What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a physical condition in males where a male experiences an enlargement in his breast tissues. It may be found in men of all ages, but most commonly, new-born male children tend to suffer from it. Also, gynecomastia is noticed during puberty and older adulthood stages in men. In general, this health condition is a result of a hormone imbalance between oestrogen and testosterone. Some people may also experience gynecomastia while growing up due to natural hormonal changes.

What are the symptoms of gynecomastia?

While a hormonal change in a male body is a common reason for gynecomastia, certain medications may also lead to this health condition. The use of drugs like anabolic steroids, antidepressants and medications for cardiac ailments may also cause gynecomastia.

Common symptoms of gynecomastia:

• Enlargement of breasts: The enlargement of one or both the male breasts is the main symptom of gynecomastia. The growth could be due to enlarged glandular tissue in the breasts, which may be uniform or irregular.
• Feeling of tenderness: The nipple area or the breast may have a tender feeling. Sometimes, a person may feel breast pain as well.
• Breast buds: One may find breast buds the size of a coin in one or both breasts. This symptom is mainly found during puberty and gradually goes away with the advancement of age.
• A possibility of breast cancer: If symptoms like disfiguring of the skin around the breasts, discharge from nipples, retraction of a nipple or enlargement of lymph nodes in the armpit area occur, then there is a possibility of breast cancer. Urgent medical advice should be sought under such circumstances.
• Breast abscess: If the breasts are swollen and have become reddish with a reasonable amount of pain accompanied by fever and chills, it is a case of breast abscess. However, it is a rare occurrence.

In particular, in the event of experiencing the last two serious symptoms listed above, request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Call 18605002244

What causes Gynecomastia?

The most common cause of gynecomastia is an imbalance between oestrogen and androgen hormones. If the male body produces excess oestrogen, which controls the growth of breasts, one may have gynecomastia. Moreover, a condition called hypogonadism, or lower testosterone levels may be a common cause of gynecomastia.

Obesity may also lead to the accumulation of excess fat around the breast area, leading to gynecomastia, known as pseudo gynecomastia.

Some of the other causes of gynecomastia are

• Alcoholism
• Adrenal tumours
• Kidney ailments
• Inheritance of the condition
• Liver ailments
• Thyroid issues.

Gynecomastia: When should you visit a doctor?

A doctor needs to be consulted in case of the following symptoms:

• Lump in the breast area
• Feeling of itchiness in the breasts
• Discharge from nipples.

Debunking Myths About Gynecomastia:

• Exercise can help get rid of gynecomastia: In case one gets into excessive and vigorous physical activity, pectoral muscles start getting developed. In such a situation, breasts tend to become more noticeable. Hence one cannot say exercising will cure gynecomastia. Unfortunately, no as excessive workouts shall lead to the development of pectoral muscles which make the breasts more noticeable.
• Gynecomastia cannot be treated: Yes, gynecomastia is curable. While it may go away in some cases, in some males, the conditions may persist. For treatment of gynecomastia, one must consult a medical practitioner. The excess tissues may have to be removed by an operation to flatten out the chest.
• Alcohol leads to gynecomastia: While it may seem to be a myth, the excessive consumption of alcohol leads to the accumulation of fatty tissues that may lead to the enlargement of breasts in men.
• Gynecomastia is an uncommon condition: It is a very common occurrence in males. Around 70% of the boys’ experience gynecomastia during puberty, which usually goes away over a period of time.
• Gynecomastia is always a genetic disorder: The most common cause of gynecomastia is hormone imbalance, and at times, it could be due to some medication.

Conclusion

As is evident from the discussions above, gynecomastia is generally not a life-threatening condition. Rather, it could cause embarrassment for the person experiencing the same. Treatments are available to come out of the situation. For treating gynecomastia, request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals. Call 18605002244