Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Breast development, early
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Breast development, early: The beginning of breast development at puberty is known medically as thelarche. It is now a normal event at an earlier age (e.g., age 8) than in the past.
The term thelarche comes from two Greek words: "thele," nipple + "arche," beginning. Thelarche is frequently (and incorrectly) written without the "h" as telarche.