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Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is enlargement of breast 
A side effect of some medications such tissue in a male. It is due to excess growth of as ketoconazole, spironolactone, breast tissue – not excess fat tissue. It can metronidazole, diazepam, cimetidine, affect one or both breasts, sometimes tricyclic antidepressants and AIDS unevenly. Breast tissue behind the nipple medications.
can be tender or rubbery.

Marijuana use.
Causes

Exposure to anabolic steroid hormones.
All men have both androgens and estrogens. 
Exposure to estrogen hormone.
Androgens are hormones that create male 
Liver disease.
characteristics such as hair growth, muscle 
Kidney failure and dialysis.
size and a deep voice. Estrogens are hormones that create female characteristics. Some cancer treatments can also cause Changes in these levels of hormones, or how gynecomastia:
the body uses or responds to them can cause 
Chemotherapy.

Hormone treatment for prostate cancer.

Radiation treatment of the testicles.
enlarged breasts.
Gynecomastia may occur at three times in a male’s life due to normal changes in hormone levels: just after birth, at puberty, Diagnosis
or in adulthood usually after the age of 50. Breast tissue enlargement in males should be Newborns
needed, but some tests may be ordered. checked by a doctor. Testing is not always In an infant, enlarged breasts are caused by hormones that have passed from mother to Blood Tests may be done to check hormone
baby before birth. This often goes away levels, and liver, kidney and thyroid
within 2-3 weeks, but may last longer in function.
breastfeeding babies.
Puberty
More than half of boys develop gynecomastia during puberty. This is considered normal and most often resolves itself within 18 months. Adult Men Over 50
In men over 50, gynecomastia may be caused by:

Aging.

Lack of testosterone.
Breast ultrasound may be done. A mammogram is helpful in seeing whether the enlargement is due to a tumor or to tissue thickening. Although breast cancer in males is rare, in some cases a biopsy is needed. Signs of breast cancer include a lump or firm mass in one breast, sore skin over the breast, or bloody discharge from the nipple.
Treatment
Support
Gynecomastia may resolve itself without Gynecomastia can be very embarrassing and any treatment. If hormone changes are the stressful. It can be hard to hide and make cause, tissue size may decrease as hormones activities like swimming traumatic. Boys of level out. puberty age are often targets for teasing. Feeling unhappy with your body is very Gynecomastia may also be resolved by:

Stopping a medication that may be causing it – under a doctor's care only so that other health concerns are not 
common.
While these feelings are normal, seeking support can help you cope and reduce your affected. stress level:
Not using marijuana and anabolic steroid 
and help you communicate with your hormones.
Breast enlargement that is extreme, uneven partner or family members.

Breast reduction surgery

Hormone treatment that blocks the effects of estrogen. Reaching out to family and friends –
explain to them what you are dealing or does not go away may be treated with:

Counseling – talk through your feelings with and how you are coping.

Connecting with others who have gynecomastia – gynecomastia.org and other websites offer a chance to connect with others.
Talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
Rev.4/08, 3/11, 12/14
©Mount Carmel 2014