Gynecomastia
Answers to common questions about gynecomastia.
Questions on this page
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is benign enlargement of male breast glandular tissue.
Why does gynecomastia occur?
It can occur when the balance between estrogen and androgen effects on breast tissue changes.
Possible causes include:
- Puberty
- Obesity
- Ageing
- Liver or kidney disease
- Hypogonadism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Certain medications
- Anabolic steroid use
- Some tumours
- Hormonal disorders
Is gynecomastia the same as being overweight?
No.
Obesity can cause increased breast fat, called pseudogynecomastia, whereas true gynecomastia involves enlargement of glandular breast tissue.
Is gynecomastia during puberty normal?
Pubertal gynecomastia is common and often resolves spontaneously. Persistent, severe or unusual cases may require evaluation.
Can gynecomastia be caused by testosterone deficiency?
Yes. Conditions causing low testosterone can alter the androgen-estrogen balance and contribute to gynecomastia.
Can medicines cause gynecomastia?
Yes. Several medications can contribute to gynecomastia, so a medication review is an important part of evaluation.
When should gynecomastia be investigated urgently?
Medical evaluation is particularly important when there is:
- A hard or unusual breast lump
- One-sided progressive enlargement
- Nipple discharge
- Skin or nipple changes
- Significant pain
- A testicular mass
- Rapid onset or progression