Gynecomastia impacts many men, but few know about it. This health issue makes breast tissue grow in males giving them a breast-like look. This article aims to give you a clear picture of gynecomastia. We'll talk about its signs, what causes it how doctors spot it, and ways to treat it.
Introduction to Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia affects males throughout their lives, from newborns to seniors. An imbalance in hormones causes this condition resulting in breast tissue growth. It can develop in one or both breasts and often brings discomfort and shame to those who have it. While gynecomastia doesn't threaten life, it has an impact on a man's self-image and how he lives his life.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia means enlarged breast tissue in men. A hormone imbalance causes this condition when estrogen levels rise compared to testosterone. Gynecomastia can show up in males of any age, but babies, teens, and older men tend to have it more often.
When you touch the breast tissue in gynecomastia, it feels firm or rubbery. It might also hurt or feel sensitive. Sometimes, the nipple might leak fluid. Gynecomastia can happen in one breast or both. The size can range from small and hard to notice to big and easy to see.
Symptoms of Gynecomastia
The main sign of gynecomastia is the growth of breast tissue in men. This often comes with breast tenderness or sensitivity. Sometimes, the nipples may leak fluid. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts and can range from small and hard to spot to big and obvious.
Besides physical changes, gynecomastia can have an impact on a man's mental health. It may cause feelings of shame or worry. Some men with this condition avoid going swimming or changing clothes in public places.
Causes of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia happens due to a hormone imbalance when estrogen levels rise compared to testosterone. Many things can trigger this hormone imbalance such as:
Hormone Imbalances and Gynecomastia
Hormone imbalances often lead to gynecomastia. Boys going through puberty might see their estrogen levels go up causing their breast tissue to grow. In the same way older men can develop gynecomastia as their bodies change with age boosting estrogen levels.
Drugs that Bring on Gynecomastia
Some drugs have gynecomastia as a side effect. These drugs include:
- Anti-androgens
- Anabolic steroids
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antibiotics
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Heart medications
- Medications for HIV
- Prostate cancer medications
If you take any of these medications and notice breast growth or other signs of gynecomastia, you need to talk to your doctor.
Medical Conditions That Have a Link to Gynecomastia
Some health issues can also lead to gynecomastia. These issues include:
- Hypogonadism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Malnutrition
- Tumors
- Obesity
If you have any of these medical conditions and notice your breasts getting bigger or other signs of gynecomastia, you should talk to your doctor.
Gynecomastia in Infants and Teenagers
Gynecomastia happens often in infants and teenagers. As boys go through puberty, hormone changes can cause estrogen levels to rise, which leads to breast tissue growth in males. In most cases, gynecomastia in infants and teenagers goes away on its own without any treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gynecomastia
If your chest is getting bigger or you notice other signs of gynecomastia, you should talk to your doctor. They'll check you out and might ask for blood work to look at your hormone levels. Sometimes, they'll want pictures of your chest using mammograms or ultrasounds.
How to treat gynecomastia depends on what's causing it. Often, it goes away by itself without any treatment. If a medicine is behind it, your doctor might tell you to switch or stop taking it. In some cases, you might need surgery to get rid of the extra breast tissue.
Conclusion
Gynecomastia has an impact on many men. An imbalance of hormones causes it mainly when estrogen levels rise compared to testosterone. This condition can show up in one or both breasts ranging from small and hard to spot to big and easy to see. If you notice your breasts getting larger or have other signs of gynecomastia, you should talk to your doctor. To treat gynecomastia, doctors look at what's behind it. They might just keep an eye on it or suggest surgery, depending on the case.
