Breasts in Males
By: Reckless AlterTotal Views: 45, Word Count: 733,
Enlargement of breast in males is called as gynecomastia. It can occur in neonates, adolescence and in elderly men. When it is seen in small kids, it is called the effect of witches’ milk. When at puberty it is a cause of distress. The condition may disappear after a couple of years. Enlargement of breasts in males due to obesity is different from the growth of glandular or breast tissues.
Causes of breast enlargement
- The causes of common gynecomastia are uncertain although it may be due to
- Imbalance in sex hormones
- Malnutrition and re-feeding
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Disorders of the male sex organs (testicular cancers)
- Chronic renal failure
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypotrophy of breast tissues
- Excessive adipose tissues
- Exercises like bench press or swimming
- Obesity side effects of medication
Types of breast enlargement
Physiological gynecomastia usually occurs in infants and pubertal boys. There is variation in the size, shape and extent of breast enlargement in men.
- Puffy nipples: glandular tissue accumulation is more under areola and gives a dome shaped appearance
- Pure glandular: body builders and athletes use anabolic steroids. In this case the body is lean, only the breast area is enlarged.
- Adolescent: it is hereditary or congenial. Evident in boys of age group 9 to 14. Severe forms may require treatment or else recedes with age
- Adult: very common and composed of glandular tissue like adipose or fibrous tissues.
- Pseudogynecomastia: also called as false gynecomastia and enlargement is composed only of adipose tissues. Treatment includes exercise and diet, in rare cases surgery may be required
- Asymmetrical /unilateral: one breast is larger than the other
- Severe gynecomastia: excessive and saggy skin with severely enlarged breasts. Found in older males.
Symptoms of breast enlargement
The primary symptom is enlargement of breasts in males
Nipple may be rubbery or firm feel
Enlargement may be seen in only one breast
Tenderness and sensitivity in breast
Diagnosis of breast enlargement
Diagnosis is done by physical examination. Medical history is important along with a list of medications and drugs used. Mammogram may be done to rule out the suspicion of cancer. Blood tests to examine liver, kidney and thyroid may be done under medical supervision. Hormone levels should be measured in the blood stream in some cases.
Treatment of breast enlargement
Breast enlargement seen in case of pubertal boys often goes away and so observation is preferred to treatment. Avoiding medications that cause it is also the best thing and is a mainstay of the treatment. Treatments to specifically address the problem are limited. There is no medicine that can be used to treat it and some medication may be effective in only early stages.
- Testosterone replacement in older men
- Bio-identical testosterone
- Tamoxifen and raloxifene are the selective estrogen receptor modulators
- Surgery like Liposuction, gland excision, skin sculpture, reduction mammoplasty
Prevention of breast enlargement
Breasts in male can only be prevented if they are caused due to exercise and other reasons. Breast enlargement in males due to hormonal fluctuations and old age cannot be prevented.
Male breast enlargement or gynecomastia is a very common problem. There are many Causes of breast enlargement and Types of breast enlargement. Treatment of breast enlargement is available so take help as soon as you have made diagnosis of breast enlargement and Symptoms of breast enlargement.
About the Author
Dr. Reckless Alter is graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine as a physician in 1969 and went on to earn his medical degree in 1973. For over 25 years he has been a pioneer in the field of surgery, with a special focus on wellness medicine and hormones for men. Dr. Reckless is currently a board-certified Family Practitioner and a precautionary Medicine specialist. He has helped heal many problems of men through his treatment.
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