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What Causes Gynecomastia in Males
Gynecomastia refers to the abnormal development of breast tissue in males and can be caused by a multitude of factors. It is not a rare condition -in fact, the condition affects about 50 to 65% of males globally. However, there is no simple explanation of why this happens; gynecomastia can be caused by hormonal changes in males, as other external factors can also cause it.
What is Gynecomastia?
In simple terms, it is the presence of enlarged breasts in men. The condition is simply caused by an excess of the female hormone oestrogen. This means that the hormonal balance in the body is hindered, causing unwanted side effects. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, and it might be unequal.
Causes of Gynecomastia
In Newborns
Gynecomastia in newborns is caused by estrogen from the mother. Breast buds are quite frequent in newborn boys. Breast buds usually disappear by six months but can linger longer in some newborns.
Gynecomastia is common during the first few years of life due to hormonal changes in the body of babies. Hormonal changes in boys occur at puberty when they begin experiencing an increase in testosterone levels. The testosterone levels in boys usually reach their peak at the age of 12 years.
In Teenagers
Hormones play a significant role in the development of gynecomastia during adolescence. In boys, gynecomastia occurs during puberty when the level of estrogen in their bodies increases. It is a physical condition characterized by breast tissue growth, and may go away on its own. A boy with this condition tends to have enlarged breast tissue in one or both breasts.
In Adults
In adults, gynecomastia may be due to a hormonal imbalance or a health condition such as testicular cancer. This type of gynecomastia is rare in adult men who aren’t undergoing medical treatment.
The causes of gynecomastia can vary, but the most common ones are related to hormonal changes, medications, and health conditions. If you have this condition, be sure to make an appointment with Dr. Fichadia.
Medications That Cause Gynecomastia
Taking drugs to treat the following conditions can result in gynecomastia.
• Prostate enlargement
• Depression and anxiety
• High blood pressure and heart failure
• Infertility in men (by taking human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG).
• Abuse of substances such as methadone.
What Disorders Contribute To Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can be caused by a variety of disorders, including:
• Adrenal cancer.
• Alcoholism.
• Kidney failure.
• Liver illness.
• Thyroid condition.
The Surgical Treatment Available
If swollen breasts persist despite early treatment or observation, your doctor may recommend surgery.
There are two gynecomastia surgery options:
1. Liposuction. This procedure eliminates breast fat but not breast gland tissue.
2. Surgical Treatment. The breast gland tissue is removed during this procedure. Small incisions are frequently used in surgery. This less invasive operation requires less recovery time.
Visit Us Today for More Information.
Dr. Fichadia is a dual board-certified reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon with extensive training. She is a breast augmentation, breast lift, mommy makeover, facelift, and stomach tuck, specialist in Portland, OR. Schedule a Consultation appointment with Dr. Fichadia by filling out the online contact form.
Dr. Fichadia is a double board-certified, comprehensively trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She completed general surgical training at St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and subsequently completed a highly competitive plastic surgery program at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She has presented research from her time in Boston and Portland at national and international surgical meetings such as Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons and annual meeting of American Society of Plastic Surgery.
