Gynecomastia Treatment

What causes gynecomastia?

There is no single answer to what causes gynecomastia. It could be a single cause or a combination of several factors interacting with each other. Some commonly cited causes include:

• Genetics. Some men may be genetically predisposed to having enlarged breasts, and certain genetic abnormalities, particularly disorders of the sex chromosomes, can cause gynecomastia.
• Hormone Imbalances. As a secondary sex characteristic, the size of the breasts is influenced by the levels of hormones present in the body. Gynecomastia often occurs when levels of testosterone are lower, and/or levels of estrogen are higher than normal. Because the body undergoes such dramatic changes during puberty, some adolescents see the gynecomastia fade away, while others continue to deal with the problem.
• Some Medications. It is a well-known fact that medications have side effects, and it would be impossible to list all the medications whose potential side effects lists include gynecomastia. If you're concerned about a medication you're taking and how it may be causing the condition, speak with your doctor about your concerns.
• Other Health Issues. Sometimes, what is perceived as a problem may only be a symptom of an underlying problem. The body is a connected system, and an issue affecting one part can also have an impact on other body systems. Enlarged breasts in males can occur as the result of complications with the heart, liver, kidneys, prostate, or thyroid.

While obesity may be cited as a common cause of enlarged male breasts, it is important to draw a distinction between larger breasts caused by the accumulation of excess fat and true gynecomastia. The outer appearance may be similar, but the breasts of men who suffer from gynecomastia are composed not only of fatty tissue, but of glandular tissue as well.