How to Treat Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the condition of abnormally developed breasts on men. It can occur at any age or stage of growth. While in adolescents it is usually the result of hormone imbalances and can disappear after a while, it can be the result of a number of different causes.

Causes of Gynecomastia

Some of the causes of gynecomastia that have been identified by pathologists include an increase in the production of serum estrogen, defective functioning of the androgen receptor, taking medications with hormones, a reduction in the body’s production of testosterone, kidney and liver diseases, and HIV. Gynecomastia may also be developed as a result of injury to the spinal cord and or eating after a period of starvation. In 25% of the cases, the cause is unknown.

It has been reported that over 15% of cases of gynecomastia are caused by medications, including spironolactone, cimetidine, finasteride, omeprazole and some antipsychotics. These medications act on the breast tissue and may also lead to the increased production of prolactin from the pituitary. Androstenedione, which is an enhancing food supplement, can also lead to breast enlargement because of an increase in estrogen activity. Marijuana usage is also suspected to be another possible cause of gynecomastia.

Estrogen levels are also known to increase because of testicular tumors, and in hyperthyroidism. There are also some adrenal tumors which can lead to elevated levels of androstenedione which is converted into estrone, a type of estrogen. Also, tumors which produce hCG can increase estrogen. The ability of the body for estrogen clearance can be decreased due to liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis. Obesity is also known to increase estrogen levels.

Another cause of gynecomastia is decreased testosterone production, which can occur with different forms of testicular failure, such as that caused by in genetic disorders like Klinefelter Syndrome. Diseases related to the pituitary or hypothalamus and substance abuse related to anabolic steroids can also lead to low testosterone levels.

Diagnosis of Gynecomastia

Most physicians can diagnose the condition right away. Sometimes the patients needs to undergo imaging or ultrasound tests to confirm the condition. Blood tests may be necessary to determine if there is any disease that is causing the condition.

Prognosis of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is not harmful in itself, but can be an indication of an underlying disease that could be dangerous. The presence of gynecomastia can lead to psychological and social problems for the patient. If gynecomastia is caused by obesity, it may be treated with weight loss.

Gynecomastia Treatment

If gynecomastia is caused by an existing physiological condition or disease, then treating the condition will help eradicate it. If it is due to medication, then the medicines causing it should be stopped and anti-estrogen medicines should be prescribed. Endocrinological attention can be effective during the first two to three years. After that window, however, the breast tissue solidifies and surgery is the only option. There are also men who decide to live gynecomastia and sometimes wear a bra for support.