Gynecomastia is an increase in breast tissue this is common in boys or men and occurs as a result of an imbalance of the two hormones which are estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, and most of the times this effect on the two breasts is uneven. Children, boys who go through puberty and elderly men can develop gynecomastia as a result of normal changes in the level of hormone, although there are other causes.
In general, gynecomastia is not a serious problem, but it may be difficult to deal with this condition. Men and boys who are affected with gynecomastia sometimes feel pains on their chest and may feel uncomfortable. Gynecomastia may disappear on its own. If it continues, medication or surgery can be a better option in order to get rid of the condition.
The signs and symptoms of gynecomastia are listed below:
As mentioned above, the major cause of gynecomastia is a hormonal imbalance in the body. A normal human being has male and female hormones to some degree. Gynecomastia occurs when male hormones (androgens) are relatively low in relation to the level of female hormones (estrogens) in the body. This can occur quickly during the normal development of the boy, which leads to gynecomastia in the infant or during puberty. In these cases, gynecomastia usually disappears without treatment when the hormone level returns to normal.
In rear cases, medical conditions or medical treatments may create a hormonal environment in the body which permits the development of gynecomastia. Below are the examples of conditions which can be connected with gynecomastia:
Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical and drug history and about your family's health problems. The doctor will also perform a physical examination that may include a careful assessment of breast tissue, abdomen, and genitals.
Blood tests and mammograms can be the Initial tests which are included to determine the causes of your gynecomastia. Mammography is indicated if there is any sign of breast cancer in males.
Majority of the cases of gynecomastia regressed as time goes on without treatment. However, in the case of gynecomastia is occurring as a result of some underlying condition, such as hypogonadism, malnutrition, or cirrhosis all this condition which is listed may require treatment. If you are taking medicines that can cause gynecomastia, your doctor may recommend putting an end to them or taking another drug as a replacement.
In adolescents without any cause of gynecomastia, a doctor may recommend a periodic reassessment every three to six months to determine if the disease itself is improved. Gynecomastia often goes without treatment in less than two years. In the event that there is no improvement in gynecomastia or if gynecomastia causes severe pain, tenderness or discomfort treatment may be the best option.
Medications
Medical treatments are also available for the specific treatment of gynecomastia, but information and evidence on their effectiveness are limited, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any drug for the treatment of gynecomastia.
Below are the lists of drugs which can be used in the treatment of gynecomastia.
1. Testosterone replacement is effective in elderly men with low levels of testosterone but is not effective in men who have a normal level of the male hormone.
ii. Clomiphene can be used to treat gynecomastia. It may take up to 6 months.
iii. It has been shown that selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) tamoxifen (Nolvadex) decreases breast volume in gynecomastia, though it has not been able to completely eliminate all breast tissue. This type of therapy is usually used in cases of severe or painful gynecomastia.
iv. Danazol is a synthetic testosterone derivative which decreases the synthesis of estrogen in the testes. Its principle of operation is by inhibition of pituitary secretion of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), these two hormones direct the sex organs to produce hormones. It is widely used to treat gynecomastia than other medicines.
Medications are more effective in reducing gynecomastia in the early stages because scars often occur after about 12 months. Once the tissue has evaporated, drugs will probably not be effective, and surgical removal is the only treatment possible. Two options for gynecomastia surgery are:
I. Liposuction This operation removes breast fat, but not the tissue of the dairy gland itself.
ii. Mastectomy. This type of surgery removes tissue from the lactic gland. Surgery is often performed by endoscopy, meaning that only small cuts are used. This type of less invasive surgery involves less recovery time.
Coping and support
No matter how old you are, you may feel that your body has been playing some pranks on you, and you may not be happy about this. These feelings are normal, but in order to help you fight, you can:
1. Get advice. Speech therapy can help you avoid anxiety and depression caused by gynecomastia. It can also help you communicate with your partner or family members to understand what's going on.
2. Join Families and Friends. You may feel uncomfortable talking about gynecomastia with people you care about. But explaining your situation and asking for support will probably strengthen your relationships and reduce stress.
3. Connect with others who have gynecomastia. Talking to people who have had a similar experience can help. Websites like Gynecomastia.org provide a forum for connecting with others who have a status.
