Explaining Gynecomastia for the Average Man

Most men have never heard of gynecomastia or what it has to do with them. Generally, the first time you will hear about gynecomastia is if you are diagnosed with it. This disorder refers to a condition in which the male breast tissue becomes enlarged.

Sometimes a temporary aspect of the condition will appear during adolescence when boys experience hormonal changes or in newborn baby boys whose body chemistry has been influenced by mom’s female hormones. The development recedes in baby boys and typically resolves for teenage boys as quickly as three weeks to as long as two years. Excessive stress factors can cause this condition during puberty, as well. No treatment is used in cases of psychological gynecomastia, other than resolving the stress factors.

In older men, the disorder can appear when certain cancers and diseases are involved, specific medications are being taken, or in older males whose testosterone levels have decreased. In particular, it is an enlargement of the male breast tissues, and is usually a disorder associated with an underlying condition. Once that condition is discovered and treated, it will reduce the enlargement of the tissues.

If medical issues are the cause, appropriate therapies should be taken as early as possible. Testosterone replacement might be necessary. In some cases, that can exacerbate the problem. When gynecomastia is discovered, treated successfully and returns with frequency, consult your doctor for surgical or medical treatments.

Young men going through puberty are likely to be more psychologically affected by this condition than very young babies and older men. Parents can suggest counseling during that period of time but it is something that should be discussed with a qualified doctor. One of the deciding factors that will be discussed is how long the condition is expected to last. If chances are good that the disease won’t last long, treatment will probably not be recommended.

Posted in Gynecomastia on April 30th, 2015

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