These are just some of the reasons why Charlotte Howard, 52, from West Lavington, says she is "disgusted" by her own breasts. Once measuring at a 32B, they soon grew to a 40GG when she started the menopause. "I find them intolerable.
I'm basically carrying half a stone off my neck and shoulders. I can't look at myself without clothes on," she says. "I dream of cutting them off with a pair of scissors." One of the five men arrested near RAF Fairford called 999 himself Thousands of South West students get free MenB jab RAF Fairford incident involves 'foreign actor', says Rubio Howard says her breasts are now so large, she has to use medicated talc under them to prevent rashes, also washing them "two or three times a day" because they smell.
Like many others, Howard, who works as a horticulturist, says because of her breasts she also finds exercise painful and uncomfortable, making it difficult to stay active. When she is out and about in public, she says she is regularly harassed because of them. "I get fat-shamed in the street, people shout stupid jokes, lewd comments about them," she describes.
Finding the pain and discomfort too much, Howard says she visited her GP to ask about breast reduction surgery, but was told there was "no chance" she would qualify. She is now considering private breast reduction surgery, but says the estimated £6,000 - £9,000 cost is daunting. The exact criteria for having breast reduction surgery on the NHS depends on where you live but may be possible if other options, which include wearing professionally fitted bras, have not worked.
According to the NHS, external, health problems caused by having very large breasts are also considered, along with the size of your breasts, your weight, your general health and if you smoke. Not being able to take part in sport or exercise Those who want the surgery to change their appearance, rather than for health reasons, will need to pay for it privately. Simon Hawkins, a consultant breast surgeon in Wiltshire, treating both NHS and private patients, says he has seen an increase in women requesting the surgery privately over the last 15 years.
"It's always been very difficult to get approved for breast reduction surgery on the NHS," he says. "It's generally regarded as a cosmetic treatment." According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, there were 4,673 private breast reduction procedures carried out in the UK in 2025, a 2% rise on the year before. "It's not just a cosmetic operation where you have body confidence benefits, you might also be able to do activities and exercise more.
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