Gynecomastia is a pathology that causes the development of hypertrophic glandular tissues in men, as a result of hormonal imbalances. While this is a harmless disease that usually heals on its own, it can make you uncomfortable, embarrassed, or frightening. In some cases it can even be a symptom of a more serious problem. Learn to recognize the symptoms of gynecomastia, and if you believe you have it, see your doctor for a formal diagnosis. Also learn about the risk factors that favor the development of this condition.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Gynecomastia
Step 1. Look for soft lumps in the chest
In true gynecomastia, glandular pectoral tissues develop in one or both breasts. These tissues can be located directly under the nipples. Gently feel your chest with your fingers, and if you have gynecomastia, you should feel a soft, rubbery lump in one or both breasts.
- If you feel a lump in your chest, make an appointment with your doctor right away. A hard lump could be a tumor.
- Gynecomastia can occur in one breast or both at the same time.
- The size of the bulges can vary and be different from one breast to another. The pectoral glands in teenage boys are usually the size of a coin.
Step 2. Notice if you feel any pain
Gynecomastia can cause pain, especially when you touch or press the chest. If that area hurts you a lot or causes you significant discomfort, schedule a visit to the doctor right away.
Step 3. Check for soft fatty tissue to find out if you have pseudogynecomastia
The true pathology is different from breast enlargement caused by a buildup of fat in the chest. If your breasts are enlarged and soft to the touch, but you don't feel pain or swelling in the nipple or chest area, you may have pseudogynecomastia. This condition usually disappears after weight loss.
It is possible that an overweight condition also contributes to the development of true gynecomastia, because adipose tissues have a tendency to increase the body's production of estrogen
Part 2 of 3: Get a Diagnosis from Your Doctor
Step 1. Make an appointment for an exam
If you think you have gynecomastia, see your doctor. Although this condition is not dangerous in itself, you should get checked to rule out that it is a symptom of more serious illnesses. See your doctor right away if you have other troubling symptoms, such as:
- Chest pain and swelling. These are the most common symptoms of gynecomastia, but they can also be caused by a cyst or infection.
- Discharge from one or both nipples, which can be a symptom of conditions such as breast cancer, a breast tissue infection, or an endocrine disorder.
- A hard lump in the chest, which may be a symptom of breast cancer.
Step 2. Discuss your medical history with your doctor
It will be easier for your doctor to diagnose your condition if he has comprehensive information about your medical and health history. He can ask you:
- If you experience any other symptoms.
- A history of related health problems in your family.
- Other medical problems you have had in the past.
- What medications, dietary supplements or cosmetic products are you using.
Step 3. Get tested to diagnose gynecomastia and rule out other problems
Your doctor will perform a physical exam to determine if it is possible that you have gynecomastia. If he notices symptoms he will order further tests to identify the causes and rule out more serious diseases. These tests can include:
- Mammogram.
- Blood test.
- CT scan, MRI, or chest X-ray.
- Testicular ultrasound.
- A biopsy of the glandular tissues if cancer is suspected.
Step 4. Ask your doctor what treatment options are
In many cases, gynecomastia goes away on its own. However, if your condition does not improve or is causing you a lot of pain and discomfort, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:
- Hormone therapy to block estrogen production or increase testosterone production.
- Liposuction, to remove excess fatty tissue in the chest.
- Mastectomy, a surgery that removes glandular tissue from the chest.
- Your doctor may also treat gynecomastia by treating the condition that causes it. For example, if gynecomastia results from testicular cancer, removing the tumor may be able to relieve related symptoms.
- Your doctor may also advise you to change or discontinue drug therapies that can cause gynecomastia.
Part 3 of 3: Assessing the Risk of Gynecomastia
Step 1. Assess your clinical history
Some men are at a greater risk of developing gynecomastia than others. Consider your age, medical history, and general health. You are more likely to suffer from gynecomastia if:
- You are going through puberty or are between 50 and 69 years old. This pathology can also affect newborns; in this case the problem resolves itself before one year of age.
- You have a condition that affects your body's ability to produce testosterone, such as pituitary insufficiency or Klinefelter's syndrome.
- You have liver disease, such as cirrhosis or liver failure.
- You suffer from hyperthyroidism.
- You have certain types of tumors, especially in the pituitary gland, adrenal gland, or testicles.
Step 2. Consider the medications you are taking
Some types of medicines can cause gynecomastia. You are at risk if you use:
- Medicines for the treatment of prostatic hypertrophy or prostate cancer.
- Anabolic steroids.
- Some types of AIDS drugs.
- Tricyclic antidepressants.
- Certain types of anxiety medications, such as diazepam.
- Some types of antibiotics.
- Certain types of heart medications, such as digoxin.
- Gastric motility drugs, such as metoclopramide.
Step 3. Check for vegetable oils in the cosmetics you use
Some of these oils, such as lavender and tea tree oils, contain natural chemicals that mimic the action of the hormone estrogen. As a result, they can provoke the development of gynecomastia in some men. Check the ingredients in your soaps, shampoos, body creams, aftershaves, and other common products. Gynecomastia caused by vegetable oils should disappear shortly after stopping use.
Step 4. Consider drug use
Recreational drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, heroin, or methadone can cause gynecomastia in some men. If you are on any of these drugs and are concerned about developing gynecomastia or other health problems, ask your doctor for help in identifying the best strategy to limit drug use or to quit altogether.
