What is gynecomastia? how is it treated?

Gynecomastia is a medical term that refers to a condition in which men’s breast glands enlarge and become more pronounced than usual. Although it is a condition rarely discussed publicly, it affects a significant number of men around the world. In this article, we will discuss what exactly gynecomastia is, what its symptoms are, who is at risk of developing it, and methods of diagnosing and treating the condition.

What are the symptoms of gynecomastia?

Symptoms of gynecomastia usually include enlargement of the mammary glands in men, which leads to more pronounced and feminine breast shapes. Other common symptoms include pain, tenderness or swelling in the breast area. It is important to understand that not all male breast enlargement means gynecomastia. Sometimes it may be the result of obesity, the accumulation of fat around the breasts, and not actual glandular hyperplasia.

Who can develop gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can occur in men of all ages, but is most often seen in teenagers during puberty and in men over 50 years of age. However, there are risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing this condition, such as the use of certain medications, alcohol or drug abuse, hormonal diseases or obesity.

Physiological gynecomastia

Physiological gynecomastia is a type of gynecomastia that occurs in infants, adolescents during puberty, and older men. In infants it is the result of the influence of the mother’s hormones, in teenagers it is usually caused by hormonal changes during puberty, and in older men it may be the result of a natural decline in testosterone levels in the body.

Pathological hyperplasia of the mammary glands in men

Pathological enlargement of the mammary glands in men is a more advanced form of gynecomastia, which may be the result of diseases such as testicular cancer, hormonal disorders, or improper functioning of internal organs. If pathological hyperplasia of the mammary glands is suspected, a thorough medical examination and laboratory diagnostics are necessary.

How is gynecomastia diagnosed?

The diagnosis of gynecomastia is usually based on a clinical examination and the patient’s history. Your doctor may order additional tests, such as blood tests to assess sex hormone levels and a mammogram or breast ultrasound to rule out other conditions. It is also important to carefully collect information about medications used, psychoactive substances used and possible diseases of the endocrine system.

How is gynecomastia treated?

Treatment for gynecomastia depends on its cause. In the case of physiological gynecomastia in infants and teenagers, it often does not require special treatment and goes away on its own as it develops. In older men, hormone therapy may be necessary to restore hormonal balance.

If gynecomastia is the result of using medications or other substances, your doctor may recommend changing your therapy or discontinuing these substances. In the case of pathological hyperplasia of the mammary glands, surgical treatment may be necessary, i.e. surgical removal of excess glandular tissue.

Your suggestions

If you suspect you have gynecomastia or have any concerns about your health, consult your doctor. Only a professional medical evaluation can confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about gynecomastia, it is worth reading recommended medical articles or consulting a medical expert who will help you understand this condition and take appropriate steps to treat it.

Gynecomastia can be a difficult experience, but there are various treatments and supports that can help patients cope with the condition. The most important thing, however, is to consult a doctor who will conduct appropriate tests and determine the best treatment plan tailored to the individual needs of the patient.

It is also worth remembering that each case of gynecomastia is different, and treatment may vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Regardless of the source of gynecomastia, there are treatment options available that can help improve a patient’s quality of life.