What is gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts)?
This is the swelling Of breast tissue in Men, Boys.
What are the signs and symptoms of gynecomastia?
- Swollen breast gland tissue
- Breast tenderness
Who gets gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia occurs in neonates, at puberty, and with obesity and aging.
How Do I Know I have It?
- It can effect one or both the breasts,
- Causing uneven enlargement of breast usually seen behind the nipple.
- It can be felt as a disc like firm swelling.
- It will be painful to touch.
What causes gynecomastia during puberty, and how long does it last?
It is caused by hormone changes during puberty with Testosterone-Estrogens imbalance.
These hormones control the development and maintenance of sex characteristics in both
men and women.
Testosterone controls male traits, such as muscle mass and body hair.
Estrogens controls female traits, including the growth of breasts.
It Typically Last for about two years or so.
What diseases and conditions cause gynecomastia?
Decrease In Testosterone and increase in Estrogens due to
- Hypogonadism, such as Klinefelter’s syndrome or pituitary insufficiency, can be associated with gynecomastia.
- Aging, especially in men who are overweight.
- Some tumors involving the testes, adrenal glands or pituitary gland,
- the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine.
- Kidney failure. people being treated with regular hemodialysis experience gynecomastia due to hormonal changes.
- Liver failure and cirrhosis.Hormonal fluctuations related to liver problems medications taken for cirrhosis are associated with gynecomastia.
- Malnutrition and starvation.When your body is deprived of adequate nutrition, testosterone levels drop, but estrogen levels remain constant, causing a hormonal imbalance.
What medications cause gynecomastia?
- Anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam.
- Antihypertensives- Spironolactone
- Anti-androgens used to treat prostate enlargement, prostate cancer and some other conditions. Anabolic steroids and androgens.
- AIDS medications; Efavirenz
- Hormones for performance boosting.(Athlete Abuse)
- Antifungals- Ketoconazole (Prologed use).
- Tricyclic antidepressants.
- Chemotherapy drugs.
- Proton pump Inhibitors, Omeprazole.
- Heart medications, such as digoxin and calcium channel blockers.
- Gut motility medications, such as metoclopramide
How do I know if I have gynecomastia (diagnosis)?
You have to Go to A doctor who will
- Do a physical Examination.
– Breasts
– Genitals
– Abdomen
- Blood Tests.
– Testosterone, Estrogens levels
- Imaging Studies-
– Ultrasound, MRI
Can gynecomastia be prevented?
- Review the medication you are taking.
- Avoid Alcohol.
- Steroids, Androgens are to be avoided.