Define Gynecomastia

A healthy body image is a key to self-confidence and success in many aspects of life. Gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, can occur when developing or maintaining a healthy self-image is most important, and the condition can inflict psychological and emotional damage. The presence of gynecomastia can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as a testicular tumor. It also can be the result of a lifestyle choice, such as taking steroids.

Identification

• Gynecomastia is defined as a benign enlargement of the male breast from the proliferation of a glandular component in the breast. Derived from the Greek "gyne," meaning woman, and "mastos," meaning breast, gynecomastia manifests itself as abnormally large breasts on men. The implications of this condition can affect upset a person's relationship with his body, as well as his social relationships.

Frequency

• Gynecomastia occurs most frequently in infants and adolescents. With infants the condition usually occurs because of a buildup of the mother's hormones still in their system. It occurs in 60 percent to 90 percent of infants. In adolescent boys the condition is less frequent, though still common. For 90 percent of those affected, the condition goes away within about 18 months, but for the rest it may not leave on its own and alternative means of treatment must be sought. The condition also occurs somewhat frequently in elderly men who have undergone weight gain.

Causes

• Generally, gynecomastia occurs due to an upset of the estrogen-androgen balance in the male body. This imbalance be caused by a plethora of factors, including puberty, obesity, chronic liver disease, certain medications or castration. In addition, the condition can come about genetically or be the result of normal aging. Steroids can cause the condition, as can the presence of a serious underlying medical condition, such as Klinefelter's syndrome or Gilbert's syndrome, or a testicular tumor.

Considerations

• Aside from the enlargement of the breasts, gynecomastia may carry with it psychological burdens such as emotional scarring, heightened anxiety about the body, and mistrust of the body even after the condition is gone. In some cases, feelings of shame can overwhelm people with gynecomastia, complicating social situations and eroding self-confidence.

Treatment

• For gynecomastia caused by excessive weight gain or medication, the solution may be as simple as losing the weight or stopping taking that particular medication. For many other causes, however, surgery may be the only option for treating the physical symptoms. Counseling, support groups or other psychological help may be desired to treat non-physical consequences of the condition as well.