It is very common for breasts to feel sore when they begin to grow during puberty. Many experience tenderness, pressure, a burning sensation or quick, sharp twinges. The discomfort can appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly. Even though it can feel worrying, it does not mean anything is wrong. This pain is a normal sign that the breast tissue is developing and that hormones are working in strong, shifting waves.

When puberty begins, estrogen levels rise in pulses rather than in a smooth line. Each rise signals the breast glands to grow. This causes the tissue to stretch, new ducts to form, and the skin and nerves to adapt. That stretching is what creates the typical tenderness many teenagers describe.

It is also common for one breast to grow faster than the other. This can make the sensations feel uneven or more noticeable on one side. This difference in growth is completely normal. The nipples can also feel extra sensitive because the nerves in the area are developing at the same time as the tissue.

For many, the soreness comes and goes depending on hormonal shifts, sometimes around the period or during irregular cycles. Others notice discomfort when lying on the stomach or bumping into something. All of this is part of natural development. As hormones stabilize, the discomfort usually becomes milder over time.

Alma’s Tips

If your breasts feel sore, try a soft and supportive bra that doesn’t press too much. Avoid sleeping on your stomach on days you feel extra sensitive, and be gentle with yourself as your body changes. The pain doesn’t mean something is wrong — it means you’re developing exactly as you should. And if anything worries you, I’m here to help you understand what’s happening inside your body.