Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the breast tissue in the men or boys. It is common during infancy, puberty and in middle aged men. The main cause of gynecomastia is the imbalance of the estrogen and testosterone hormones. It can occur in one or both the breasts. Although, it isn’t a serious condition but it can be quite tough to cope with.
Symptoms
signs and symptoms of include
- Swollen breast gland tissue
- breast tenderness
- Pain in the breast
Causes
It can be triggered by low levels of testosterone. Things that can upset the hormone balance include
Natural hormone changes The development of sex characteristics in both men and women are maintained and controlled by testosterone and estrogen hormones. Testosterone controls the male traits while estrogen controls the female breasts. Even male produce estrogen but when the estrogen levels are high or are out of balance with testosterone levels, it could lead to gynecomastia.
Medications and health conditions
Medications which can lead to gynecomastia include
- anti-androgens used to treat prostate enlargement, prostate cancer and other conditions.
- anabolic steroids and androgens.
- AIDS medication
- anti- anxiety medications
- antibiotics
- chemotherapy
Health conditions which can lead to gynceosmastia include Hypoganadism, aging, tumours, hypothyroidism, Kidney failure, liver and cirrhosis.
Treatment
Most cases of gynceosmastia recover on their own with time without any treatment. When the underlying condition is causing the condition then treatment may be required. If you are taking certain medications that can cause gynceosmastia, then your doctor will ask you to stop that medication. Besides that there are two surgery options available for treating this condition.Liposuction is done to remove fat from the breast. However the breast gland tissue is not removed and mastectomy is done when the breast gland tissue needs to be removed.
How to prevent Gynecomastia?
Since ageing and growth can’t be prevented, hence Gynecomastia can’t be prevented either. Conditions related to Gynecomastia can only be prevented to extent of the prevention of underlying or responsible condition.
