Gynecomastia is a medical condition characterized by the development of the breast tissue in males. In some cases, the enlarged breasts can be tender to the touch and painful. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes, treatments, and risks of gynecomastia .
Causes of Gynecomastia ?
An altered balance of hormones in the body causes Gynecomastia. It is most commonly a result of low testosterone and/or high estrogen levels in men. This imbalance can occur naturally due to aging, or as a result of medications, steroids, or other drugs like marijuana.
An underlying medical condition, such as an overactive thyroid, an injury or trauma to the chest, testicular cancer, liver disease, and malnutrition or an eating disorder can cause gynecomastia in some rare cases.
How Is Gynecomastia Treated?
The treatment options for Gynecomastia depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, the condition may resolve on its own, as hormones naturally adjust. If medications, drugs, or any other underlying causes are responsible for the gynaecomastia, they may be successful in correcting the hormone imbalance, and the enlarged breasts will shrink or disappear.
If the underlying cause is unclear or the enlarged breasts remain, doctors may recommend hormone therapy and/or surgery. Hormone therapy uses drugs to restore the balance between male and female hormones, potentially reducing or eliminating the size of the breasts. Surgery involves the removal of extra breast tissue and may be necessary for severe cases of Gynecomastia.
What Are the Risks of Gynecomastia?
The main risk associated with gynecomastia is emotional distress due to the physical appearance of enlarged breasts. The condition can also cause discomfort during physical activity, or a feeling of embarrassment or shame.
In addition, surgery for correcting the condition can be risky, and may cause complications such as infection and scarring. Furthermore, hormone therapy can also come with a number of side effects, including weight gain, acne, baldness, and even testicle shrinkage.
Conclusion
Gynecomastia is a medical condition that affects a large proportion of men, and can cause emotional distress and physical discomfort. The most common cause of the condition is an imbalance of hormones in the body, and the treatment options depend on the underlying cause. A doctor may recommend hormone therapy and/or surgery for severe cases. In all cases, it is important to consult a doctor and make sure to consider all risk factors before beginning any treatment.
