The enlargement of breast tissue in males is called gynecomastia. Gynecomastia occurs when there is an imbalance of hormones estrogen and testosterone. There is enlargement in the breasts due to enlargement of glandular tissue and not the fat tissue. It is a common condition among boys and men. It may affect either one the breasts or both of them. Gynecomastia is not a serious condition but it is a condition that might be embarrassing to cope with.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of gynecomastia is enlargement of the breasts. Other symptoms are tenderness, sensitivity, nipple discharge and sometimes pain in the breasts.
Causes
Gynecomastia occurs as a result of a hormonal imbalance in the human body. In all humans there are both male and female hormones, but males have higher levels of testosterone and females have higher levels of estrogen. Estrogen makes the breast tissue grow while the testosterone stops the breast tissue from growing. Gynecomastia develops when in males, the level of testosterone is reduced in comparison to the levels of estrogen. The reasons for the decrease could be conditions that block the effect or reduce testosterone or a condition that increases the estrogen level. The cause for hormonal imbalance is:
- Natural hormonal changes
- Medications such as anti anxiety medications, anti androgens, antibiotics, heart drugs, ulcer medications, chemotherapy, and antidepressants.
- Drugs such as heroin and marijuana
- Alcohol
- Health conditions such as aging, tumors, hypogonadism, kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, liver cirrhosis and malnutrition
- Use of herbal products such as tea tree oil or lavender oil, and more
Treatment
In most cases of gynecomastia, no treatment is required. It regresses itself over a period of time.If it is caused due to medication, stopping the medication will restore the hormonal balance and the condition gets treated. Medical and surgical treatments are successful in men with painful and persistent gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia is a condition that in most cases does not need treatment and goes away on its own, however, it can be a cause of embarrassment among boys going through this condition during puberty.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
Sources-
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266129.php
- https://www.emedicinehealth.com/gynecomastia/article_em.htm#will_surgery_cure_gynecomastia
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gynecomastia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351799
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