What is Gynecomastia!
Gynecomastia is enlarged breast tissue in men caused by a hormonal imbalance. However, gynecomastia is not cancerous and most conditions get better on their own. Gynecomastia can occur in one or both breasts. Newborns, puberty boys, and adults are at risk for this breast enlargement.
Gynecomastia Risk Factors
Some factors can increase the risk of developing gynecomastia in men, including...
- Age. Gynecomastia can be experienced by infants, adolescents who are entering puberty, and older men. Gynecomastia in newborns can be triggered by their mother's estrogen hormone and usually disappears within 4 weeks after the baby is born. Meanwhile, in most adolescent boys who experience gynecomastia, this enlarged breast tissue can return to normal by itself within 6 months to 2 years. However, the age group of 50 to 80 years is the most susceptible to gynecomastia and it happened in 1 - 4 men.
- Taking anabolic steroids, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, heart disease medications, HIV medication, chemotherapy, and certain antibiotics can trigger gynecomastia. The use of illegal drugs such as marijuana and the consumption of alcoholic beverages can also cause gynecomastia. Likewise with the use of certain herbal products such as lavender oil.
- Certain health conditions, such as liver and kidney disease, thyroid disease, active tumors, and Klinefelter's syndrome. Other health conditions that can interfere with normal hormone levels that cause gynecomastia include kidney failure, liver disorders, and various tumors (testes, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland). Hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, aging, malnutrition, and hunger can also be causes of gynecomastia.
Causes of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia triggered by a decrease in the amount of a certain hormone compared to estrogen so that the two hormones become imbalanced in the body. Read also other causes of gynecomastia here!
Gynecomastia Symptoms
Gynecomastia can be identified from the characteristic symptoms of swelling and breast tenderness. There may also pain in one or both breasts, as well as discharge from one or both nipples.
Diagnosis of Gynecomastia
The doctor will first ask the sufferer about drugs that have been and are still being consumed, as well as a history of family health conditions. After that, the doctor will also perform a physical examination, including a careful evaluation of the person's breast, stomach, and genitalia. Some of the initial tests that will be done to diagnose the cause of gynecomastia are blood tests and a mammogram. Patients may also need to undergo further tests depending on the results of these initial tests, which include CT scans, MRI, testicular ultrasounds, and tissue biopsy.
Gynecomastia complications
Besides affecting your physical condition, gynecomastia can also cause psychological or emotional problems due to the abnormal appearance of your breasts.
Gynecomastia Treatment
Gynecomastia treatment for each person may vary depending on the cause behind the condition. Gynecomastia caused by natural hormonal changes usually improves over time. The doctor will still schedule regular evaluations every 3-6 months to observe the progress of the patient's condition. The doctor will then provide appropriate treatment for the sufferer's condition if it turns out that the gynecomastia does not improve or to avoid psychological trauma due to the effect of this condition on the sufferer's physical appearance.
Treatment of gynecomastia that is considered to interfere with the person's appearance is liposuction and mastectomy procedures. Liposuction will remove the fat contained in the breast tissue, while a mastectomy is a procedure performed to remove the affected breast tissue glands through an endoscopic procedure.
Gynecomastia Prevention
Gynecomastia can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle which will affect hormonal balance. Avoiding some of the risk factors, such as not using substances or illegal drugs, not drinking excess alcohol can also help reduce the risk of gynecomastia.
When to See a Doctor?
If you or a family member have the above signs and symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately to get the right treatment.
Reference:
- Mayo Clinic. Enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia)
- NCBI. Gynecomastia: Clinical evaluation and management