Gynecomastia: An Overview

Jan 18
08:28

2011

Andrea Avery

Andrea Avery

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Gynecomastia is a condition that appears in males where the tissue of the breast grows larger than it is supposed to and resembles a smaller version of the female breast. This condition can have more than one cause. Let us take a closer look at this male-oriented health issue.

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Gynecomastia is a term you may not be familiar with hearing. It is a term that describes the development of breast tissue in males. The breast tissue that grows is generally firm in nature and is found under the nipple area. This tissue is most often less than one inch to half an inch in diameter. In some males this condition can affect both breasts while for others it may affect one side of the chest but not the other. In some males this condition can cause the breasts to be tender.

Gynecomastia is most often brought on by hormonal changes that take place at birth or when a boy is going through puberty. It can also in some instances occur due to the aging process. It may be brought on by an imbalance in two hormones in the body called estrogen and testosterone. For an adult male this can be the result of a disease such as hyperthyroidism,Gynecomastia: An Overview Articles kidney disease, liver failure or a tumor of the testes, pituitary glands or the adrenal glands. Prescription drugs such as, antibiotics, chemotherapy, tricyclic antidepressants, AIDS medication or anti-anxiety medications can also cause this condition.

Excessive consumption of alcohol can also sometimes lead to gynecomastia. The same can be said for illegal drugs such as anabolic steroids, heroin, marijuana and amphetamines.

For many young boys and adult men the appearance of breasts can make them feel very uncomfortable. A visit to the physician can help to shed light on what is going on with this area of your body. The doctor will examine your chest and ask questions about the symptoms that you are experiencing. He will want to know when you first noticed your breasts growing and whether the area feels sore. He will also ask you about your medical history, what medications you have taken in the past and are presently taking and other factors that could be relevant to the condition you are experiencing.

The doctor will decide if tests are necessary based on your age, what your physical exam shows and your history. It is important to note that this condition is commonly seen in boys between the ages of 13 and 18. It is estimated that approximately 65 percent of boys in the 13 to 15 year age range exhibit the symptoms of gynecomastia. In most instances medical tests in boys are not required because the condition often goes away as the boy reaches early adulthood. There are cases however where a doctor will order tests to be conducted. The same can be said if the condition occurs in an adult male.

This health issue does not require treatment in some cases. However it is a condition that should be monitored by a doctor. If medication or an illegal drug is the cause then ceasing to take the drug should allow the condition to correct itself on its own. If a disease is the cause then it will need to be addressed appropriately.

In the most serious of cases cosmetic surgery is an option for gynecomastia. This is akin to breast reduction surgery that is performed on women whose breasts are too large. The surgeon would make incisions around or in the close vicinity of the nipple and then would remove the tissue mass.

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