Overview

Gynecomastia is a condition in which a man's breasts grow due to a hormonal imbalance. Until adolescence, male breasts grow and develop in the same way as female breasts do. The male reproductive organs (testes) subsequently secrete male hormones (androgens), which typically inhibit breast growth. Because oestrogen is present, a woman's breasts continue to develop. Gynecomastia can affect a man at any age, although it is more common in adolescence and senility. Typically, just one breast is affected. Only the nipple and the surrounding tissue (areola) may expand to a buttonlike protrusion in some situations; in rarer circumstances, the entire breast may grow to the size of a normal female organ.

Connective tissue development causes enlargement. In the tissue, mammary ducts and fake milk cavities can develop. Fluids are discharged from the nipple either naturally or as a consequence of manipulation; they do not contain milk. Excessive body fat, inflammatory diseases, granular lesions, or tumour development are all causes of pseudogynecomastia. True gynecomastia is caused by a hormonal imbalance in the male, or an increase in estrogenic hormones. Tumors in other parts of the male body can induce oestrogen abnormalities; in these situations, gynecomastia is a secondary symptom of the underlying disease.

Gynecomastia is most often caused by testicular or pituitary gland tumours. Because to the decreased production of androgens as a result of ageing, this anomaly is more common in older males. Gynecomastia does not appear to be caused by breast injuries, but if the condition is established, an injury can induce a fast rise in development. Hormone therapy, correction of the estrogen-stimulating condition, or excision of the tumours responsible for the incorrect hormone balance are the most common treatments for gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia can Occur for a Variety of Reasons.

Idiopathic gynecomastia is a kind of gynecomastia that occurs when there is no apparent cause. However, there are several circumstances that might make gynecomastia more likely. The number of patients with gynecomastia is on the rise in India, owing to rising obesity rates, increased usage of anabolic steroids, and environmental pollution with estrogen-like chemicals.

A rise in the ratio of estrogens (female hormones) to testosterones is the most common reason (male hormone). The “female” hormone oestrogen promotes breast tissue growth, whereas the “male” hormone testosterone inhibits breast tissue growth (it stops oestrogen from making breast tissue grow).

Is Gynecomastia linked to the Development of Breast Cancer?

Males are seldom diagnosed with breast cancer, with just about 100 Australian men diagnosed each year (less than 1 percent of all breast cancers). Breast cancer and gynecomastia manifest in different ways. It's generally harsh and uneven rather than gentle, and it only affects one side of the chest. Other signs and symptoms include nipple deformity or discharge, as well as armpit lumps. Men with gynecomastia have a nearly two-to-one chance of developing breast cancer, while this is still a rare occurrence.

Gynecomastia

Why would a Man get his Breasts Reduced?

While decreasing weight might help some men minimise the appearance of male breasts, there is often extra glandular tissue present, resulting in larger breasts even in the leanest of patients. Male breast reduction is now the only consistently successful, if not permanent, therapy for gynecomastia. Patients frequently describe feeling confident enough to go naked for the first time in years after this procedure. Male breast reduction is an option to explore if you are uncomfortable or self-conscious about the look of your chest, or if you avoid certain activities because you are scared to display your chest. The treatment, when performed by a skilled cosmetic surgeon, provides spectacular, near-immediate results with little scarring.

Causes 

A variety of causes can produce increased breast tissue in males, however there are occasions when no reason can be identified:

  • Age-related hormonal alterations (having less testosterone and more estrogen)
  • Increased body fat levels can lead to an increase in oestrogen levels.

Medicines and other compounds include the following:

  • Medicines that inhibit testosterone's effect or restrict its synthesis, such as those used to treat prostate cancer.
  • Antibiotics of a certain kind
  • Several cancer therapies (chemotherapy)
  • Some drugs to treat heart and blood vessel problems
  • Some psychiatric medications, such as those for anxiety, sadness, and psychotic illnesses
  • Beverages containing alcohol (drinking too much)
  • Amphetamines, anabolic steroids, androgens (used by bodybuilders and sportsmen to increase performance), heroin, and marijuana are all illegal substances.
  • Over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements containing phytoestrogens (plant compounds that act like oestrogen), and lotions containing lavender or tea tree oil are all examples.
Gynecomastia

Boys who have just been born

Because oestrogen travels from the mother to the infant through the placenta, gynecomastia can affect newborn baby males. This is only temporary and will go away when the baby is delivered.

Getting older

Men generate less testosterone as they age. Older men also have greater body fat, which can lead to an increase in oestrogen production. Excessive breast tissue development might result from these hormonal changes.

Obesity

Obesity (being extremely overweight) is a common cause of gynecomastia, as being overweight can cause oestrogen levels to rise, causing breast tissue to develop. If you're overweight, you're more likely to have extra fat in your breasts, which might cause them to expand. Losing weight or increasing exercise may benefit some people, but it may not always improve their health.

Hormone Shifts in Nature

Hormones can alter at any point in your life, but they change most dramatically throughout puberty and later in life. Gynecomastia can develop at any time in a man's life if he produces too much oestrogen or not enough testosterone.

How do you know if you have Gynecomastia?

Physical symptoms, a breast exam, a medical history and medication review, and other examinations are used to make the diagnosis. Tenderness and discomfort in the breasts are frequent complaints. During the exam, a hard rubbery disc of tissue right behind the nipple region is frequently encountered. Within the breast tissue, the lump is readily moved. All of the medicines, vitamins, and herbal items you use will be reviewed by your doctor. Your doctor will also go over your medical history and conduct testing to see whether the gynecomastia is caused by any other diseases or disorders. A mammogram and/or a breast ultrasound are two types of breast imaging examinations that can be ordered. Typically, these tests are done to rule out breast cancer. Blood tests to monitor your hormone levels may also be ordered by your doctor.

What is the Treatment for Gynecomastia?

Your Health-Care practitioner will determine the optimal therapy for you based on the following factors:

1. How old are you?

Your current and previous health.

2. How ill are you?

Your ability to cope with specific medications, treatments, or therapies.

3. How long do you think the situation will last?

Your point of view or preference.

Gynecomastia is most common during puberty. Without therapy, the disease generally improves on its own. This might take anything from six months to two or three years. You may need to stop taking a drug if it is causing your breast growth. That may be sufficient to resolve the issue. If the condition is caused by an illness, the disease must be addressed. Gynecomastia can be treated with hormone treatment. Surgery may be performed to remove the excess tissue in rare situations.