Breasts and Self Esteem

[camilledawn]

I've recently (this summer) become insanely unhappy with my breasts.

I am only 17 years old, but I'm still barely an A cup!
My mom is size 32D, but I can't help but assume their fake. I'm almost positive they are because her sister is almost completely flat chested.

My bust is 29 inches, my waist is 26 inches and my hips are 33 inches (my hips are HUGE in comparison to the rest of my body). I feel like I look so disproportionate and hate seeing the girls in my school with breasts over flowing from their shirts. I don't want DD's or anything, but I would appreciate B's so I can at least fill out a dress for prom.

I've discussed it with my boyfriend, and though I'm FAR too young for breast surgery now, he said he cannot allow me to get it when I'm in my late 20's (assuming that I'll still be as flat chested as I am now). He wants me to be happy with my body, and thinks I look great, but I'm sick of being so bottom-heavy. I just want to be proportioned correctly!

Now is an important time in my life to have self esteem, but I have almost none. I feel like I look terrible in my clothes because I can't fill anything out, and I would appreciate some advice.

Is there something I can do to help myself out naturally that won't seriously clear out my wallet? Can estrogen pills help at all? Should I be taking more vitamins?

I don't know what else I can do. I did abdomen work outs until I nearly had abs so my waist would look smaller. I was hoping that would give the appearance that they'd look bigger, but they don't.
I'm on the birth control Ortho Evra, and that's already giving me much more estrogen than what is naturally in my body.

Any and all feedback will help.

[Ugly Girl]

Hmm... it's tough, I know. I have lots of self-image issues, breasts included. The only thing I can tell you is that these estrogen pills and creams don't work. They claim to work, but usually they don't, and when they do (only temporarily) it's due to water retention ALL over the body.

Other than that, some women develop bigger breasts by the time they're 20 or older. The truth is breasts change in shape and size throughout our lifetime! Growth may occur even when you're in your 30's. Likewise, some women's breasts may decrease in size unexpectedly.

I know you want to have a bit more up top to fill out a prom dress. However, play up your bottom. I know, I know, you don't like being disproportionate. I understand, since I have HUGE hips and small breasts. But people sometimes compliment my "curvy" body, refering to my small waist. Some women have even told me that they envy my curvy hips and small waist. You sound like you have that type of body, AND that you're very thin (which I'm not... slim, but not thin). Play that up! I bet that if you find a cute dress, nobody will focus on small breasts... whereas a big breasted girl could pick an ill-fitting dress and they would all be noticing her for her lack of style. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Concentrate on looking good that day which means: great hair, great make up and great fitting dress. Then you'll be set. Plus, if your boyfriend loves you, that means you're already perfect the way you are!

[WildChild]

I see a red flag here aside from your concerns about yours bust size and that is the statement about your bf "not allowing" you to do - whatever. Does he own you? It's your body, he can express his opinion, encourage or discourage but it isn't up to him to allow or not allow anything. You need to watch out for this kind of thinking from either of you.

[camilledawn]

Don't be foolish, that's not a red flag at all. My fiance does not allow me to get a surgery in order to increase my breast size because it's extremely risky, rarely turn out decent shapes that look even close to being real, can cause health complications after years, and don't always help one's self esteem. I know many, many women in their early to late thirties that whine about how much they regret getting the surgery because they just felt like their bodies were cheap and fake - which they are. The surgery, though seems like a good idea at the time, only makes a woman feel even worse later. Not to mention you have to pay to get them looking perky all the time with routine maintenance.

So, no, he is not controlling my life any more than I control his. We love each other unconditionally, and we're engaged to show that we're not you typical teenage couple. We help each other to improve and grow as human beings through our actions and decisions, and I'm glad he talked me out of getting a surgery. I stopped wearing makeup to feel less fake, and fake breasts would not make me feel any more real.