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Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the swelling of the breast tissue in the human male body. This condition in male is caused due to imbalance In the hormonal level of estrogen and testosterone. This may affect both the breast tissue or anyone of the tissue in an uneven condition.

Who can be affected?:

Newborns, boys undergoing the age of puberty are prone to gynecomastia.

In adults, these conditions occur when there is a change in the normal hormone levels.

Causes:

Gynecomastia is induced by a gradual decrease in the amount of the hormone testosterone compared with estrogen. There are several conditions which result in the increase in the level of estrogen or decrease in the level of testosterone. The following conditions are:

  • Natural hormone changes: The hormones such as testosterone and estrogen controls the development and maintenance of sex characteristics in men and women. Testosterone controls male traits, such as muscle mass and hair. Estrogen regulates female traits, including the growth of breasts. Most people think of estrogen as a female hormone, but men also produce it — though normally in lower quantities. However, male estrogen levels that are very high or are out of balance with testosterone levels can cause gynecomastia.
  • Gynecomastia in infants: Almost half of the male infants are born with enlarged breasts due to the effects of their mother's estrogen. Generally, the swollen breast tissue vanishes within two to three weeks after birth.
  • Gynecomastia during puberty: It caused by hormone changes during puberty is relatively common. In many cases, the swollen breast tissue will go away without any treatment within six months to two years.
  • Gynecomastia in men: The prevalence of gynecomastia occurs again between the ages of 50 and 69. At least 1 out of 4 men in this age group are affected.

Street drugs and alcohol:

Substances which cause gynecomastia to include:

  • Alcohol
  • Amphetamines
  • Marijuana
  • Heroin
  • Methadone

Health conditions:

Several health conditions can cause gynecomastia. These include:

  • Hypogonadism: The condition that affects normal testosterone production, such as Klinefelter's syndrome or pituitary insufficiency, can be associated with gynecomastia.
  • Aging: Hormonal level changes that happen with normal aging can cause gynecomastia, especially in men who are affected by obesity.
  • Tumors: Some tumors, such as those involving the testes, adrenal glands or pituitary gland, can produce hormones that create changes in the male-female hormonal level balance.
  • Hyperthyroidism: In this condition, the thyroid gland produces excess thyroxine hormone.
  • Kidney failure: Half the people being treated with hemodialysis experience gynecomastia due to hormonal changes.
  • Liver failure and cirrhosis: Hormonal fluctuations related to liver problems and it includes the people treated for cirrhosis are prone to gynecomastia.
  • Malnutrition and starvation: When the body is in lack of adequate nutrition, the testosterone levels drop, but estrogen levels remain constant, causing a hormonal imbalance.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of gynecomastia include:

  • Swollen breast gland tissue.
  • Breast tenderness.

Risk factors:

  • Mostly, if the gynecomastia occurs in boys while in their puberty age there is a high chance that the condition naturally leaves the body when the person attains the age of 20 or more.
  • It is mostly with the mindset that should be taken care of. If the person feels embarrassed and persistent pain prevails and if there is a constant increase in the size of the chest, then it is better to consult the doctor.

Prevention:

There are a few factors which can be controlled that may reduce the risk of gynecomastia:

  • Don't use illegal drugs. Examples include steroids and androgens, amphetamines, heroin, and marijuana.
  • Avoid alcohol. Don't drink alcohol, or drink in moderation.
  • Review your medications. If you're taking medication known to cause gynecomastia, ask your doctor if there are other choices.

Treatment and medication:

  • In our hospital its always the best and professional of treatment using advanced machines and technologies to cure the occurred disease or condition.
  • The extra-cared treatment towards all the patient is what made gave us a huge success. For this condition the treatment and medication are provided in the following ways:
  • In most cases of gynecomastia, the symptom suppresses over time without treatment. However, if gynecomastia is caused by an underlying condition, such as hypogonadism, malnutrition or cirrhosis, that condition should be treated. If you're undergoing medications that can cause gynecomastia, it is highly recommended by the doctors to stop them or substituting another medication.
  • Doctors will recommend periodic re-evaluations every three to six months to check if the condition improves on its own for adolescents who have gynecomastia with no apparent reason.
  • Gynecoma treatment may be necessary if gynecomastia doesn't improve on its own or if it causes significant pain, tenderness or embarrassment.

Medications:

  • Medications that are used in the treatment of breast cancer and other conditions might be helpful for some men with gynecomastia. These medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but they have not been approved specifically for this use.

Surgery to remove excess breast tissue:

  • Your doctor might advise surgery if you still have significant breast enlargement despite initial treatment or observation. Two gynecomastia surgery options are:
  • Liposuction: This is a surgery which removes breast fat, but it does not remove the breast gland tissue.
  • Mastectomy: This is a type of surgery which removes the breast gland tissue. It is often done endoscopically. This type of surgery is less invasive involves less recovery time.

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