due to weight gain, weight loss, or pregnancy — you may notice little silvery or red lines starting to appear on your skin.
These are stretch marks, and they can show up regardless of your age or skin colour.
Dr Jarvis said: "If you get stretch marks when you put on weight rapidly including during pregnancy, you may develop them on your breasts as well."
4. One may get larger than the other
Many women often worry when they notice one of their boobs is bigger than the other – but this is perfectly normal.
The causes are numerous, from misaligned posture, to hormones, to pregnancy.
Dr Jarvis said: "Just like your hands and feet, it’s perfectly normal to have one bigger than the other."
5. You may find lumps and bumps
Lumps and bumps can be totally normal but if you spot any it is really important to get it checked with your GP.
A lump is one of the most common signs of breast cancer – and while in many cases it won't be that serious, it's better to be safe.
In lots of cases it will be a cyst, especially if you're younger – and hormones can also cause lumps and bumps.
6. They'll be less full after pregnancy
Your 20s and 30s are obviously the prime time when it comes to having babies, so changes brought on by pregnancy are worth noting.
Of course you can expect to gain weight during pregnancy, and this will mean fuller breasts.
You also may have lactation and breastfeeding to contend with, which can also affect the size of your boobs.
But once that's all over and done with, you may notice that things don't necessarily go back to normal.
Sioned Hilton, of breast pump makers Medela UK, previously told The Sun: “If you’re pregnant or give birth at this time, your breasts will fluctuate in size and that’s perfectly normal.
“Wearing well-fitted lingerie will help your breasts shrink to their original size."
7. Your nipples may protrude
Many women find their nipples get larger as well as darker following pregnancy – and these changes can end up being permanent.
If you're used to your nipples looking a certain way this can be disconcerting but it's nothing to worry about.
8. They may start to droop
Yes, "drooping" may sound a little depressing, so let's say your boobs will start to "settle" in your 20s and 30s.
Dr Jarvis said: "Our skin gradually becomes less elastic with age, which can contribute to less firm, droopier breasts."
Your genetics will also have a big impact on whether your boobs droop – so if your mum's did this early on, then your pair may do the same.
9. They may be worse for wear after exercise
At some point it happens to us all – and life's health kicks can have an impact on your boobs.
In particular, some experts say that back-and-forth repetitive motions that happen when you run or do a similar workout can lead to a breakdown of breast collagen.
In order to avoid your boobs drooping or feeling worse for wear it's important to invest in a good sports bra.
10. Your period may make them bigger
It's not just your periods that are regulated by hormones. Monthly changes will also lead to changes in your boobs.
Dr Jarvis said: "Breast tissue is very sensitive to hormone changes, so there are some changes which they hold the exclusive rights too.
"For instance, they tend to get bigger and more lumpy towards your period, as you body’s levels of the hormone progesterone rise.
"The same things applies – for some women – if you take hormonal contraception."
11. They become something to look after
The moment you get boobs, they become something to look after.
Women should especially be giving their boobs a check for lumps, bumps, and the other signs of cancer as soon as they hit their 20s.
Breast cancer often causes changes in the breast, including an alteration in the shape or size in both or one of your breasts.
Sometimes there may be a lump which feels thicker or harder than the rest of the tissue.
A rash may appear or your skin may seem redder, especially around the nipple.
Your nipple may also change shape, and appear stretched, and liquid may leak from the nipples, even without being squeezed.
The nipples may also become sunken or inverted.
Some changes that occur may not be a sign of cancer but normal changes or a benign lump.
Rhian celebrated her 460th appearance on Page 3 this week.
She said: "Despite the stigma associated with page 3 girls – I have to say I’m proud to be one of the longest standing.
"NB- being a Page 3 girl doesn’t mean we are not intelligent nor are we objectifying women.
"It’s my choice. Cheers to the female form and YAY to boobs."
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