Nipple development in female puberty

Nipple diameters of 230 girls aged between 11-17 were calculated with the aim of finding measurable criteria for breast development during female puberty. There was a significant increment in nipple diameters in each breast and pubic hair stage with respect to the previous stages. The maximum increment was found to be from B 1 to B 2 (2.44 mm), and from PH 1 to PH 2 (2.69 mm). With respect to menstrual status, the greatest growth in nipple diameter occurred from the premenstrual period (M(-)) to one year postmenarche (M +1) (2.35 mm). These results are compared with other studies in the literature, and it was concluded that increments in nipple size in each pubertal stage is related to the hormonal status as well as to race, nutrition and genetics. More longitudinal and cross-sectional data are needed in order to find a measurable criteria for the Tanner breast stages.