What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition in which men have enlarged breasts. It is caused by an increase in breast tissue, not adipose tissue. Gynecomastia can appear in one or both breasts.
Both boys and men can get this disease. It can also occur in infants. Some men or boys have extra fat that looks like breasts. This is called pseudogynecomastia. It is a similar, but different condition to gynecomastia.
Symptoms of gynecological diseases
The main symptom of gynecomastia is enlarged breasts. Your breasts may also be tender. You may feel a slight bump or lump behind your nipple.
What causes gynecological diseases?
The main cause of gynecomastia is hormonal changes. Usually, this happens at birth, puberty or as part of the aging process. These are natural times when the hormones in your body change levels. Hormonal imbalances—estrogen and testosterone—can enlarge your breasts.
Babies with enlarged breasts often have too much estrogen. Mothers pass this hormone on to their babies in the womb.
Gynecomastia is common in teenage boys. More than half of boys develop this condition to some degree during puberty.
In adult men, hormonal balance is affected by the aging process. Gynecomastia is more common in men age 50 and older. Other causes include health conditions, such as:
- Tumors of the adrenal gland, pituitary gland, or testicles
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Hypogonadism (low testosterone)
- Kidney disease
- Liver failure
It can also be caused by medications, such as:
- HIV/AIDS medicine
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- antibiotics
- Heart medicine
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Medications for ulcers and heartburn, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Another potential cause is medication, such as:
- Drug
- Assimilation
- Amphetamines
- Heroin
- Marijuana
Gynecomastia in men can also be caused by other lifestyle factors including obesity, drinking alcohol, and consuming estrogen in medications or in foods containing soy.
Very rarely breast cancer is the cause of gynecomastia. Cancerous lumps do not form in the breast tissue behind the nipple. Tumors also have a different feel than those caused by gynecomastia. Other signs of breast cancer are sagging skin and bleeding from the nipple.
>> Read: Unveiling the Truth About Benign Breast Conditions
How is gynecomastia diagnosed?
Make an appointment with your doctor if you are concerned. Your doctor may notice symptoms during routine checkups. They may ask about your symptoms, such as how long you’ve been growing the tissue and if the area is tender. Your doctor may also ask about your health history and what medications you take.
Your doctor will decide if tests are needed to diagnose gynecomastia in men. The most common test is a blood test to check your hormone levels. Many tests may be done if your doctor suspects an illness. They may include:
- Supersonic
- Mammogram
- Breast biopsy
>>> Read: Breast Cancer Breakthroughs: What You Need to Know
Can Gynecomastia be prevented or avoided?
Most cases of gynecomastia cannot be prevented. They are caused by natural changes in hormone levels. Adults can help prevent gynecomastia by avoiding certain medications, medications, and lifestyle factors.
Gynecological disease treatment
In most cases, treatment is not necessary. Your doctor may want to check the size of your breast tissue every few months.
If treatment is needed, options vary based on the cause of the condition. Talk to your doctor before stopping any prescription medication to treat other medical conditions. Stop taking illegal drugs. You may also need lifestyle changes. If it’s caused by an illness or tumor, you’ll need to treat the problem. This may include medication or surgery. Medicines can help balance your hormones. In rare cases, your doctor may recommend plastic surgery to remove excess breast tissue.
Living with gynecomastia
For most infants and teenage boys, male gynecomastia doesn’t last long. Breasts return to normal after 6 months to 2 years.
Ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter pain relievers for breast pain. Using a cold compress on the area may also help.