overview
Enlarged breast in men (gynecomastia)
Enlarged breast in men (gynecomastia)
Gynecomastia (mec-nuh-koh-MAS-tee-uh) is a swelling of the breast tissue in boys or men, caused by an imbalance of hormones estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. Newborns, teenage boys, and older men can develop gynecomastia as a result of normal changes in hormone levels, although there are other causes as well.
In general, gynecomastia is not a serious problem, but it can be difficult to cope with the disease. Men and boys with gynecomastia sometimes have chest pain and may feel embarrassed.
Gynecomastia can disappear on its own. If this stops, medications or surgeries may help.
symptoms
Signs and symptoms of gynecomastia include:
Breathed breast tissue
Tenderness of the chest
When should I see a doctor?
Consult your doctor if you:
swelling
pain
tenderness
Nipple discharge in one or both breasts
the causes
Gynecomastia is triggered by a decrease in testosterone hormone compared to estrogen. The cause of this decrease can be seen in your testosterone or in a condition that increases your estrogen levels. Various things can disrupt the hormonal balance, including the following.
Natural hormonal changes
Hormones, testosterone and estrogen control the development and maintenance of sexual characteristics in men and women. Testosterone controls male characteristics such as muscle mass and body hair. Estrogen controls the characteristics of the woman, including breast growth.
Most people think that estrogen is an exclusively female hormone, but also produces it. However, estrogen levels in men are too high because testosterone levels can cause gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia in infants. More than half of all male children are born with estrogen breasts to their mothers. In general, swollen breast tissue disappears within two to three weeks of birth.
Gynecomastia during puberty. Gynecomastia due to hormonal changes during puberty is relatively common. In most cases, swollen breast tissue is treated within six months to two years.
Gynecomastia in men. The prevalence of gynecomastia is again highest between 50 and 69 years. At least one in four men in this age group is affected.
pharmaceuticals
A number of drugs can cause gynecomastia. These include:
Anti-androgens for the treatment of prostate enlargement, prostate cancer and certain other diseases. Examples include flutamide, finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) and spironolactone (aldactone).
Anabolic and androgenic steroids.
AIDS medications. Gynecomastia can develop in HIV-positive men receiving highly active treatment called antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Efavirenz (Sustiva) is more commonly associated with gynecomastia than other anti-HIV drugs.
Anti-anxiety medications like Diazepam (Valium).
Tricyclic antidepressants.
Antibiotics.
Anti-ulcer drugs such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB).
Cancer treatment (chemotherapy).
Drugs for the heart such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and calcium channel blockers.
Drugs of gastric motility such as metoclopramide (Reglan).
Street drugs and alcohol
Substances that can cause gynecomastia are:
alcohol
amphetamines
marijuana
heroin
methadone
health
Various diseases can cause gynecomastia by affecting the normal hormonal balance. These include:
Hypogonadism. All conditions that interfere with normal testosterone production, such as Klinefelter syndrome or pituitary insufficiency, may be associated with gynecomastia.
Aging. Hormonal changes that occur during normal aging can cause gynecomastia, especially in overweight men.
You die. Some tumors, such as testicular tumors, adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, can produce hormones that alter the male-female hormone balance.
Hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine hormone.
Kidney failure. Gynecomastia due to hormonal changes.
Hepatic insufficiency and cirrhosis of the liver. Hormonal fluctuations are associated with drugs for cirrhosis associated with gynecomastia.
Malnutrition and hunger If your body is not adequately nourished, the testosterone level will decrease, but the estrogen level will remain constant, which will cause a hormonal imbalance. Gynecomastia can also occur during a normal diet.
Herbal products
Vegetable oils, such as tea tree or lavender, used in shampoos, soaps or lotions have been associated with gynecomastia. This is probably due to their low estrogenic activity.
risk factors
The risk factors for gynecomastia are:
adolescence
Older
Use of anabolic steroids or androgens to enhance athletic performance
Certain health problems, including liver and kidney diseases, thyroid diseases, hormonally active tumors and Klinefelter syndrome
complications
Gynecomastia has few physical complications, but can cause psychological or emotional problems related to appearance.
prevention
You can control some things to reduce the risk of gynecomastia:
Do not use illegal drugs. Examples include steroids and androgens, amphetamines, heroin and marijuana.
Avoid alcohol. Do not drink alcohol or in moderation.
Check your medications. Gynecomastia, where are you going?
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