Gynecomastia is a common condition that affects the male breast tissue and makes it enlarged irrespective of the age of the sufferer. Although it is not a life-threatening disease, it causes a significant amount of psychological distress and influences one’s self-esteem. Understanding the causes of gynecomastia and the possible symptoms and treatment measures will be helpful to those who are affected by it.
Causes of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition in which male human beings have breast tissues due to hormonal changes, particularly the ratio of estrogen to testosterone. Some of the most common causes include:The following are some of the most common causes of the same:
- Hormonal imbalances: The following factors for instance alterations in the hormonal balance that happens during the puberty stage, aging process, or as a consequence of some diseases may affect the balance between estrogen and testosterone which may lead to the development of breast tissues.
- Medications: Some of the drugs that are associated with gynecomastia include the antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, cancer therapies and anabolic steroids.
- Obesity: One of the factors that lead to low testosterone levels and high estrogen levels include obesity; this leads to the growth of breast tissues in men.
- Health conditions: Some of the diseases such as liver or kidney disorders, thyroid disorders and certain types of tumors affect hormone levels and result in gynecomastia.
Symptoms of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is mainly defined by the presence of breast tissue in men that becomes enlarged or tender. This can occur in one or both breasts and may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:This is one or both breasts and may be associated with other signs such as:
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Only rarely, but when this happens, with the appearance of the following symptoms: nipple discharge (not very often).
- Psychological distress or embarrassment
The level of manifestation can be from moderate where some men will experience only minor enlargement of the breast tissue to severe where some men will have increased breast tissue.
Treatment Options
Treatment of gynecomastia depends on the cause, the degree of the complaint and the patient’s decision. Treatment options may include:
- Watchful waiting: If the gynecomastia is mild and is not creating much pain, your doctor might tell you to leave the condition as it is since it may lessen with time.
- Medication: Sometimes drugs might be employed to address the precise cause of hormonal imbalances for instance to regulate some thyroid disorders or to discontinue the utilization of drugs that can lead to gynecomastia.
- Surgery: Severe gynecomastia or when treatment does not seem to work then surgery may be recommended. This generally involves liposuction or complete excision of the breast tissue that has become over enhanced to make the patient’s chest appear male. If you are interested in getting a gynecomastia surgery in Lahore refer to a cosmetic surgeon.
When Should You See A Doctor?
While gynecomastia is generally not a serious medical condition, it is important to seek medical attention in certain situations:Although gynecomastia is a rather benign condition, there are certain conditions when it is advisable for the person to consult a doctor.
- Breast enlargement which is sudden or is accompanied by other signs like nipple discharge or breast pain, then one should seek the services of a doctor as it may be a sign of another disease.
- If gynecomastia is causing a lot of psychological distress or is preventing one from carrying out his daily activities.
- If there are difficulties with the identification of the causes and the treatment of gynecomastia such a patient should address his doctor.
Men who suffer from Gynecomastia can be quite self-conscious and knowing more about the condition as well as the options available to treat it is useful. For breast enlargement or for Gynecomastia problems it is recommended to seek the services of a health professional for diagnosis and treatment. To remove the problem permanently, talk with your doctor about getting a gynecomastia surgery in Islamabad if it’s right for you.
