1. A Growing Problem
Gynecomastia is the term used for male breast enlargement. This fairly common problem can affect one or both breasts and can in some cases result in milk production. While some men or boys may develop breast enlargement due to obesity (called pseudogynecomastia or false gynecomastia), this is not the same condition. Gynecomastia is mostly the result of a hormonal change (an estrogen-androgen imbalance) and the breasts are developed not from fat but from enlarged mammary glands or tissue.
2. Making Puberty Harder
Gynecomastia is seen most commonly in boys in puberty (over 60 percent) due to hormonal changes, and in men as they age. In pubescent teens, between the ages of 13 and 14, this problem goes away on its own within two to three years in almost 90 percent of cases. Tenderness may be the only symptom associated with pubescent gynecomastia, and generally tests are not even needed as the problem so often resolves itself. In men, the problem might be traced most often to weight gain and, more uncommonly, to use of some prescription or over-the-counter drugs. It may also be an early sign of a testicular tumor.
3. A Strange Side Effect of a Peptic Ulcer Med
Oddly, gynecomastia has been linked to one type of peptic ulcer medication, but not with others. It has been frequently linked to cimetidine (brand name: Tagamet), but not as much to omeprazole (brand name: Prilosec). A study by a British research group of 81,000 men using a variety of peptic ulcer drugs saw an increase in gynecomastia in men using Tagamet. The risk of getting this condition was heightened by men taking a daily dose of 1,000 mg.
4. For When Doing Nothing Does Nothing
In many cases, especially in pubescent teens, doing nothing is the only option, as the problem goes away in the majority of incidences. However, sometimes medical treatment may be needed if the condition persists. If gynecomastia is the result of another medical disorder, such as hyperthyroidism, then treatment of that condition will usually prove beneficial. If the result of any type of drug, cessation of that drug can reverse the condition. Clomiphene, an antiestrogen medication, might be prescribed to reduce breast tissue.
5. Cutting Away Gynecomastia
When all else fails, male breast reduction surgery or reduction mammaplasty may be the only option. In some cases, excess fat and tissue is removed using liposuction (a thin tube inserted into several small incisions uses a vacuum-like suction). Excisions will be used to remove glandular tissue and excess skin as well as to reposition the nipple if it has been affected by the breast enlargement.
