I have the same problem and am glad that I finally found some information after searching the internet for ever, it seems. I am 55 and have very dense breast, that were always rather sensitive. For some months, the areola of my left breast is swollen and became larger. It is also a little itchy, so might be a skin problem, I thought. The itchiness stops after putting lotion on. I am living in China and the hospitals where I live are not that good. I finally went and was told not to worry after a scan. The doctor thought it is some rare skin disease (very complicated and long name, that I forgot, where ones skin grows. apparently very rare), which I do not believe at all. Luckily, I then remembered that I used to sometimes get the same symptoms when I was much younger, but they would disappear again after a short time. So I guess that yes, it might very well be hormones and maybe it will just stay that way now after menopause? Am very glad to have found this discussion and am curious to hear from more women.