Suddenly a New Bra Size. HRT Might Be a Factor.

​I feel like I need a Girlfriend’s Guide to Perimenopause and Menopause similar to the ones we had for pregnancy, but for this season of life.

Lately, my bras have been digging into me and leaving marks. Tight, uncomfortable, and definitely not how they used to feel. And here’s the thing: I’ve been the same bra size my entire adult life… aside from pregnancy and nursing.

Today, I bought the biggest bra size I’ve ever worn, again, aside from pregnancy and nursing.

At first, I chalked it up to the heat in Florida or maybe a little weight redistribution. But while I was at Nordstrom’s chatting with a saleswoman in the lingerie department, something clicked. I asked, “Could this have anything to do with the hormone replacement therapy I started six months ago?”

She didn’t even hesitate. “Oh yeah,” she said. “I hear that all the time. Hormones can absolutely cause changes like this.”

She explained that it’s not uncommon for women to experience shifts in bra size, especially after starting HRT. But just like the size can go up, it can also go down. Her advice? Don’t buy too many in your new size just yet, and definitely don’t toss the old ones. Instead, set them aside and reassess each year.

Out of curiosity, I looked into it a little more and sure enough, there’s research backing up her observation. Studies have shown that estrogen (especially when combined with progesterone) can increase breast density, particularly in the first year of HRT. This denser tissue can make breasts feel fuller or firmer, even if your weight hasn’t changed.

On top of that, it’s common for women in midlife to experience fat redistribution and a natural shift in body composition, which can affect how bras and other clothes fit regardless of actual weight gain.

So, if you’ve been silently wondering why your trusty old bras suddenly feel more like torture devices… you’re not imagining it. It might just be another one of those midlife curveballs.

You’re definitely not alone.