Gynecomastia is the development of breast tissue in young men or men. It occurs because of an irregularity between the hormones estrogen and testosterone. This condition can develop in one or even two breasts, and the growth is sometimes lopsided.
Naturally occurring hormone changes can cause gynecomastia in elderly men, boys experiencing puberty, and babies. There are further reasons. Gynecomastia is typically not a major issue. But managing it may be challenging. Gynecomastia can cause discomfort and embarrassment in certain individuals. Gynecomastia may resolve by itself. If not, surgery or medication may be helpful.
Testosterone and gynecomastia have a close connection. Once gynecomastia develops, testosterone treatment in men with low testosterone rarely reduces the breast tissue. Although testosterone therapy can sometimes lead to gynecomastia by converting to estradiol, this side effect is uncommon and usually short-lived.
Importance Of Understanding Hormonal Balance In Treating Gynecomastia
Everybody, male or female, has a unique hormonal balance that impacts everything from mood to weight. Often referred to as the sex hormones, testosterone, and estrogen are two important hormones.
While testosterone aids in the development of muscle and other masculine characteristics, estrogen is mostly responsible for the development of breast tissue. Both men and women have these hormones, and proper hormone balance is necessary for optimal health. Estrogen levels can be greater than testosterone levels when there is an imbalance, as in the case of males with gynecomastia. Hormone treatment for gynecomastia is usually considered because of the same reason.
Also Read: Top Exercises For Gynecomastia To Strengthen The Chest
Understanding Low Testosterone
Low testosterone, also known as male hypogonadism, occurs when your testes do not produce enough testosterone. It can be caused by conditions or injuries affecting your testicles, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus. This condition can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy.
At various ages, low testosterone has varied adverse effects. Age-related natural reduction in testosterone levels occurs in adults designated male at birth. This encompasses non-binary individuals, transgender women who are not receiving feminizing hormone treatment, and cisgender men.
Low testosterone can have a wide range of negative consequences, particularly with age.
Symptoms that strongly suggest low testosterone in people assigned masculine gender at birth include:
- Reduced desire for sex
- Impotence
- Loss of pubic and underarm hair
- Testicles getting smaller
- Warm flashes
- Male infertility caused by azoospermia, a low or nil sperm count
Understanding Gynecomastia
Males and boys who have gynecomastia have breast tissue that overgrows or develops. The breasts could enlarge and develop unevenly. Boys who are going through hormonal changes throughout puberty are more likely to have this problem. But as people age, it can also have an impact on babies and adults.
Gynecomastia can lead to reduced confidence. Men with this condition often feel inadequate due to dissatisfaction with their body shape and social anxiety. They may also worry about how society perceives their condition, which can affect them mentally.
Regardless of how severe it is, gynecomastia may have a major effect on your mental health. Each person experiences it differently, and it has been connected to several illnesses, such as:
- Depression and Anxiety
- Trouble with eating
- Sensations of humiliation
- Low regard for oneself
These psychological repercussions emphasize how crucial it is to treat gynecomastia appropriately and with assistance.
Also Read: Gynecomastia VS Chest fat: What Is The Difference
Causes of Low Testosterone and Gynecomastia
Low testosterone can be caused by several circumstances. There are two primary forms of hypogonadism in men:
- Primary hypogonadism, or malfunction of the testicles.
- Secondary hypogonadism, or malfunctioning pituitary and hypothalamus,.
One might classify the causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism as acquired (occurring later in childhood or adulthood) or congenital (existing from birth).
The two main types of hypogonadism are primary and secondary.
Primary Hypogonadism
Primary hypogonadism happens when the testicles are underactive and don’t produce enough testosterone. This can be due to genetic factors or can be acquired through injury or illness.
Genetic Causes:
- Undescended testicles: When the testicles don’t move from the abdomen before birth. Surgery is needed if they haven’t descended by age one.
- Klinefelter syndrome: A condition where a man has an extra X chromosome.
- Hemochromatosis: Excess iron in the blood that causes testicular failure or damage to the pituitary gland.
Acquired Causes:
- Injury to the testicles: Both testicles need to be injured to affect testosterone levels.
- Mumps orchitis: A mumps infection that damages the testicles.
- Cancer treatments: Chemotherapy or radiation that harms the testicles.
Secondary Hypogonadism
Secondary hypogonadism occurs when the pituitary gland or hypothalamus is damaged. These brain areas regulate hormone production in the testicles.
Possible Causes:
- Pituitary disorders: These can result from certain medications, kidney failure, or small tumors.
- Kallmann syndrome: A condition related to abnormal functioning of the hypothalamus.
- Inflammatory diseases: Conditions like tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and histiocytosis that impact the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
- HIV/AIDS: This can affect the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and testicles.
Acquired Conditions That Can Lead To Secondary Hypogonadism:
- Aging: Hormone production and responsiveness decline with age.
- Obesity: Excess body fat can interfere with hormone production and responsiveness.
- Medications: Opioid painkillers and steroids can disrupt the function of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
- Severe illness or stress: Significant emotional or physical stress from illness or surgery can temporarily suppress the reproductive system.
You may experience primary, secondary, or a combination of both types of hypogonadism. Mixed hypogonadism becomes more common with age.
Also Read: HOW TO PERFORM THE GYNECOMASTIA PINCH TEST
Treatment For Low Testosterone And Gynecomastia
Clinical gynecomastia medications
Gynecomastia treatment often consists of treating the underlying problem.
Among the nonsurgical medications a specialist may recommend are:
- Your primary care physician (PCP) may recommend over-the-counter medications such as tamoxifen or raloxifene for managing gynecomastia, particularly if you are dealing with breast cancer.
- If a doctor determines that one of your current medications is contributing to your gynecomastia, they may adjust your prescription or lower the dosage to mitigate the symptoms.
- Addressing underlying health conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or malnutrition, can also help reduce the adverse effects associated with gynecomastia.
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help increase testosterone levels and is available in various forms, including skin gels, patches, or injections.
Effectiveness Of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Reduced testosterone levels can be successfully treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which also improves mood, energy, libido, muscular mass, and bone density. In general, testosterone aids in preventing male breast tissue from growing abnormally. On the other hand, major variations or drops in testosterone levels might result in an imbalance in hormones, which can cause gynecomastia and breast tissue expansion.
It is essential to regularly check hormone levels through blood testing. This enables your physician to reduce the chance of developing gynecomastia by adjusting the testosterone dosage as necessary.
Get A Second Quote From Dr. Arjun Handa
On the off chance that you’re thinking about TRT for gynecomastia, hearing a second point of view from Dr. Arjun Handa, the best plastic surgeon in Delhi is fundamental. This step guarantees that you have an intensive comprehension of every single expected therapy and its suggestions. A top specialist can give significant bits of knowledge about gynecomastia and testosterone and also into whether TRT is the most suitable strategy for your particular condition. On the other hand, if elective medicines may be more compelling. By talking with a main master, you can settle on a very educated choice, guaranteeing the most ideal result and limiting the gamble of intricacies.
Final Reflections
Understanding the hormonal imbalances that cause gynecomastia is essential for effective treatment. While testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help men with low testosterone, it isn’t always effective in reducing existing breast tissue. Regular monitoring and hormone adjustments are crucial to minimize the risk of gynecomastia. Seeking a second opinion from a top plastic surgeon can provide valuable insights into the best treatment options for your condition. Addressing both the physical and psychological effects of gynecomastia is important for overall well-being and quality of life. By exploring all available treatments and getting expert advice, you can make informed decisions for the best possible outcomes.
