Did you know that one out of every three men will experience gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, at some point in their lives? Gynecomastia is a common condition where non-cancerous glandular tissue builds up in the chest area and causes the breast to swell. Gynecomastia West Palm Beach can affect boys and men, but it is most common during puberty or in older men.

Some signs of gynecomastia include nipples that are tender to the touch and enlarged breast tissue. Depending on the severity, it can cause psychological distress or embarrassment for those affected.

What to expect

When you book an appointment with a doctor to diagnose and treat gynecomastia, they will begin by taking a detailed medical history. Your doctor may also request imaging tests like an ultrasound or mammogram to confirm the diagnosis. After the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

You can also expect your doctor to discuss lifestyle changes for managing gynecomastia, such as avoiding certain medications that may be causing the enlargement. They may also order hormone testing to help identify any hormonal imbalances contributing to the condition.

It is important to understand the causes and treatment options for gynecomastia so you can make an informed decision about your health. The following information should help you better understand the condition and how it is treated.

Causes of Gynecomastia

These are some of the causes:

• Hormonal imbalances: Changes in hormone levels, such as those that occur during puberty, can increase breast tissue.
• Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as steroids or certain antibiotics, can affect the body’s hormones and cause gynecomastia.
• Other medical conditions: Chronic kidney or liver disease can cause hormonal imbalances leading to gynecomastia.
• Aging: As men age, their hormone levels naturally decrease, which can increase breast tissue.

Treatment options for Gynecomastia

If you are experiencing symptoms of gynecomastia, the best way to determine the cause and come up with a treatment plan is to talk to your doctor. Depending on the severity of the condition, there are several options available:

Medication

The good news is that, in some cases, gynecomastia can be treated with medication. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as testosterone replacement therapy or anti-estrogen drugs to reduce the amount of breast tissue and restore hormone levels. The doctor will also monitor your progress with regular checkups.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the extra tissue that causes gynecomastia. There are several surgical procedure options available, and your doctor will go over them with you in detail so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. During your consultation, your doctor will also discuss possible side effects or risks associated with the procedure.

Lifestyle changes

This may include changing your diet, exercising more, and reducing stress. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes to help reduce the risk of gynecomastia. Your doctor can give you more information on how to make these lifestyle changes.

To understand more about gynecomastia, talk to your doctor at L.A. Vinas M.D. Plastic Surgery, Med Spa & Skin Care Centers.