Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males, often caused by imbalances in testosterone and estrogen levels. Symptoms include swollen nipples, tender breast tissue, and mood changes. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery. Diagnostic tests are used to identify the underlying cause, and hormone replacement therapy may be needed. Breast cancer is rare in men but can cause additional symptoms.
Gynecomastia is a common condition that refers to the enlargement of breast tissue in males. In addition to the obvious gyno symptoms of swelling and tenderness in one or both breasts, a number of other health problems may be present. Depending on the underlying causes of the disorder, a man may experience nipple discharge, mood changes, feeling tired and nauseous. Doctors can usually treat the symptoms of gynecomastia by suggesting lifestyle changes and prescribing medications. Surgery may be needed if the breasts grow unusually large or if a suspicious tumor is found in the breast tissue.
Most cases of gyno come from imbalances in testosterone and estrogen levels in the body. Several factors can influence hormonal changes, the most common of which is male puberty. Many pubescent boys show mild gyno symptoms for several months or years, and eventually their chests return to normal. Newborns may also have enlarged breasts for up to one month after birth due to exposure to high levels of estrogen from their mothers in utero. When gyno occurs in older adult males, the problems may be related to medication use, hyperthyroidism, glandular tumors, or kidney or liver damage.
The most common symptoms of gyno are swollen nipples and soft, palpable breast tissue. Many men experience asymmetrical enlargement, which means that one breast grows larger than the other. Breast tissue is often tender to the touch, and the skin around the nipples may be slightly darker or redder than usual. Elevated estrogen levels can also cause mood swings, decreased sex drive, and tender, swollen testicles. If glandular tumors or organ failure are to blame, a person could experience chronic fatigue, fever, and gastrointestinal problems.
Breast cancer is very rare in men, but when cancerous tumors exist they can cause additional gyno symptoms. A hard lump can be felt under the layers of softer fatty tissue behind one of the nipples. Also, thick, bloody discharge may ooze from the nipple as the tumor grows. It is essential to visit a doctor at the first signs of possible breast cancer so that treatment can be administered immediately.
When an adult patient shows signs of gynecomastia, a doctor usually runs a series of diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause. Your doctor usually does a physical exam first and asks about any prescription medications and recreational drug use. X-rays and other imaging scans are done to check for signs of tumors in the breast tissue or other parts of the body. Also, blood tests can confirm hormone imbalances.
Patients who have gyno may need hormone replacement therapy to restore normal hormone levels in the body. Testosterone injections or supplements are often very effective at reducing symptoms within a few weeks or months. If tumors are found, a combination of surgery and radiation may be needed. When the causes are accurately identified and treated, most men are able to recover from the condition.
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