Gynecomastia is a condition that causes the breasts of men to swell and become bigger than normal. This condition is most common in teenage boys and older men. It can occur when the balance of two hormones in the body is thrown off. When the body of a boy goes through puberty or when the body of an older man makes less testosterone, the balance of testosterone and estrogen changes. A lot of men with gynecomastia go through ChestSculpt Gynecomastia Surgery in Chicago.
Causes of Gynecomastia
Often, gynecomastia is a benign condition. It may be associated with a lot of various causes of hormone changes. The cause is usually not known. The condition can also be a side effect of some medicines like antidepressants, chemotherapy, antibiotics, cardiovascular or ulcer medicines, and prostate cancer medicines. Also, some diseases like liver disease, lung cancer, kidney disease, testicular cancer, and others may cause gynecomastia. Some newborn babies may have a short-term form of gynecomastia. The reason is that the estrogen of the mother stays in the baby’s blood for some time after birth.
Moreover, obesity and being over overweight is a common cause of gynecomastia since this can increase estrogen levels that can cause the breast tissue to grow. Also, overweight boys and men may have excess fat that can enlarge the breast tissue.
Symptoms of Gynecomastia
Aside from having enlarged breasts, boys or men with gynecomastia may notice their breasts feel firm or rubbery. The sufferer can have a breast bud on one or both sides around the size of a nickel or quarter. A breast bud can last up to two years; however, they will go away within the first year. Men or boys with the condition can have it in one or both breasts.
Treatment for Gynecomastia
Boys or men who are worried about breast tissue growth should see a doctor to discuss the treatment options with them. When the doctor believes the patient needs treatment, they may recommend surgery to take away the excess breast tissue or medication to adjust a hormone imbalance. The doctor will determine the best treatment for the patient based on his age, overall health and past health, the severity of the condition, his body’s ability to handle some medicines, therapies, or treatments, as well as the length of time the condition may last.
The majority of gynecomastia cases take place during puberty. Usually, the condition gets better on its own without treatment. This often takes from 6 months to 2-3 years. If the condition is caused by a medicine the patient is taking, he may have to stop taking it to solve the problem. If it is caused by a disease, the doctor will focus on treating the disease and give the patient more info in treatment options.
It is important to see a doctor when the area is quite painful or if there is a noticeable lump. In some cases, it is necessary to remove the lump. Gynecomastia is not related to breast cancer; however, those who experience breast swelling must see their doctor.
