Gynecomastia (gynecomastia): symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

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Definition

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia or gynecomastia is an increase in the amount of glandular tissue in males caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia can occur in one or both breasts at once, but the shape may be uneven.

In general, gynecomastia is not a serious problem, but it can be difficult to treat. Men and boys with gynecomastia sometimes experience breast pain or embarrassment.

Gynecomastia is a condition that can go away on its own. However, medication and surgery may be able to treat this condition.

How common is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a health condition that generally occurs in 3 groups:

• Newborn baby boy
• Boys 12-16
• Old man

In boys, breasts can become normal within 6 weeks to 3 years after puberty. This condition can be prevented by reducing risk factors. Please consult your doctor for more information.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of gynecomastia?

The symptoms of gynecomastia are:

• Larger breasts than men in general.
• There is hard, inflamed tissue under the nipple, which can be felt by the hand.
• There is a little pain in the breast but it is not serious.

There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, please consult a doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms of gynecomastia:

• Swollen breasts
• Pain in one or both breasts
• Discharge from the nipple

The reaction of each body is different from one another. It is best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.

Cause

What causes gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition caused in men due to hormonal changes at puberty. This condition can appear both in newborn boys and in older men.

The cause of gynecomastia is a decrease in the amount of the hormone testosterone compared to estrogen. This decrease can be caused by conditions that block testosterone from working, reduce testosterone, or increase your estrogen levels. One of the triggers for gynecmastia is fast food that is high in fat.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, there are several things that can disrupt the balance of hormones, causing gynecmatia, including:

Natural hormonal changes

Most people think of estrogen to be a female-only hormone, but men also produce it, usually in small amounts. Male estrogen levels that are too high or out of balance with testosterone levels can cause gynecomastia.

• Gynecomastia as a baby. Many male babies are born with enlarged breasts due to the effects of their mother's hormone estrogen. Generally, the swollen breast tissue goes away within two to three weeks after birth.
• Gynecomastia at puberty. Gynecomastia caused by hormonal changes at puberty is common. In most cases, the swelling of the breast tissue will go away without treatment in six months to two years.
• Gynecomastia as an adult. Gynecomastia can peak again between the ages of 50 and 69. At least 1 in 4 men in this age group has the condition.

Drugs

A number of drugs can cause gynecomastia. Some of them are:

• Anti-androgens are used to treat an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, and other conditions. Examples include flutamide, finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) and spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir)
• Anabolic steroids and androgens that doctors prescribe for certain conditions, or are sometimes used illegally to build muscle and improve performance
• Medicines to treat AIDS. Gynecomastia can develop in men who are HIV positive and receiving treatment called antiretroviral therapy. The type of drug most commonly associated with gynecomastia is efavirenz
• Anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam (Valium)
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Antibiotics
• Ulcer drugs, such as the over-the-counter cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
• Cancer treatment
• Heart disease drugs, such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and calcium channel blockers
• Gastric emptying drugs, such as metoclopramide (Reglan).

Street drugs and alcohol

Ingredients that can cause gynecomastia are:

• Alcohol
• Amphetamines
• Marijuana
• Heroin
• Methadone (Dolophine).

Health condition

Several health conditions can cause gynecomastia by attacking a normal hormonal balance. This includes:

• Hypogonadism
• Aging
• Tumor
• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure and cirrhosis
• Malnutrition and hunger

Herbal products

Vegetable oils, such as tea tree or lavender, used in soaps, lotions, or essential oils are said to cause gynecomastia. This may be due to weak estrogenic activity.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of developing this condition?

There are several risk factors for gynecomastia triggers, for example:

• Age: boys in puberty, or the elderly are at risk of having this disease.
• Using anabolic steroids or androgen hormones commonly used in sports.
• Other diseases such as liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, hormonal disorders, and Klinefelter syndrome.
• Take stimulant drugs.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for gynecomastia?

Toddlers and boys aged 12 to 16 do not need any treatment as this condition will go away on its own when they become adults. Treatment that can be done:

• Apply an ice pack and use a pain reliever if the breasts are inflamed.
• Don't take stimulants.
• Stop using sports additives. Tell your doctor what supplements you are taking.

For hormonal disorders, certain medications can help balance and normalize breast tissue. However, if the problem persists, the doctor will recommend cutting the excess tissue.

What are the usual tests to diagnose this condition?

Doctors can diagnose this condition by examining the chest and breasts. Blood tests can be done to check hormone levels and find out other causes.

Sometimes doctors will run other tests such as mammography and ultrasound of the breast to see if there is a tumor.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat gynecomastia?

Lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you deal with gynecomastia include:

• Limit alcohol
• Avoid processed soy food products
• Do not take drugs containing the hormone estrogen
• Follow the doctor's instructions, do not use drugs without a prescription and do not stop using prescription drugs without the doctor's permission
• Schedule re-examinations to control the progress of your symptoms and check your health.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.