Gynecomastia Treatment
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the glands in the male breast, and it is usually non-cancerous (benign). Some men may develop breast tissue enlargement at some point in their lives, but gynecomastia is more common among adolescents and older men, although it can occur at any age.
However, gynecomastia is different from pseudogynecomastia, which is the presence of fat deposits in the chest area in men who are overweight.
About 2 in 3 adolescents experience some degree of gynecomastia, which may cause concern or embarrassment and lead them to wonder if something is wrong. Nevertheless, in 9 out of 10 cases, the condition resolves on its own.
Main Causes of Gynecomastia in Men
As mentioned, the condition is not cancerous; it is a benign enlargement of the male breast, which can be unilateral or bilateral. The condition primarily occurs due to:
Puberty
Although puberty begins when boys reach their teenage years, some may start noticing changes as early as age 10. During this time, there is an increase in estrogen and testosterone levels. Estrogen promotes breast growth, while testosterone inhibits it. Gynecomastia occurs when there is a hormonal imbalance, with higher levels of female hormones (estrogen) compared to male hormones (androgens).
If estrogen levels remain elevated over time, breast tissue continues to grow, making it more noticeable. By age 15, testosterone levels rise above estrogen, preventing further breast development. By age 19, the boy’s breast tissue typically shrinks and flattens. However, this process can take some time, and in a smaller percentage of boys, the shrinkage may not occur.
Aging
Age is another cause of gynecomastia in men. As people get older, they tend to store more body fat, which leads to increased estrogen production. In men, aging also causes a decrease in testosterone production. Higher estrogen levels combined with lower testosterone levels result in the enlargement of breast tissue. Additionally, weight gain in older men can contribute to breast tissue enlargement.
Other Causes of Gynecomastia
Other causes of gynecomastia in men can result from side effects of medications or drug use, such as antibiotics, opioids, anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, estrogen, anti-anxiety medications, and heartburn drugs. Poor health, diet, and certain herbal products can also contribute to the development of gynecomastia.