Overview
Gynecomastia is the excess growth of breast gland tissues in males. It affects almost 70 percent of boys during early to mid-puberty due to hormonal changes. Older men can also develop the condition due to hormonal changes or other causes like intake of certain drugs, excessive consumption of alcohol, etc.
Gynecomastia should be differentiated from enlargement of the chest in obese males. This condition is caused by the accumulation of fat tissues and is known as pseudogynecomastia. In gynecomastia, the growth is due to excessive breast tissue.
What are the long-term impacts of gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can negatively impact self-esteem, and mental, and emotional health in adolescent boys and older men.
Research studies suggest that even mild gynecomastia can have profound psychological effects on younger boys going through puberty. They may experience embarrassment and have issues with their body image and sexual identity.
Being overweight can cause pseudogynecomastia which can lead to physical and emotional health problems. Obese males may have eating disorders, physical ailments, and poor lifestyle habits.
Breast enlargement in boys and adult males is largely associated with low self-esteem and confidence and can impair their social functioning and quality of life. They may isolate themselves and avoid public places or participation in activities like swimming where they might have to expose themselves. The condition may also affect intimate relationships with partners.
Men and boys suffering from gynecomastia are often self-conscious about their appearance and tend to choose clothes that are loose-fitting and do not draw attention to their chests which can be stressful and frustrating.
Young adolescent boys suffering from this condition are often subjected to bullying and harassment in schools and colleges and can find it difficult to fit in and lead a normal life.
Obese men and boys are advised to lose weight which can correct the condition. However, gynecomastia caused by excessive glandular tissue cannot be cured with exercise or weight loss.
In young teenage boys, gynecomastia generally regresses within one or two years but for some, it can be persistent and can only be corrected with medications or surgery.
Does gynecomastia cause cancer?
Gynecomastia is generally triggered by imbalances between the testosterone and estrogen hormones. Hormonal change is a natural phenomenon due to which around 30-40 percent of male newborn babies, adolescent boys going through puberty, and older men suffer from gynecomastia at some point in their lives.
Though gynecomastia can rarely develop into breast cancer, there is a small risk of developing breast cancer due to the change in the ratio of testosterone and estrogen in the body. Moreover, a family history of breast cancer and genetic disorders may also increase the risk of the disease in males.
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
Does gynecomastia affect fertility?
No, gynecomastia is usually not associated with infertility. However, people with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) which is a chromosomal disorder can develop hypogonadism (low testosterone) and gynecomastia. The condition is generally diagnosed during puberty and can result in complications like low sperm count and infertility.
Final words
Gynecomastia can cause serious mental distress and even depression among young adolescents and men. There can be initial feelings of uncertainty related to the enlargement of breasts. Many teenagers and men may be worried about the possible treatments and their outcomes. Some people may also fear that they may develop breast cancer in the future.
There is a mental stigma related to gynecomastia. People suffering from the condition are dissatisfied with their appearance and consider it as an abnormality. In the long run, it can lead to severe mental trauma and withdrawal from social meetings. Some teenagers may develop eating disorders and in severe cases, this may lead to depression.
People suffering from gynecomastia should consider psychiatric evaluation along with medical treatment. Doctors and family members should assure them that gynecomastia can be easily treated with hormonal treatments or surgery.
References
