Why does gynecomastia happen

For some people losing weight or doing more exercise can help but this may not always improve the condition. Gynaecomastia can affect newborn baby boys, because oestrogen passes through the placenta from the mother to the baby. This is temporary and will disappear a few weeks after the baby is born. During puberty , boys' hormone levels vary. If the level of testosterone drops, oestrogen can cause breast tissue to grow. Many teenage boys have some degree of breast enlargement.

Gynaecomastia at puberty usually clears up as boys get older and their hormone levels become more stable. As men get older, they produce less testosterone. Older men also tend to have more body fat, and this can cause more oestrogen to be produced. These changes in hormone levels can lead to excess breast tissue growth.

Gynecomastia in babies and teens normally does not require treatment and will usually go away on its own. If it is caused by medicine or disease, stopping the medicine or treating the disease will often cure the gynecomastia. If it is caused by a lack of testosterone and increase in estrogen, hormonal treatment may be prescribed. Surgery may be a choice for some men if other treatments have not worked. Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

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Updated visitor guidelines. To rule out other diseases or conditions, you may also have tests including: Blood tests, including liver function tests and hormone studies Urine tests A low-dose X-ray of your breast mammogram A small breast tissue sample a biopsy may be removed and checked for cancer cells In some cases, tests are not needed to diagnose the condition Your provider may suggest that you see a provider who specializes in hormones and how they affect many organs an endocrinologist.

How is gynecomastia treated? Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment for you based on: How old you are Your overall health and past health How sick you are How well you handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies How long the condition is expected to last Your opinion or preference Most cases of gynecomastia happen during puberty.

Hormone therapy may be used to treat gynecomastia. In rare cases, surgery may be used to remove the extra tissue. Key points about gynecomastia Gynecomastia is an overdevelopment or enlargement of the breast tissue in men or boys.

They often grow unevenly. It is often caused by changes in levels of the female hormone estrogen and the male hormone testosterone. Other things may cause it as well. Most cases happen when a preteen or teenage boy is going through puberty. But it can also happen to newborn babies and older men. It often goes away on its own. In some cases, hormone therapy is needed. Surgery may also help treat the condition.

Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. What are the symptoms? Are there any associated disorders? Pseudogynecomastia or false gynecomastia has nothing to do with puberty or hormones. It is simply due to the fact that some males may have extra fat in the chest area, making it appear like they have breasts. A simple exam with doctor can determine whether or not your child has gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia.

Gynecomastia can have a major emotional impact on boys and can include feelings of shame, embarrassment and depression. Boys with gynecomastia often hide their chests in public or withdraw socially and avoid discussing their concerns with parents and peers.