Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men)


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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Image showing gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men) Gynecomastia (enlarged male breast tissue)

Gynecomastia is swelling of the breast 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. 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.

Symptoms
References
  1. Braunstein GD. Causes and evaluation of gynecomastia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 17, 2010.
  2. Braunstein GD. Management of gynecomastia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 17, 2010.
  3. Braunstein GD. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of gynecomastia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 17, 2010.
  4. Fitzgerald PA. Endocrine disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. 50th ed. New York, NY. The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2011. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=14198. Accessed Oct. 17, 2010.
  5. Nordt CA, et al. Gynecomastia in adolescents. Current Opinion in Pediatrics. 2008;20:375.
  6. Bhasin S, et al. Disorders of the testes and male reproductive system. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y. The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2900449. Accessed Oct. 17, 2010.
  7. Breast reduction for men (gynecomastia). American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Breast_Reduction_for_Men.html. Accessed Oct. 17, 2010.
DS00850 Dec. 21, 2010

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