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I've been paleo-flexible (dairy if I feel like it, small indulgences when I feel I'd be missing out) for about 10 weeks, and I've dropped almost 20lbs and made great strides in my sports training. My adult-low bodyweight thus far is right around 170, and I got there with 10-mile bike commutes to my jobs as a valet and as a Curves attendant. So, it's not unfamiliar territory, but I'm happy to be back.

But my left boob is shrinking. The right is not. I am getting to be noticably asymmetrical. I understand that it's not uncommon, but it's new for me! WTF?

Is this likely to correct? Anyone else experience this? I'm not stressing, and I'll be okay, but I sure did like having a matched pair!

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10 
 +1 for the phrase "paleo-flexible." ;) – gilliebean♦ Aug 3 2011 at 21:41
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 Somebody please come up with a solution soon! Save the boobie! – Stabby Aug 3 2011 at 21:44
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 "Save the boobies". Now that's a charity I would SUPPORT. – Thomas Seay Aug 3 2011 at 21:54
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 You can buy the shirt too! shop.cafepress.com/save-the-boobies – A at Grain Free Diet Aug 3 2011 at 22:05
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 I like the one that say's "Save second base". – Sara Aug 3 2011 at 22:53
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12 Answers

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You need to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. If access (usually related to lack of insurance) is an issue, call your nearest public health clinic and ask if they have a women's health care program/ Nurse Practitioner that can evaluate you. If not, ask for referrals to no or low cost options in your community.

I have no idea why this is happening. But there can be reasons for what appear to be breast "shrinkage" or skin/other changes of the breast that could potentially be serious and need care.

Is this an issue that you need to go to an ER for? No. And you would not get the evaluation that you need in an ER.

Edit: As per a comment you received to response #2. It is typical, if anything, especially for women, to FIRST lose weight in the face, particularly the upper face and the CHEST - yes, breasts. What is not typical at all, is to lose that weight so unequally that it causes an obvious, observable and growing difference between the size of the individual breasts. The disparity between the breasts is the issue. Losing weight unequally in areas of the body is typical and a non-issue.

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That is so cool, I never knew that about the face thing, just started noticing my breasts getting smaller too :( – thevansleaving Aug 4 2011 at 0:31
+1 for solid advice in a well detailed manner – Adam Crafter Aug 4 2011 at 12:50
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 Thanks! Luckily, I had my annual exam yesterday and had the opportunity to ask the doc. She said everything felt normal and assured me that the difference was a)not as noticable as I'd thought, and b) not unusual. – katesonskates Aug 4 2011 at 15:44
@kate: YAY! The chance of anything serious at your age is small, but, given your description, still needed a check. Now onward and upward to more health for you! – Atkins-witha-loincloth Aug 4 2011 at 16:06
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 I do think she ought to see a doctor, but I just want to say that my whole life my breasts have been very asymmetrical and become increasing so as I lose weight. We are talking DD compared to C+. Quite a difference. Annoying and noticeable but just normal for me. At a higher body weight the difference was marginal. – Marnee Nov 29 2011 at 22:52
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You could just be losing weight in odd places, it never comes off evenly or in the areas you'd expect it to. The one downside of weight loss is losing boobage :(

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4 
 Thank for you sharing the dirty little secret no one talks about. Uneven for sure. I lost all the fat in my breasts or it may have gone to my thighs. Not sure. All I know is it's a barren wasteland up there. Boo. – Shari Bambino Aug 3 2011 at 22:23
I feel ya. I was a full A cup pre-Paleo, now mine are probably smaller than Gwen Stefani's :( – Nemesis Aug 3 2011 at 23:04
If it's the worst thing that happens, I can live with that! – katesonskates Aug 4 2011 at 15:54
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I can't speak from personal experience, but I do know there were many women on LC forums saying they were losing weight asymmetrically (not necessarily in their breasts, just in general) and I remember a lot of them saying everything evened out eventually.

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1 
 Thank goodness. This question had me concerned for my own boobage. – PinkPika Aug 3 2011 at 22:43
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Have you ever breastfed? Is yes, then this can be a contributing factor. http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/breastfeeding-9/after-nursing

I nursed two babbies and one breast was more of a workhorse than the other. As a result I think I am a little asymmetrical.

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1 
 Mine were asymmetrical first, and the larger one is the workhorse still, two babies later. Also the leaker. – Sara Aug 3 2011 at 22:55
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 hahaha were they paleo-babbies? – Futureboy Aug 4 2011 at 7:39
No babbies for me! – katesonskates Aug 4 2011 at 15:40
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Are you sure it's not that your other boob is growing? It sounds like a frivolous question, but one boob growing larger is a sign of breast cancer. Not to scare you, but please make sure you get checked out by a doctor.

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I agree with mem, please see your doctor, just to be safe.

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Couldn't hurt to visit the doc. I wonder if there could be something going on with the lymphatic drainage in the breast that isn't shrinking. You could get a good pal to do some deep booby massage towards the armpits for a few weeks and see if things start to even up.

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Hmmm... I need to make better friends! – katesonskates Aug 4 2011 at 15:59
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Hope you checked out ok! I'm having the same issue...had a mammagram last April and they took a second look with more film, but found nothing. Still shrinking on one side whereas I had always been "even" before...

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My right breast is shrinking and the loss of fat is at the top of the breast so that when I wear a bra there is a noticeable space. I have been stuffing my bra and would be quite content to continue but after reading lots of various comments on the internet saying it may be related to cancer I am now getting concerned. I had my breasts screened a month ago and the results were clear but there must be a reason for the shrinkage. I am a 38DD and 74 years old. I have decided to see my doctor and hope that he can advise me. Nora

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Okay now you all have me very concerned. My left breast is noticeably shrinking and I have had breast cancer in that breast. I do not feel any lumps. The cancer I had previously wasn't felt either - it was caught with my first mammogram at 40 and the tumor was only the size of a pencil eraser but has already spread to lymph nodes. I mentioned it to my doc but he looked at me like I was crazy. I'm behind on my mammo because of crappy insurance. Would a mammo tell anything anyway?

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IM 30 years old, & noticed the right size of my breast is slightly smaller than the other & Im freaking myself out right now. I will have to wait a few days to see the doc. someone help!

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Im 25 years old, I have also noticed my right side of my breast is getting small! The shape is different from my left breast. I have been noticing it for the past 3 months!! I don't have any breast cancer symptoms - no lumps! only the size difference, its sore and having pains! I do have family history of cancer, my grandma (mum's mum) had breast cancer, should I worry I may have a breast problem? Usually my right boob is bigger than the left. I know it can change sides due hormones (which my nurse told me) but my boobs just don't look right! Help me please! I have got doctors appointment next week, I am going to ask for mammogram. I'm stressing out!

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