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Gynecomastia Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a common disorder of the endocrine system in which there is a non-cancerous increase in the size of breast tissue in males.

Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly.

Causes Of Gynecomastia:

Gynecomastia can occur due to any of the following reasons:

  • Natural hormone changes

It can be caused by an altered ratio of estrogens to androgens mediated by an increase in estrogen production, a decrease in androgen production, or a combination of these two factors.

  • Side effect of medications
  • Anti-androgens
  • Anabolic steroids and androgens.
  • AIDS medications.
  • Anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam (Valium).
  • Tricyclic antidepressants.
  • Ulcer medications
  • Cancer treatment (chemotherapy).
  • Heart medications
  • Health conditions
  • Hypogonadism
  • Aging
  • Tumors
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure and cirrhosis
  • Malnutrition and starvation
  • Substance abuse
  • Alcohol
  • Amphetamines
  • Marijuana
  • Heroin
  • Methadone

Symptoms Of Gynecomastia:

Signs and symptoms may include the following:

  • Swollen breast gland tissue
  • Breast tenderness
  • Pain
  • Tenderness
  • Nipple discharge in one or both breasts

Diagnosis Of Gynecomastia:

The following procedure is undertaken to diagnose gynecomastia:

  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests
  • Mammograms
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scans
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
  • Testicular ultrasounds
  • Tissue biopsies

Treatment Of Gynecomastia:

Generally gynecomastia regresses over time without any treatment.

However, if it does not, the following treatment is available:

  • Medications
  • tamoxifen (Soltamox)
  • raloxifene (Evista)
  • Surgery
  • Liposuction
  • Mastectomy

By : Natural Health News

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