What is Gynecomastia?
by Beth G. Hodges, MD

Gynecomastia is defined as overdevelopment of male breast tissue. It can occur on one or both sides and can affect men of any age, depending on the cause. It is usually due to an increase in estrogen or a decrease in testosterone levels outside the expected range.

Transient gynecomastia can affect up to one third of all teenage males ages 13-14 yrs. It often occurs unilaterally and is alarming to the boy and often to the parents, initiating a concerned visit to the doctor's office. Gynecomastia in this age group is usually due to hormones related to the onset of puberty and is ALMOST NEVER never a sign of something more serious.

Adult males, on the other hand, can develop gynecomastia for more concerning reasons. It can be due to cirrhosis of the liver, which is chronic liver damage due to infection or alcoholism. It can also signal cancer of the liver or cancer of the lung. Additionally, adrenal gland cancer, pituitary gland cancer, and testicular cancer can all present initially with gynecomastia.

Gyncomastia can signal an overactive thyroid gland or may be due to excess storage of estrogen in the fatty tissues of an obese male.

Some anti-seizure medications and antidepressants can cause gynecomastia, as can some chemotherapy agents. Marijuana and some other street drugs can lead to gynecomastia, as can steroids, spironolactone ( a medication for congestive heart failure), and even heavy use of beauty products containing tea tree oil or lavender oil.

There is no specific treatment for gynecomastia, except to treat the underlying medical condition once it is found. Sometimes patients with gynaecomastia do elect to have surgical removal of the breast tissue for cosmetic reasons. An adult male experiencing enlargement of one or both breasts should seek medical evaluation immediately.

Published - January, 2010