If you feel a lump in your breast, go to the doctor immediately. A hard lump may be a tumor. Gynecomastia may occur in just one breast or both breasts at once. The size of the lump can vary and may not be the same in both breasts. Breast buds in puberty-aged boys are typically the size of a nickel or quarter. [3] X Research source
It is possible that being overweight can also contribute to the development of true gynecomastia, since fatty tissue tends to boost the body’s production of estrogen. [7] X Research source
Are going through puberty or are between 50 and 69 years of age. Newborns can also develop gynecomastia. Infant gynecomastia usually goes away on its own before the child is a year old. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Have a condition that affects your body’s ability to produce testosterone, such as pituitary insufficiency or Klinefelter’s syndrome. Have a liver condition, such as cirrhosis or liver failure. Have a hyperactive thyroid gland. Have certain types of tumors, especially in the pituitary gland, adrenal gland, or testes.
Medications to treat an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. Anabolic steroids. Some types of AIDS medications. Tricyclic antidepressants. Certain types of anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam. Some types of antibiotics. Certain heart medications, such as digoxin. Gastric motility medications, like metoclopramide.
Pain and swelling in your breasts. These are common symptoms of gynecomastia, but could also be caused by a cyst or infection. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Discharge from one or both nipples, which could be a sign of a condition such as breast cancer, an infection of the breast tissue, or an endocrine disorder. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source A hard lump in your breast, which may be a sign of breast cancer.
Any other symptoms you may be having. Any history of related health problems in your family. Any other medical problems you have had in the past. What medications, drugs, dietary supplements, or body care products you might be using.
A mammogram. Blood tests. CT scans, an MRI, or a chest X-ray. A testicular ultrasound. A biopsy of your breast tissue if cancer is suspected.
Hormone therapy Treatment of the underlying cause Stopping or adjusting any medications that might be causing the problem Liposuction to remove excess fat from the breast Mastectomy, a type of surgery in which the glandular tissue of the breast is removed
Your doctor may recommend getting an exam every 3-6 months until the gynecomastia begins to go away, and then once a year after that. Gynecomastia caused by puberty hormones often clears up within 1 to 2 years without any treatment.
For example, gynecomastia can be caused by an overactive thyroid gland. [23] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source In these cases, your doctor might recommend medications or surgery to block your thyroid gland from producing too many hormones. [24] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Sometimes medications used to treat another condition can cause gynecomastia. Ask your doctor about adjusting your dose or switching to a new treatment if your medication is causing the issue. If your gynecomastia is caused by recreational drug use, your doctor can give you advice about how to safely quit.
Your doctor may prescribe androgens (sometimes called “male hormones”) if they think your gynecomastia is caused by low androgen levels. If your gynecomastia is caused by high estrogen (“female hormone”) levels, they may recommend estrogen-blocking medications. Hormone therapy can have serious risks and side effects, especially if you have certain pre-existing medical conditions or if you use certain medications or recreational drugs. Be honest with your doctor about your habits and health history before starting one of these treatments. [26] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Tamoxifen, a medication that’s normally prescribed to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. [29] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source It is sometimes prescribed to help treat or prevent gynecomastia that’s caused by treatments for other conditions (such as antiandrogen medications for prostate cancer). Aromatase inhibitors. [30] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source This is a specialized type of hormone-blocking medication that was originally developed to treat breast cancer. [31] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Liposuction, in which the fat in the breast is removed to reduce overall breast size. This won’t treat the enlarged glands in your breasts. Mastectomy, a surgery in which the glandular tissue is removed from the breasts.
