Gynecomastia in men

Breast enlargement in men is a delicate problem that is not easy to talk about. Such changes may cause not only physical discomfort but also psychological tension. Men often postpone a visit to a doctor, considering it only an aesthetic flaw or a consequence of weight gain.

At the same time, enlargement of the mammary glands may have a hormonal or another medical cause, therefore it requires professional assessment. At the clinic “Oxford Medical” in Kyiv, comprehensive diagnostics is carried out, which makes it possible to determine the nature of the changes and choose the optimal treatment strategy taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of the tissue of the mammary glands in men, which occurs as a result of changes in hormonal balance or other internal factors. It refers specifically to the proliferation of glandular tissue, and not only to the accumulation of fat in the chest area.

Most often, gynecomastia in men develops due to an imbalance in the ratio of testosterone to estrogens. Even minor fluctuations in the levels of these hormones may cause an increase in the volume of glandular tissue.

The development of gynecomastia is associated with an imbalance between male and female sex hormones. Normally, the male body contains both testosterone and a small amount of estrogens. If the level of testosterone decreases or the level of estrogens increases, this may stimulate the proliferation of glandular tissue.

Most often, gynecomastia in men occurs for the following reasons:

• physiological hormonal changes during adolescence or in older age;

• endocrine diseases (pathology of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, testicles);

• hormonal disorders of various origins;

• intake of certain medications;

• use of anabolic steroids (because of this, gynecomastia develops in athletes);

• obesity and metabolic changes.

When enlargement of the mammary glands appears, it is important to undergo a full examination in order to determine the factor that provoked the changes and to choose the correct treatment strategy.

In the initial stages, the tissue is usually elastic and sensitive. Over time, it may become denser. If the process is associated with hormonal fluctuations, symptoms sometimes progress over several months.

If a sharp unilateral enlargement appears, a pronounced induration with uneven contours, discharge from the nipple, or changes in the skin, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible to clarify the cause and exclude other pathologies.

Diagnosis begins with taking a medical history: the duration of changes, the presence of pain, medication intake, changes in body weight, concomitant diseases, and possible use of hormonal or sports drugs are clarified. After this, a clinical examination and palpation are performed to assess the structure of the tissue and the symmetry of the chest.

An обязательным method of instrumental examination is ultrasound of the mammary glands, which makes it possible to determine the ratio of glandular and fatty tissue, assess the structure of the formation, and exclude other pathologies. Blood tests for hormones are also carried out to detect possible disorders.

The treatment strategy depends on the cause and duration of the process and may include:

• Dynamic observation. It is used in physiological forms or minor changes without pronounced discomfort, especially in adolescents.

• Medication therapy. It is prescribed in confirmed hormonal disorders or endocrine disturbances in order to correct hormonal balance.

• Surgical treatment. Surgery is recommended in cases of persistent fibrous changes, duration of the process of more than 12 months, or pronounced aesthetic discomfort. During the intervention, removal of excess glandular tissue with the formation of a natural contour of the chest is performed.

A correctly selected strategy makes it possible not only to eliminate external manifestations, but also to influence the mechanism of development of gynecomastia, which is important for the prevention of recurrence.

The cost of treatment may vary. In some cases, observation and monitoring of hormonal levels are sufficient; in others — medication therapy or surgical correction may be required. Therefore, there is no fixed price for gynecomastia treatment.

You can ознакомиться with the current prices for a specialist consultation and other medical services at the clinic “Oxford Medical” here. The doctor will provide more detailed information about the individual treatment program and its cost during the initial appointment. To make an appointment for a consultation, contact the call center or use the online booking form on the website.