Overview:
Gynecomastia, also known as Guy-nuh Koh-MASs-teeuh, is a condition that causes an increase in breast tissue in men and boys.
It is caused by an imbalance in the hormones testosterone and estrogen.
It may affect either one or both breasts. Sometimes, it can be unevenly distributed.
Gynecomastia can occur in newborns, puberty-aged boys, and older men. However, there are other possible causes.
This condition generally isn’t a major problem but it can be difficult to manage. Gynecomastia can cause pain in the breasts, which can make it embarrassing for both men and women.
Gynecomastia can resolve on its own. If the condition persists, medications or surgery may be an option.
Signs and symptoms:
These are the signs and symptoms of gynecomastia.
- Breast tissue swelling
- Tenderness to the breast
When should you see a doctor?
If you are unsure, consult your doctor.
- Swelling
- Tenderness or pain
- One or both breasts may have nipple discharge
Causes of Gynecomastia :
A decrease in testosterone levels is what causes gynecomastia. This can be caused either by conditions that reduce the testosterone effect, increase estrogen levels or block testosterone’s effects.
There are many things that can disrupt the hormone balance.
Natural hormone changes:
Both men and women have different sex characteristics due to the hormones estrogen and testosterone.
Testosterone regulates male traits such as body hair and muscle mass. Estrogen is responsible for female traits such as breast growth and muscle mass.
Although estrogen is primarily a female hormone, most people believe it to be a male hormone. However, men can also produce it but in very small amounts.
Gynecomastia can be caused by excessive or out-of-balance testosterone levels.
Infant gynecomastia:
The estrogen in their mothers’ breasts causes more than half of male infants to have enlarged breasts.
The swelling of the breast tissue usually disappears within two to three days after birth.
Gynecomastia in puberty:
It is quite common to have gynecomastia due to hormonal changes during puberty. Most cases of swollen breast tissue disappear without treatment in six to two years.
Adult gynecomastia:
Between the ages of 50 and 69, gynecomastia is at its highest. Approximately 1 in 4 males in this age bracket are affected.
Medicines:
- Gynecomastia can be caused by a variety of medications. These include:
- Anti-androgens are used to treat enlarged prostates, prostate cancer, and other conditions. Flutamide, finasteride, Propecia, and spironolactone are some examples.
- Doctors may prescribe anabolic steroids or androgens for specific conditions. Sometimes, athletes use them illegally to build muscle and improve performance.
- AIDS medication. HIV-positive men can get gynecomastia if they are on highly active antiretroviral treatment.
- Efavirenz (Sustiva), is more frequently associated with gynecomastia than other HIV medications.
- Anti-anxiety medication, such as Valium (Diazepam)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Antibiotics
- Ulcer medication, such as the over-the-counter drug Cimetidine (Tagamet HB).
- Treatment for cancer.
- Heart medications such as digoxin (Lanoxin), and calcium channel blockers.
- Stomach-emptying drugs, such as metoclopramide and Reglan.
Street drugs and alcohol:
It can be caused by:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines are used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Methadone (Methadose and Dolophine)
Conditions of health:
Gynecomastia can be caused by hormone imbalances or other health issues. These are:
Hypogonadism
Gynecomastia can be caused by conditions that affect normal testosterone production such as Klinefelter Syndrome or pituitary dysfunction.
Aging
It can be caused by hormonal changes, particularly in overweight men.
Tumors
Some tumors, like those involving the pituitary glands, adrenal glands, or testes can alter the balance of male-female hormones.
Hyperthyroidism
This is because the thyroid gland produces too many levels of the hormone thyroxine.
Failure of the kidneys
Half of the dialysis patients experience gynecomastia as a result of hormonal changes.
Cirrhosis and liver failure
It is associated with hormone changes related to liver issues and cirrhosis medication.
Malnutrition and starvation
If your body lacks adequate nutrition, testosterone levels will drop and estrogen levels will remain the same. This can cause hormonal imbalance.
Normal nutrition can help prevent gynecomastia.
Herbal products:
Gynecomastia has been linked to plant oils such as lavender and tea tree, which are used in soaps, shampoos, and lotions.
Their low estrogenic activity is likely to explain this.
Factors that could pose a risk
These are the risk factors includes:
- Adolescence
- Aging
- Anabolic steroids and/or androgens are used to increase athletic performance
- Certain conditions such as thyroid disease, liver, and kidney disease and hormonally active tumors, and Klinefelter syndrome can be caused by certain health conditions.
Problems:
Although there are no physical complications to gynecomastia, it can lead to psychological or emotional problems due to appearance.
Prevention:
You can reduce your risk of developing gynecomastia by controlling a few things:
- Do not use drugs
These include steroids and androgens as well as heroin and amphetamines.
- Avoid drinking alcohol
Avoid alcohol consumption. Do not drink alcohol in excess.
- Take a look at your medication
Ask your doctor about other options if you are taking medication that causes gynecomastia.
Diagnosis:
Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history, drug history, and any health conditions that are present in your family.
A physical exam may also be performed by your doctor, which could include an evaluation of your breast tissue and abdomen as well as your genitals.
The Tests:
The following tests may be used to diagnose your gynecomastia:
- Blood tests
- Mammograms
Depending on the results of your initial tests, you may require further testing.
- Computerized tomography scans (CT)
- Scans using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Ultrasounds of the testicle
- Tissue biopsies
Similar symptoms can be caused by the following conditions:
Your doctor will need to confirm that your breast swelling is not due to another condition. You may also experience similar symptoms from:
- Fat breast tissue:
Breast fat can look like gynecomastia in some men and women. This is not the same thing as gynecomastia and does not require additional evaluation.
- Breast cancer
Although this is rare in men, it can happen. Male breast cancer is possible if there is an increase in breast size or a firm nodule.
- A breast abscess
This is a condition that affects breast tissue.
Treatment:
Gynecomastia is usually resolvable over time. If the condition occurs due to an underlying condition such as hypogonadism or malnutrition, treatment may be necessary.
Your doctor might recommend that you stop taking any medications that could cause gynecomastia.
If there is no obvious cause for gynecomastia in adolescents, other than normal hormonal changes during puberty and normal hormone levels.
The doctor might recommend that they have periodic reevaluations every three-to-six months to determine if it improves.
In most cases, it gets disappears without treatment within two years.
If gynecomastia is not improving on its own, or if it causes severe pain, tenderness, embarrassment, or other serious symptoms, treatment may be required.
Medicines:
Some men suffering from this problem may find it helpful to take medication for breast cancer or other conditions. These include:
- Tamoxifen (Soltamox).
- Aromatase inhibitors such as Anastrozole (Arimidex), are available.
These medications have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration but not for use in gynecomastia patients.
Excessive breast tissue can be removed by surgery
Your doctor may recommend surgery if enlarged breasts persist after the first treatment.
There are two options for gynecomastia:
- Liposuction
This surgery does not remove breast fat, but the breast gland tissue.
- Mastectomy
This surgery involves the removal of breast tissue. This type of surgery often requires only small incisions. This type of surgery is less invasive and requires less recovery.
Support:
An enlarged breast can make men feel embarrassed and stressed. It is difficult to conceal and can pose a problem in romantic relationships.
It may make boys target peer teasing during puberty. This can make swimming and changing in the locker rooms stressful.
No matter your age, you might feel that your body is betraying you. You may also feel unsatisfied with yourself. These feelings are normal.
However, you can learn to cope with them,
Get counseling:
Talk therapy can be used to help you overcome anxiety and depression that can result from gynecomastia.
Talk therapy can help you communicate with your partner and family members to understand what’s going on.
Reach out to your friends and family:
It can be embarrassing to discuss gynecomastia in public with those you love.
However, sharing your story and asking for help will strengthen your relationships and decrease stress.
Get connected to others with gynecomastia:
Talking to men who have been through similar experiences can help you cope.
Gynecomastia.org is a website that allows you to connect with other men who are suffering from the same condition.
Ask your friends and loved ones for support.
If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, consider joining a support group or seeking counseling. Believe in your ability to take control of the pain…
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Blood tests 
Computerized Tomography scans (CT) 
Mammograms 
Tissue biopsies 
Ultrasounds
FAQs:
Q: Can you get rid of gynecomastia?
A: Although there are some non-surgical options for gynecomastia, it is usually best to go to surgery. Gynecomastia is a surgical procedure that can permanently eliminate excess breast tissue and fat, as well as improve the appearance of your chest.
Q: Can gynecomastia go away with exercise?
A: Gynecomastia can be reduced by exercising or losing weight. Pseudogynecomastia, a separate condition, is where fat builds up around the breasts. This could be due to obesity or overweight.
Q: How can I get rid of gynecomastia without surgery?
A: Treatments that are non-surgical
1- Exercise and diet are key. A healthy diet and regular exercise can balance hormones and help to burn fat.
2- Stop using drugs and steroids. Steroids and other drugs can increase the chance of male breast enlargement.
3- Reduce alcohol consumption Reduce alcohol intake
4- Hormone treatment. Hormone treatments.
5- Losing weight.
Q: Is Gyno permanent?
A: Gynecomastia usually does not last. It often progresses through multiple phases before it disappears. The first phase is the inflammatory stage, where most men feel some breast tenderness. The inflammation will subside within six to twelve months and leaves behind only scar tissue.
Q: What can make gynecomastia worse?
A: Exercise is not good for glandular tissue, which can lead to gynecomastia. Gynecomastia sufferers may find that exercising makes their condition worse.
Q: What foods cause gynecomastia?
A: Some foods, such as dried fruits, flaxseed, tofu, soy, and soy, are high in estrogen-like phytoestrogens. This could contribute to gynecomastia. Corbin notes that phytoestrogen-rich foods can be more harmful to people who have already been affected by gynecomastia, such as those who had it during puberty.