Awkward! Can Men Also Develop Breasts? Will It Resolve on Its Own?
- Elva Chen
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
A 14-year-old teenager should be standing tall, full of confidence, but young Z was instead keeping his head down, hunching his back, afraid that others would discover his hidden secret.
It turned out that three years ago, when Z had just started middle school, he gradually noticed abnormal breast development – his chest was larger than other boys his age, especially noticeable in summer when wearing short sleeves. At first, he thought it was just puberty and didn’t pay much attention. But as time passed, he realized something wasn’t right – his chest seemed to be getting even larger. This embarrassing "secret" gradually became a psychological burden, and he grew increasingly self-conscious.
Accompanied by his family, Z visited Hospital. After a detailed examination, Doctor diagnosed him with "gynecomastia" (male breast development).
At this point, we believe everyone has the same question: Can men really develop breasts?
01 What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance in the estrogen-to-androgen ratio in the body, due to either increased estrogen levels or decreased androgen levels, leading to abnormal development of male breast tissue. Clinically, based on etiology, it is generally categorized into 4 types: physiological, pathological, drug-induced, and idiopathic.
No. 1
Physiological Causes
·
Neonatal Period: Estrogen from the mother or placenta enters the fetal bloodstream, potentially stimulating the infant's breast tissue and causing temporary development.
Puberty: Due to active sex hormone secretion during puberty, the testes synthesize large amounts of estrogen before producing testosterone, leading to a temporary hormonal imbalance.
Old Age: As organ function declines in older men, testicular function decreases, causing an imbalance in the estrogen-to-androgen ratio.
No. 2
Pathological Causes
Endocrine Disorders: Conditions such as adrenal cortex tumors or testicular cancer may disrupt hormone levels, subsequently inducing breast development.
Obesity: In modern life, obesity is a common issue. Obese men are prone to abnormalities in their estrogen-to-androgen ratio, leading to breast development and enlargement.
No. 3
Medication Effects
Certain diseases (like liver or kidney disease) and specific medications (such as some antidepressants or blood pressure drugs) can affect hormone levels, potentially resulting in breast development.
No. 4
Idiopathic Causes
This category includes cases where drug induction or underlying diseases have been ruled out, and no clear cause can be identified. Current research suggests a potential correlation with environmental pollutants containing estrogen-like compounds.
02 How to Identify Gynecomastia?
No. 1
Observe Appearance
For patients with obvious clinical presentation, the typical feminized appearance of the breasts can directly confirm the presence of gynecomastia.
No. 2
Assess by Touch
Breasts are primarily composed of glandular tissue (firm) and adipose tissue (soft). If the enlarged breast feels predominantly firm, it's mainly glandular tissue; if it feels mostly soft, it's likely primarily composed of adipose tissue.
No. 3
Undergo Examinations
If self-examination is inconclusive, it's best to visit a regular hospital. A physician can perform a physical exam and order relevant tests such as sex hormone tests, breast ultrasound, or MRI scans, all of which can assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Note: If you feel a unilateral, hard, non-painful breast lump, it is advisable to seek medical attention to rule out the possibility of male breast cancer.
03 If Diagnosed with Gynecomastia, How Is It Treated?
Treatment options for gynecomastia primarily include addressing the underlying cause, medication, and surgery.
No. 1
Treat the Underlying Cause
For cases where an underlying cause can be identified, the first choice is to remove that cause. Examples include treating tumors or discontinuing relevant suspected medications.
No. 2
Medication
In cases where pathological causes have been excluded, medications that inhibit estrogen can be used to help regress the abnormally developed breast tissue in its early stages.
No. 3
Surgery
Surgery is currently a relatively definitive and efficient method for treating gynecomastia; however, not all cases require surgical intervention.
Advantages of Male Breast Correction Surgery
Many clients visiting hopital that they are deeply troubled by their unusual chest appearance. They often avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes and hope surgery can provide a one-time solution, yet they also have numerous concerns, such as:
"Will there be significant pain after surgery? How long is the recovery?"
"Will the surgical scar be very large?"
Traditional surgery involves larger incisions. If a mass on the body surface needs removal, it might even cause some damage to surrounding healthy tissue, resulting in noticeable pain, slow recovery, and obvious scarring. To alleviate patient suffering and shorten recovery time, Dr. Wang Yongchuan has refined the traditional surgical technique.
After refinement, for gynecomastia:
Doctor employs a minimal incision at the edge of the areola. He combines techniques such as liposuction for fat contouring, dissection and removal of breast gland tissue, repair of the superficial fascial layer with fat flaps, and skin repositioning and retraction to restore the chest contour to the normal male standard. This method features a very small incision, is performed as day surgery (no hospitalization required), offers high overall comfort, and results in inconspicuous scarring.
In conclusion, gynecomastia is not a terrifying issue. Through lifestyle improvements, medication, and surgical methods, it can be effectively addressed. If you feel troubled by this condition, please actively seek help to find a solution that suits you.
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