Gynecomastia

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a very common condition in boys and men where there is swelling in the breasts and they become abnormally large. It usually happens due to hormonal imbalance in body where there is excessive production of estrogens (female hormones) as compared to androgens (male hormones). Gynecomastia can be matter of great embarrassment for males and it may lower their self-esteem.

What causes Gynecomastia?

The various factors responsible for Gynecomastia are:

• Natural hormonal changes
• Certain medication – Anti-androgens, Anabolic androgens, AIDS medications, anti-anxiety medicines, antibiotics, ulcer medicines, chemotherapy, heart medicines
• Street drugs and alcohol
• Hypogonadism
• Aging
• Tumors
• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Malnutrition & starvation
• Herbal products

What are the symptoms of Gynecomastia?

The symptoms of Gynecomastia may include:

• Swollen breasts
• Breast tenderness
• Pain in breast (in some people)

How can Gynecomastia be treated?

If Gynecomastia is caused due to medications that a person is taking, then your doctor may recommend you to stop taking those medicines and give you an alternative one. Other treatments may include:

• Medications
• Surgery to remove excessive breast tissue (Liposuction, Mastectomy)