Gynecomastia is the abnormal proliferation of glandular breast tissue in males or commonly referred to male breasts. It can be seen sometimes during infancy, pubertal, and old age. It is generally a benign condition during infancy and puberty, however may have underlying pathology in adulthood.
Q) What causes gynecomastia in boys ?
A) Gynecomastia typically occurs in young boys who are around mid-puberty, due a sudden increase and imbalance of pubertal hormones. These hormones start rising with onset of puberty, usually when these boys start developing facial hair, voice change, height spurt.
Q) Is gynecomastia seen in all boys of this age ?
A) It is seen in 25-70% adolescent boys in the pubertal age group and tends to regress spontaneously by 12-24 months of starting in most of them. But a lot of times it increases and does not stop on its own and needs to evaluate further.
Q) What are the causes of gynecomastia in boys ?
A) Puberty is the most common cause, but sometimes it can be due to other causes like tumors of testis and adrenals, genetic conditions, hormonal imbalances, certain drugs, liver or kidney conditions.
Q) When is it needed to see a Pediatric Endocrinologist ?
A) The Red Flags signs which should be evaluated are:
- When it is not associated with puberty
- Very rapid changes in the size
- Associated with severe pain or discharge
- When present only on one side can be abnormal sometimes
Q) Can this be treated ?
A) Gynecomastia can be managed with medications depending upon the cause of it.
