What is Gynecomastia ?

Gynecomastia is an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue in men, caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. 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.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Swollen Breast tissue
• Breast Tenderness

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.

Substances that can cause gynecomastia include :-

• Alcohol
• Amphetamines, used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Marijuana
• Heroin
• Methadone (Methadose, Dolophine)

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 :- Changes in hormone levels related to liver problems and cirrhosis medications are associated with gynecomastia.