What Is Gynecomastia? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for Male Breast Enlargement
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is defined as the abnormal but benign enlargement of breast tissue in males due to an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone hormones. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts and may present with asymmetrical sizes.
Newborns, adolescent boys, and older men may develop gynecomastia as a result of natural hormonal changes. However, there are also other factors that can cause gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia is often not a serious health issue, but it can be psychologically challenging for some individuals. Men with gynecomastia may experience tenderness or pain in their breasts. Some individuals may feel embarrassed because of this condition.
Depending on its underlying cause, gynecomastia may resolve on its own for some individuals, while others may require medication or surgical intervention.
Why Does Gynecomastia Occur?
Gynecomastia typically develops due to fluctuations in testosterone levels. A decrease in testosterone can be associated with conditions that block its effects, reduce its levels, or increase estrogen levels.
Hormonal balance can be disrupted for various reasons. The causes of gynecomastia include hormonal changes, medication use, alcohol and drug consumption, certain health conditions, and the use of some herbal products and supplements.
Potential Issues Associated with Gynecomastia
The physical side effects of gynecomastia are limited, but it can cause psychological or emotional problems due to the individual’s appearance.
How to Prevent Gynecomastia?
There are several factors that individuals can control to reduce their risk of developing gynecomastia. It is essential to avoid excessive alcohol consumption and to only use medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
What are the Symptoms of Gynecomastia?
The main signs and symptoms of gynecomastia include swollen breast tissue and, in some cases, breast tenderness. If an individual notices swelling, pain, tenderness, or nipple discharge in one or both breasts, they should see a doctor as soon as possible.
How is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?
To diagnose gynecomastia, a doctor will first perform a physical examination and ask questions about the patient’s health history and family medical history. The patient should discuss any symptoms they have noticed and share information about any other medical conditions they may have.
During the physical examination, the doctor will assess the breast tissue and may conduct further evaluations. For cases diagnosed with gynecomastia, the doctor may recommend blood tests to determine the cause of the condition. Depending on the initial test results, further imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRI scans, testicular ultrasound, and tissue biopsy, may be required.
Several conditions may present with symptoms similar to gynecomastia. One of these is excess fatty breast tissue, which may resemble gynecomastia but is not the same and does not require further evaluation.
Breast cancer is rare in men. If one breast is enlarged, or if there is a hard lump within the breast, the possibility of male breast cancer should be considered.
A breast abscess, which is an infection of the breast tissue, can also lead to breast enlargement.
