What is Gynecomastia and How Does it Feel?

Gynecomastia is a condition in which men develop enlarged glandular tissue in their breasts as a result of hormonal imbalance. It can occur in one or both breasts, and the area may be tender to the touch or hurt. The main symptom of gynecomastia is breast enlargement, and the size of gynecomastia can range from a small, firm enlargement of the breast tissue just behind the nipple to a larger, more feminine looking breast. Men and boys with gynecomastia sometimes have breast pain and may feel embarrassed.

Newborns, boys going through puberty, and older men may develop gynecomastia as a result of normal changes in hormone levels, although there are other causes as well. Gynecomastia is usually caused by changes in the levels of the female hormone (estrogen) and the male hormone (testosterone). If you feel soft adipose tissue but don't have lumps, you may have pseudogynecomastia, which usually goes away if you lose weight. Some medications, drugs (such as alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, and heroin), anabolic steroids (taken to build muscle and improve strength), and other medications can also cause gynecomastia.

The patient's medical history will also be reviewed for any disorders that may cause gynecomastia and the use of any medications that may trigger the condition. Male estrogen levels that are too high or out of balance with testosterone levels can cause gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can sometimes be a side effect of an HIV treatment called high-activity antiretroviral therapy. Some male babies may have gynecomastia for a short time while their mother's hormones are still in their bodies. Gynecomastia usually resolves without the need for any treatment, but if the cause is an underlying health condition, such as liver disease or hypogonadism, that condition will need to be treated before breast symptoms go away.

Gynecomastia isn't usually associated with long-term problems, but people who develop it are approximately five times more at risk of developing male breast cancer compared to the general population. Gynecomastia isn't usually a serious problem, but it can be difficult to cope with. Even though it's only a temporary change for most teens, some men with gynecomastia may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their appearance. If it persists, medications or surgery may help.