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Does gynecomastia affect males?
What causes gynecomastia in young men?
How common is gynecomastia?
Mar 14, 2024 · Gynecomastia is enlarged breast tissue in people assigned male at birth (AMAB). It usually happens when the balance of hormones in your body is thrown off. Although breasts don't develop in people ...
- Overview
- Possible Causes
- Care and Treatment
- When to Call the Doctor
- Additional Common Questions
Gynecomastia is often due to an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen hormones. Certain medications and diseases can also cause male breast tissue to swell and get bigger. Enlarged breasts in boys and men often improve without treatment. If this condition makes you self-conscious, you may consider breast reduction surgery.
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OverviewPossible CausesCare and TreatmentWhen to Call the DoctorAdditional Common Questions
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What causes gynecomastia?
An imbalance between estrogen and androgen hormones typically causes gynecomastia. Men’s bodies usually produce small amounts of estrogen, the hormone that controls breast growth. If your body produces too much estrogen, or you have low testosterone (hypogonadism), your breasts may enlarge. Sometimes people with obesity develop enlarged breasts due to excess fatty tissue. This condition is known as pseudogynecomastia. Advertisement
What conditions cause gynecomastia?
Certain conditions can cause male breast enlargement, including: Adrenal tumors. Alcoholism. Kidney disease or kidney failure. Klinefelter syndrome (an inherited condition). Liver disease. Thyroid disease.
What medications or drugs cause gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can result from taking medications to treat: Anxiety and depression. Bacterial and fungal infections. Enlarged prostate. Heartburn and peptic (stomach) ulcers. Heart failure and high blood pressure. Male infertility (by taking human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG). Substance abuse (by taking methadone). These drugs also can cause breast swelling: Amphetamines, marijuana and opioids. Anabolic steroids used to build muscle. Lavender oils and tea tree oils (found in herbal supplements and skin care products).
How is gynecomastia diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will assess symptoms, perform a physical exam and review your medical and family history. A blood test may also be recommended to check hormone levels. Because both gynecomastia and breast cancer cause breast lumps, your provider may order a: Breast ultrasound to view detailed images of breast growths. Mammogram to examine unusual growths or changes in breast tissue.
How is gynecomastia managed or treated?
Some people don’t want or need treatment for gynecomastia. If a medication or other substance is causing breasts to enlarge, you may need to stop using the drug or switch to a different one. If a disease is the cause, swelling should go away with disease treatment. Some men choose to get breast reduction surgery. During this procedure, a plastic surgeon removes breast tissue to make breasts smaller.
Can gynecomastia be prevented?
You can’t prevent many of the hormone changes that cause gynecomastia. If needed, you may reduce your risk of breast enlargement by switching medications or seeking treatment for a substance use disorder.
When should I call my healthcare provider about gynecomastia?
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience: Breast lump, breast pain or unusual breast changes. Itchy breast or underarm area. Nipple discharge.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
You may want to ask your healthcare provider: Why did I get gynecomastia? Should I switch medications to stop breast enlargement? What is the best treatment for gynecomastia? How long will my breasts be enlarged? How can I prevent getting enlarged breasts again? Should I get screened for breast cancer? Should I watch for signs of complications?
What are the complications of gynecomastia?
Studies suggest that men with gynecomastia have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. You should see your healthcare provider anytime you feel or notice unusual breast changes.
What is the outlook for people who have gynecomastia?
Male breast enlargement often goes away over time or with medication changes. Some men become self-conscious about their appearance, which may lead to depression and anxiety. But these problems should improve once gynecomastia is treated. A note from Cleveland Clinic If you’re uncomfortable about your breast size, don’t be embarrassed to talk to your healthcare provider. Your provider can pinpoint the cause of the condition. If a medication or disease is to blame, medication changes and disease treatments may help. Swollen breast tissue often shrinks over time. If you’re feeling anxious about how you look, talking to a mental health professional may help. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/08/2021. Learn more about our editorial process.
Gynecomastia is an increase in the size of the breast (guy-nuh-kah-MAS-tuh) as a result of the imbalance of the levels of the hormone estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia may affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. Gynecomastia is male breast enlargement and can be a devastating condition. Learn how it affects men and boys.
Sep 5, 2017 · Low testosterone levels in men can sometimes lead to a condition called gynecomastia, or the development of larger breasts. Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone. It’s responsible for ...
- James Roland
Jan 31, 2022 · Breast enlargement with increased breast gland tissue in males is called gynecomastia. It can occur naturally or be caused by hormones or medications. Most cases of gynecomastia don’t require ...
Apr 25, 2023 · Gynecomastia is a common condition in boys and men. The male breasts swell and become abnormally large. ... Breast gland enlargement may affect males of all ages, ... Gynecomastia does not cause ...
Jan 18, 2024 · Gynecomastia is a condition in which the glandular tissue in the breasts becomes enlarged in males, sometimes causing discomfort or nipple tenderness. It is usually the result of a hormonal imbalance and typically occurs during infancy, adolescence, or mid to late life. Gynecomastia must be distinguished from the breast enlargement due to fat ...
