Gynecomastia is a common problem that causes one or both of your male breasts to become enlarged. It can be an uncomfortable, socially embarrassing, or even medically serious condition.
It can be caused by a number of factors, including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies. It can also occur in older men due to weight gain and lower levels of testosterone, says our best plastic surgeon.
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1. It can be a sign of an underlying medical condition
Gynecomastia usually resolves during puberty, and sometimes in adulthood. However, it may return later if there is an underlying medical condition that causes hormone levels to become unbalanced.
If a health care provider suspects an underlying medical condition, a physical exam and blood tests will help them make a diagnosis. A doctor may perform an ultrasound or a mammogram to see the breast tissue.
Other medical conditions that can cause gynecomastia include kidney failure, liver disease, hyperthyroidism and hypogonadism. In these cases, treatment is needed to balance hormones.
2. It can be embarrassing
Gynecomastia, or the enlarged breasts of males, can be a source of embarrassment and self-esteem issues. It causes a swollen chest that feels rubbery and firm, usually around the nipple.
It may also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, like cancer or enlarged breasts from being overweight. If you have gynecomastia, it is important to see your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. The good news is that there are many options such as safe gynecomastia surgery available to men with this problem. The best way to decide on a course of action is to talk it over with your doctor and discuss the results with your partner.
3. It can be a sign of male breast cancer
Gynecomastia (also called glandular breast enlargement) is noncancerous swelling of the breast tissue caused by an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone in males. It usually resolves during adolescence, but may persist into adulthood in some cases.
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The exact cause is not known, but it may be related to a number of conditions that affect hormones, including kidney or liver disease, tumours in the testicles or adrenal gland, or treatment with medications such as steroids and amphetamines. It is also caused by a rare genetic condition called Klinefelter syndrome.
4. It can be a sign of aging
One of the most interesting facts about gynecomastia is that it can occur during normal aging, which means it’s more than just cosmetic.
The most common cause of gynecomastia in men is a change in hormone levels, usually due to puberty or age. However, there are other factors that can cause gynecomastia as well. This includes weight gain, medications, and dietary supplements, informs our best gynecomastia surgeon in Mumbai.
The best way to treat gynecomastia depends on your underlying health, how long you have it, and whether it causes pain or discomfort. It’s also worth mentioning that it’s not uncommon for gynecomastia to get better over time.
5. It can be a sign of weight gain
A change in hormone levels is the main cause of gynecomastia. Usually, these changes occur during birth, puberty, or aging.
Gynecomastia is most common in young boys during puberty, but it also happens in older men. A change in the balance between estrogen and testosterone can enlarge breast tissue.
Medications or herbal products may also increase the amount of estrogen in your body. Often, this happens as a side effect of certain medications for high blood pressure, depression, or prostate cancer.
6. It can be a sign of a medical condition
Gynecomastia is usually caused by an imbalance of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. This may be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as liver or kidney disease, or due to taking certain medicines or drugs.
Often, gynecomastia is seen in preteen and teenage boys who are going through the hormonal changes of puberty. It can also happen in newborn babies or older men.
Some males with gynecomastia have an underlying medical problem, such as Klinefelter syndrome, hypogonadism (lower than normal testosterone production), and pituitary gland disorders. It can also be a side effect of some medicines, such as antidepressants, heart medications, cancer medicines and prostate-cancer medicines.
7. It can be a sign of a medical condition
Gynecomastia can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If it is a serious problem, your doctor can run tests to find out what is causing it.
It can also be a side effect of some medicines. These include anabolic steroids, antibiotics and drugs used to treat heart disease, depression and stomach ulcers, says our best plastic surgeon in Mumbai.
Conclusion
Gynecomastia is most common in preteen and teenage boys who are going through puberty. It usually goes away without treatment within six months to two years.
