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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffFor a man, enlarged breasts can be stressful and embarrassing. Gynecomastia can be difficult to hide and a challenge to romantic relationships. During puberty, gynecomastia can make boys a target for teasing from peers. It can make activities such as swimming or changing for gym class traumatic.
Whatever your age, you may feel like your body has betrayed you and you may feel unhappy with yourself. These feelings are normal, but there are a few things you can do to help you cope:
- Get counseling. Talk therapy can help you avoid anxiety and depression caused by gynecomastia. It can also help you communicate with your partner or family members so that they understand what you're going through.
- Reach out to your family and friends. You may feel embarrassed to talk about gynecomastia with the people you care about. But explaining your situation and asking for help will likely strengthen your relationships and reduce stress.
- Connect with others who have gynecomastia. Talking with men who have had a similar experience can help you cope. Websites such as Gynecomastia.org provide a forum for connecting with others who have the condition.
References
- Braunstein GD. Causes and evaluation of gynecomastia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 17, 2010.
- Braunstein GD. Management of gynecomastia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 17, 2010.
- Braunstein GD. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of gynecomastia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 17, 2010.
- 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.
- Nordt CA, et al. Gynecomastia in adolescents. Current Opinion in Pediatrics. 2008;20:375.
- 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.
- 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.
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