Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males. The cause is generally unknown, but has often been attributed to an imbalance of hormones. Several potential causes are puberty, steroid abuse, obesity, tumors, genetic disorders, medication side effects and aging. It is common in infants, adolescence and middle aged to older adult males. The condition is common about 50% of teenage boys beginning at the onset of puberty around the ages of 10-12. For 90% the symptoms will disappear on their own within 8-36 months as the males mature out of puberty.
Most of all symptoms are gone by the age 17. The remaining percentage whose symptoms do not resolve can often have psycho-social issues to deal with, especially those of body image. Gynecomastia is also common among older men, often due to weight gain, hormone imbalance or certain medications. When symptoms do not resolve on their own few choices are available to remedy the problem. No treatment is required for the physical aspect of this issue. Identifying and managing the underlying primary disorder may often alleviate the problem. For example; if the gynecomastia is caused by obesity, then weight loss can help, but not eliminate the problem.
Surgery such as liposuction or in more severe cases mammoplasty, are the only known remedies to relieve the physical symptoms. Some medications are also known to help resolve the symptoms such as Tamoxifen, danazol and testolactone. Psychological issues in dealing with gynecomastia can be significant and devastating. Support groups are available for those who require it. Medical evaluation is always a prudent idea, when breast enlargement occurs in males to rule out other etiologies. |
