Gynecomastia: The Treatment Options

Gynecomastia describes excess breast tissue in a male, usually as a result of a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance can be caused by a phase in life, such as puberty or old age, or certain drugs could cause it. Either way, know that there are a few types of treatments available for it, though most doctors advise that patients just wait for the issue to disappear on its own. If it does not go away fast enough for your liking, you should consider some of the most common treatments.

Most doctors will look for the underlying cause since this is the simplest way to treat gynecomastia. For example, if it is the result of certain medications, they will be stopped, and the patient will be prescribed a different drug that does not cause excess breast tissue. Illegal drugs can also cause the issue, so patients may be told that it will go away when they stop taking the drugs. Malnutrition and cirrhosis are two conditions that can cause this problem, and since doctors usually make treating these problems a priority, the excess tissue should go away shortly after these conditions are solved. Of course, if puberty or old age is the problem, only time can usually treat it.

If you are eager to get rid of this issue, look into taking medications that may help. For example, drugs that replace certain hormones are helpful since they can balance them out, such as tamoxifen, which is usually taken to help treat breast cancer. Be aware that the FDA approves this type of drug, but not necessarily for this use, so be sure to talk to your doctor about it to find out if it is the best treatment available for you. If you have any bothersome side effects from such drugs, you may need a different method of treating gynecomastia.

Surgery is usually the last resort for this issue, but it is quite a common treatment since it is usually the most effective method. One of the most common types of surgery used for gynecomastia is liposuction, as this gets rid of extra fat quickly, and is a procedure that has been around for years so most doctors know how to complete it without problems. However, some patients get a mastectomy instead, which gets rid of the breast gland tissue instead of just the fat around it. Talk to your surgeon about the best option for you since each procedure has its own risks and benefits.

You are probably interested in getting this problem treated as soon as possible, but you should be patient enough to research the possibilities first. This ensures you will choose the finest doctor and the best treatment method for your situation. Find out the pros and cons of each option before making an appointment. Meanwhile, the issue could disappear entirely with time, as it often goes away on its own once your hormones balance out. This could save you from spending time and money committing to a specific treatment.