Gynecomastia overview
Gynecomastia, pronounced “guy-nuh-koh-MAS-tee-uh,” is an excess of breast gland tissue in boys or men brought on by an unbalanced estrogen and testosterone level. One or both breasts may be affected by gynecomastia, occasionally unevenly.
Pseudogynecomastia refers to an increase in fat but not glandular tissue in male breasts. Newborns, boys going through puberty and older men may develop gynecomastia as a result of normal changes in hormone levels, though other causes also exist.
Generally, gynecomastia isn’t a serious problem, but it can be tough to cope with the condition. Men and boys with gynecomastia sometimes have pain in their breasts and may feel embarrassed.
Symptoms The majority of adult males with gynecomastia report feeling OK. Among the condition’s warning signs and symptoms are:
- Pain, especially in teenagers
- swollen breast tissue
- Tender breasts
- sensitivity to the touch of clothing on the lips
- When to visit a doctor
- Consult a physician if you have:
- Pain or discomfort with swelling
- Nipple discharge in either breast or both.
Causes
Gynecomastia is brought on by a drop in testosterone levels when compared to estrogen. Conditions that impede testosterone’s actions, lower testosterone, or raise estrogen levels may be to blame for the decline.
The following are some factors that can interfere with the hormone balance.
natural hormone alterations
Both men and women’s sex characteristics are regulated by the hormones testosterone and estrogen. Male characteristics like body hair and muscle mass are controlled by testosterone. Estrogen regulates feminine characteristics, particularly breast development.
Contrary to popular belief, men can also generate the hormone estrogen, albeit often in much less amounts. Gynecomastia can be brought on by male estrogen levels that are excessive or out of whack with testosterone levels.
- infant gynecomastia Because of the impact of their mother’s estrogen, more than half of male children are born with larger breasts. After giving birth, the enlarged breast tissue often fades away in two to three weeks.
- during adolescence, gynecomastia It is rather typical for hormonal changes brought on by puberty to induce gynecomastia. The enlarged breast tissue will typically go away on its own in six months to two years.
- Adult gynecomastia. Between 24% and 65% of men between the ages of 50 and 80 are believed to be affected. The majority of affected men, however, have no symptoms.
Health issues
A number of medical disorders that interfere with the hormone’s normal balance might result in gynecomastia. These consist of:
- Hypogonadism. Gynecomastia can be related to conditions that reduce testosterone production, such as Klinefelter syndrome or pituitary insufficiency.
- Aging. Gynecomastia can be brought on by aging hormone changes, especially in overweight men.
- Tumors. Some tumors, like those affecting the testicles, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland, can release hormones that change the balance of male and female hormones.
- Hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland overproduces the hormone thyroxine in this disease.
- Renal failure Gynecomastia is a side effect of dialysis that affects about 50% of patients because of hormonal abnormalities.
- Cirrhosis and liver failure. Gynecomastia is linked to changes in hormone levels brought on by cirrhosis medicines and liver issues.
- hunger and malnutrition.
