Learn what you need to know about gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the pathological enlargement of one or both mammary glands in men. It is the most common breast pathology in men, affecting approximately 50% for adolescents and up to 65% for older men 65 years old. Therefore, it is necessary to raise awareness of what happens with this pathology, the possible causes and its correct treatment.

Causes:

The causes of the gynecomastia They are diverse and complex, and can be classified into two main categories:

Physiological gynecomastia

• Neonatal stage: It is common for newborns to present gynecomastia due to exposure to maternal hormones during pregnancy. This condition usually goes away on its own in the first weeks of life.
• Puberty: During puberty, the increased estrogen levels In relation to those of testosterone it can cause gynecomastia in up to 85% of adolescents. In most cases, this condition resolves spontaneously within a couple of years.

Pathological gynecomastia

• Hormonal imbalance: Various conditions can alter the hormonal balance between estrogen and testosterone, causing gynecomastia. Among these are:
  • Hypogonadism: Deficiency in testosterone production through the testicles.
  • Acromegaly: Excess growth hormones.
  • Hyperthyroidism: Excess thyroid hormone.
• Kidney failure: Dysfunction of the kidneys that affects estrogen clearance.
• Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anabolic steroids, can cause this condition as a side effect.
• Chronic diseases: Certain chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and liver cirrhosis, are associated with a higher risk of developing it.
• Substances: The consumption of marijuana, alcohol and some herbs It may be related to the appearance of gynecomastia in some cases.

Symptoms of gynecomastia:

He main symptom of gynecomastia It is the visible and palpable enlargement of one or both mammary glands. In some cases, gynecomastia may be accompanied by:

• Pain or sensitivity in the mammary glands
• swollen nipples
• Discharge of milk from the nipples (galactorrhea)
• Inconvenience or shame for breast appearance

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of gynecomastia is based on the patient's medical history, a physical examination and complementary tests, as necessary. Additional tests may include:

• Blood test: To evaluate the levels of hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, prolactin and growth hormone.
• Breast ultrasound: To rule out the presence of tumors or other abnormalities in the mammary glands.
• Mammography: In some cases, a mammogram may be performed to obtain a more detailed image of the breast tissue.

Gynecomastia treatment:

Treatment of gynecomastiadepends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, gynecomastia may resolve on its own, especially when it is due to natural hormonal changes during puberty or aging.

However, in other cases, treatment is necessary to reduce the size of the mammary glands and improve the patient's quality of life. Treatment options include:

• Lifestyle changes: In cases related to obesity or the consumption of certain substances, lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise and eliminating the consumption of harmful substances, may be enough to reverse gynecomastia.
• Medications: In some cases, medications may be effective for correct hormone imbalancely reduce the size of the mammary glands. Commonly used medications include:
• Tamoxifen: A medicine which blocks the action of estrogen.
• Aromatase inhibitors: Medications that reduce the body's production of estrogen.
• Surgery: The liposuction or mastectomy They are surgical options that can be considered in cases of severe gynecomastia or when non-pharmacological treatments are not effective.

Importance of going to the doctor if gynecomastia is suspected

Going to the doctor if gynecomastia is suspected is essential for several reasons:

1. Accurate diagnosis: A healthcare professional, such as an endocrinologist, urologist, or plastic surgeon, can perform an accurate diagnosis of gynecomastia and determine the underlying cause. This is essential to choose the appropriate treatment and prevent complications.
2. Identification of underlying diseases: Gynecomastia can be a symptom of other diseases, such as hypogonadism, acromegaly or hyperthyroidism. The doctor may perform tests to detect these conditions and treat them appropriately.

3. Hormonal management: In some cases, gynecomastia is due to a hormonal imbalance. The doctor can prescribe medications to correct this imbalance and reduce the size of the mammary glands.
4. Treatment options: There are several treatment options for this condition, such as lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. The doctor can evaluate the different options and recommend the most appropriate one depending on the individual case of the patient.

As you will see, it is extremely important to contact a specialist in these cases, due to multiple factors. But, if you still don't know who to go to if you suspect gynecomastia, we recommend you contact Mamma Surgery, where you can receive all the advice you need to improve your quality of life.

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Learn what you need to know about gynecomastia

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If as a man you experience breast growth, it is likely gynecomastia, learn what you need to know about this topic.

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Mamma Surgery

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Mamma Surgery

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