What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the abnormal enlargement of the breast tissue in men. This can occur during infancy, in the teen years or in older men. This condition occurs when the gland within the breast becomes enlarged. This condition is different from the enlarged breasts found in obese men which results from deposits of fat around the breasts. In contrast, gynecomastia results from the development of the glandular tissue in the breasts.

Gynecomastia generally results from an imbalance in natural hormone levels of the male's body. Every individual has both the male hormone androgen and the female hormone estrogen, but the normal male body produces more male than female hormones. In contrast, when a male's body produces more female hormones relative to the amount of male hormones, it can cause gyneomastia. For most men, the hormones will balance naturally and the enlarged tissue will go away on its own.

There are several medical issues that can result in this condition. Men suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, kidney failure, recovering from malnutrition, suffering from certain cancers or with hyperthyroidism may also develop gynecomastia. Occasionally it may also be a side effect of prescribed medication or because of a genetic disorder.

The symptoms of gynecomastia are usually visible. One or both male breasts become enlarged and may be tender or sore to the touch. The nipples may also become enlarged and may appear swollen or puffy. It is vital to seek medical attention because there are so many possible causes for this condition.

How the condition is treated will depend upon many factors. Since it normally goes away on its own for young infants and teens no treatment may be necessary. The doctor may choose to keep younger patients under observation for a few months instead of treating them. In older patients tests need to be run to determine the cause. Undiagnosed medical issues could be to blame, and treating the underlying cause should help the breast tissue recede. In older males testosterone replacement therapies may be helpful. For severe or particularly painful cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to help block the body from producing estrogen.

For most men, gynecomastia by itself is not life threatening but many patients suffer from pain, social anxiety and embarrassment. Most often, the condition goes away in a few months. If other treatments are not successful, than surgery could be required to remove the excess tissue.

Because enlargement of the breast tissue is caused by a hormonal imbalance, it cannot be prevented. The most common cure for the condition is treating the medical issue that resulted in the imbalance.

By: Russell Strider

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