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One of the most important health problems of our time is the growth of young breasts and the social and psychological problems caused by this growth.

Gynecomastia is an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue in boys or men, caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly.

Newborns, boys going through puberty and older men may develop gynecomastia as a result of normal changes in hormone levels, though other causes also exist.

Generally, gynecomastia isn’t a serious problem, but it can be tough to cope with the condition. Men and boys with gynecomastia sometimes have pain in their breasts and may feel embarrassed.

Gynecomastia may go away on its own. If it persists, medication or surgery may help.

What is gynecomastia surgery?

It is normal for a man to develop hormonal growth and fullness in the breasts during puberty. Because at that time, the body is suffering from a disorder in terms of hormones. However, this position is temporary and after a while this fullness occurs. If the man does not disappear and breast enlargement, it will be called gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is likely to occur, especially if your teen is overweight. This situation may cause different problems in young people. In the case of embarrassment of the body, a lot of clothing may occur in the summer on the edge of the beach or pool, such as undressing. Although it’s a hormone-based problem, gynecomastia can sometimes be caused by drugs or diseases. Moreover, gynecomastia can be single or bilateral.

Causes

Gynecomastia is triggered by a decrease in the amount of the hormone testosterone compared with estrogen. The decrease can be caused by conditions that block the effects of testosterone, reduce testosterone or increase your estrogen level.

Several things can upset the hormone balance, including the following.

Natural hormone changes

The hormones testosterone and estrogen control sex characteristics in both men and women. Testosterone controls male traits, such as muscle mass and body hair. Estrogen controls female traits, including the growth of breasts.

Most people think of estrogen as an exclusively female hormone, but men also produce it — though normally in small quantities. Male estrogen levels that are too high or are out of balance with testosterone levels can cause gynecomastia.

Medications

A number of medications can cause gynecomastia. These include:

• Anti-androgens used to treat an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer and other conditions. Examples include flutamide, finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) and spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir).
• Anabolic steroids and androgens, which are prescribed by doctors for certain conditions or are sometimes used illegally by athletes to build muscle and enhance performance.
• AIDS medications. Gynecomastia can develop in men who are HIV-positive and receiving a treatment regimen called highly active antiretroviral therapy. Efavirenz (Sustiva) is more commonly associated with gynecomastia than are other HIV medications.
• Anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam (Valium).
• Tricyclic antidepressants.
• Antibiotics.
• Ulcer medications, such as the over-the-counter drug cimetidine (Tagamet HB).
• Cancer treatment.
• Heart medications, such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and calcium channel blockers.
• Stomach-emptying medications, such as metoclopramide (Reglan).

Health conditions

Several health conditions can cause gynecomastia by affecting the normal balance of hormones. These include:

• Hypogonadism. Conditions that interfere with normal testosterone production, such as Klinefelter syndrome or pituitary insufficiency, can be associated with gynecomastia.
• Aging. Hormone changes that occur with normal aging can cause gynecomastia, especially in men who are overweight.
• Tumors. Some tumors, such as those involving the testes, adrenal glands or pituitary gland, can produce hormones that alter the male-female hormone balance.
• Hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine.
• Kidney failure. About half the people being treated with dialysis experience gynecomastia due to hormonal changes.
• Liver failure and cirrhosis. Changes in hormone levels related to liver problems and cirrhosis medications are associated with gynecomastia.
• Malnutrition and starvation. When your body is deprived of adequate nutrition, testosterone levels drop while estrogen levels remain the same, causing a hormonal imbalance. Gynecomastia can also happen when normal nutrition resumes.