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Gynecomastia is a condition in which above average amounts of firm breast tissue form in males. The breast tissue is usually less than 2 inches across and is located directly under either one nipple or both nipples.
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In males, hormones are produced in the testicles which are responsible for the physical changes that begin to take place during puberty. Male’s hormones mostly contain androgens in their body, but they do however, also have small amounts of estrogen. In women, breast development is caused by higher levels of estrogen. Within puberty, a male's production of androgens increases drastically, whereas estrogen production normally remains low. There are times however, when guys produce enough estrogen during puberty usually resulting with some breast development.
In rare cases, gynecomastia can be caused by prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, illegal drugs (such as marijuana and steroids) or tumors. Gynecomastia can also be caused by certain genetic disorders and conditions such as Klinefelter Syndrome.
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Gynecomastia is not unusual or abnormal in adolescent boys. Temporary breast enlargement often happens during adolescence when there are hormonal changes.
It is suggested that about half of all males ages 12-16 who are going through puberty experience some form of gynecomastia in one or both breasts. Gynecomastia is usually a temporary condition, and it is quite abnormal for the breasts to stay developed, eventually flattening out completely within a few months to a few of years. Since it usually goes away on its own, typically no medical treatment or surgery is needed.
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Due to the fact that gynecomastia occurs naturally in the body during puberty, no known method can prevent it. Talking to your child about illegal drug use can help deter the use, and therefore the development of gynecomastia. A healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise may also affect the development of the breast.
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Gynecomastia is not physically harmful, although it can occasionally indicate more serious underlying conditions. Occasionally, males with gynecomastia experience tenderness that can be treated with medications. Males with gynecomastia usually experience psychological and social issues rather than physical problems.
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Pseudogynecomastia (or false gynecomastia) has nothing to do with puberty or hormones. It is simply due to the fact that some males may have extra fat in the chest area, making it appear like they have breasts. A simple exam with you PCP can determine whether or not your child has gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia.
Gynecomastia can have a major emotional impact on males and can include feelings of shame, embarrassment and depression. Males with gynecomastia often hide their chests in public or withdraw socially and avoid discussing their concerns with parents and peers.
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Contact our specialists directly at 617-355-7252 if gynecomastia is causing emotional distress, discharge from the breast, or concerns arise about your child's development through puberty.
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Since gynecomastia is usually a side effect of puberty, there is no need for diagnosis. When the breasts do not flatten out however, your local PCP will be able to determine if there is an issue with a routine check-up.
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In most cases, no treatment is needed for gynecomastia. In 90 percent of teenage boys, gynecomastia goes away in less than three years. A physician should still monitor the condition every few months.
For the remaining 10 percent of males who continue to have gynecomastia, treating the underlying cause may improve the condition. If medications are causing gynecomastia, they may be stopped or changed. In overweight males, weight loss sometimes helps remedy gynecomastia. An evaluation by an experienced plastic surgeon is often suggested because cosmetic surgery can surgically remove the breast tissue. Some males choose to live with the condition. Some males find that wearing loose-fitting clothing makes the condition appear less noticeable until the extra tissue goes away over time. In some cases, surgical removal of the breast tissue may be an option.
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With most cases the experience of tenderness persists for only a few months before going away completely, eventually decreasing in size. Normally, it is unusual for the condition to last more than two years in length. This condition seldom progresses to the point where the patient is embarrassed about the breast growth.
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Gynecomastia
