What is the condition of gynaecomastia that affects men?

“While it can cause physical discomfort and psychological distress, gynaecomastia is typically not a serious medical concern,” Dr Rao said.

There is excess glandular tissue in the male breast due to several drugs or disease conditions resulting in hormonal imbalance, according to Dr Hari Kishan Boorugu, Consultant Physician & Diabetologist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad.

“In a good proportion of patients, we may not find any obvious cause. People who are obese may appear to have gyneconastia due to fat accumulation, which is called pseudo gynecomastia,” he elaborated.

How do you know which kind of gynaecomastia you have?

The condition can be categorised into physiological, pathological, and drug-induced gynaecomastia, according to Dr Rao.

• Physiological gynaecomastia is usually temporary and occurs during certain life stages, such as infancy, adolescence, and old age.
• Pathological gynaecomastia is related to underlying health issues like hormonal imbalances, liver or kidney diseases, and tumors.
• Drug-induced gynaecomastia is triggered by medications like anti-androgens, antibiotics like ketoconazole, metronidazole, some antiretroviral therapies like isoniazid; antiulcer drugs, like cimetidine, ranitidine, omeprazole, some growth hormones and anabolic steroids.

There is excess glandular tissue in the male breast due to several drugs or disease conditions resulting in hormonal imbalance. (Source: Freepik)

What are the signs and symptoms of it?

Gynecomastia is characterised by abnormal increase in size of male breast. It may involve one side or both sides.

“Adults with gynecomastia usually do not have pain but adolescents with this problem usuallly have local pain and tenderness,” Dr Boorugu said.

How can you manage it effectively?

Gynecomastia can be cured by treating the underlying cause or surgical correction.

Diagnosis of gynaecomastia involves a medical history review, physical examination, and, if necessary, hormone level tests, ultrasound, or mammography, according to Dr Rao.

“In many cases, addressing the root issue can lead to resolution. If drug-induced, adjusting medication regimens might be sufficient,” she added.

Pubertal gynecomastia i.e., boys who develop gynecomastia often tend to have spontaneous improvement, said Dr Boorugu.

“Not all patients require treatment as some patients have a spontaneous resolution or it’s only mild enlargement of the breast,” he noted.

Awareness about gynaecomastia is essential to alleviate any distress it might cause. Experts indicate education and counselling can help affected individuals manage any psychological impact. “Gynaecomastia is a treatable condition, and seeking medical advice is crucial for proper diagnosis and appropriate management,” he said.

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!