Gynecomastia - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and When to Seek Medical Help

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia refers to abnormal growth of male breast glandular tissue due to a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. It may affect one or both breasts and may occur at any age. There is a lot of stigma attached to this. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, duration, severity, and symptoms; surgery may be considered in persistent or symptomatic cases. It is not dangerous but causes tenderness, discomfort, pain while wearing tight clothes, or embarrassment.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can be caused either by natural or medical imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. Some of the medical conditions that can cause gynecomastia are -

Hormonal Issues

Hypogonadism, testicular failure, or genetic disorders like Klinefelter syndrome may cause hormonal imbalance.

Organ Dysfunction

Kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, or liver disease can cause hormonal disorders leading to gynecomastia.

Cancer

Tumor growth on the testicles, pituitary gland, or adrenal gland.

Other causes

Malnutrition, severe starvation, or hyperthyroidism can make the glandular tissues in men grow abnormally.

It can also be caused by certain medications such as anti-androgens, heart medications ( like calcium channel blockers ), chemotherapy, or ulcer drugs. Certain recreational substances like marijuana, alcohol, anabolic steroids, heroin, or amphetamines also cause Gynecomastia.

What are the symptoms of Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can occur on one or both sides. The amount of enlargement can also differ between the breasts. To distinguish true gynecomastia from pseudogynecomastia, a doctor may look for the following signs and symptoms:

Rubbery or firm lump beneath the nipple or areola

Uneven breast enlargement, with one side larger than the other

Nipple or breast discomfort while wearing tight clothes or when touched

Enlargement of breast tissue in one or both breasts

Breast tenderness or sensitivity

Swelling around the nipple or breast area

How is Gynecomastia Treated?

The treatment depends on the cause and severity. Mild cases resolve on their own or with lifestyle changes, whereas severe cases may require breast reduction surgery. The treatment for gynecomastia involves -

Observation

Gynecomastia that occurs during puberty may resolve naturally as hormone levels stabilize. Hence, doctors may recommend monitoring without any treatment.

Treating the underlying issue

Addressing hormonal disorders, health conditions, or fixing medications may straighten it out.

Lifestyle changes

Exercising regularly, taking a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can improve overall chest appearance.

Medications

Doctors may prescribe medicines that affect estrogen activity or improve hormonal balance.

Gynecomastia surgery

In cases of severe gynecomastia, surgery is performed. It involves gland excision and removal of fat around the chest. There is no risk involved with the surgery, and a safe plastic surgical practice can assure very good outcomes. It is a day care procedure, and the patient is discharged on the same day.

Liposuction

It is used to remove excess fatty tissue around the chest, which improves chest definition.

When to Seek Medical Help?

Medical help becomes necessary if breast enlargement persists, becomes painful, is accompanied by nipple changes or a firm lump, or if it develops suddenly. Some other signs for seeking urgent medical help are -

One-sided hard lump or a mass that feels very firm.
Nipple discharge from one or both sides.
Dimpling around the chest or the nipple.
Pubertal cases that persist even after two years.
Tenderness or constant pain that does not go away after a few months.

Conclusion

Gynecomastia is a curable condition. It can be treated through medications, surgery, or lifestyle changes, etc depending on the cause, such as hormonal imbalance, medications, or organ failure. Taking it as a stigma will not resolve the issue. It is recommended to seek medical help as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is gynecomastia painful?

Yes, patients with gynecomastia often cite discomfort and pain while wearing tight clothes. It can cause tenderness, sensitivity, or pain around the nipple and breast area, particularly when it develops rapidly. However, some men may not experience any pain.