Due to hormonal imbalance in men, hypertrophy of adipose tissue can occur, which leads to an increase in mammary glands - rudimentary organs consisting of short ducts, glandular tissue, nipple.
The functioning of these organs occurs in the presence of estrogens and prolactin. In the male body, the number of estrogens is extremely small, because these are female hormones, the liver immediately eliminates any excess of them. However, if for some reason the amount of estrogen exceeds the norm, the male mammary glands begin to grow like the female, which leads to the appearance of gynecomastia in men.
But excess estrogen is not the only cause of this condition. If prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland in excessive quantities, adipose tissue is deposited in the mammary glands and connective tissue grows rapidly. As a result, the mammary glands thicken and enlarge.
So, the causes of gynecomastia in men are:
- violation of the ratio of testosterone and estrogen in the body, which happens due to malfunctions in the functioning of the sex glands, tumors of the testicles, adrenal glands, stomach;
- increased prolactin production due to pituitary tumor;
- metabolic diseases such as diabetes;
- taking drugs that increase the production of estrogen and prolactin.
Signs of pathology
Mammary gland enlargement in diameter is the main symptom of gynecomastia in men. Along with this, the nipples and the areola surrounding them increase. Discharge from the nipples may be seen, although this is rare. There may be a feeling of discomfort in the area of the mammary glands and an increase in the sensitivity of the nipples. If, along with the listed symptoms, seals appear in the mammary glands, spotting is observed, lymph nodes in the armpits increase, you should immediately visit a doctor. After all, such signs can indicate not only gynecomastia in men, but also breast cancer.
Diagnosis
To accurately determine the presence of pathology, an external examination is not enough. Conduct blood tests to determine the amount of prolactin, testosterone, urea, creatinine and other substances and hormones in it. In addition, CT, ultrasound and other studies can be performed.
Gynecomastia in men: treatment
The treatment method is selected depending on the causespathological process. So, if gynecomastia is provoked by medication, they are simply canceled, and the condition normalizes by itself. If hormonal changes are associated with an increase in estrogen, medications are prescribed that lower their level. In the case when drugs alone cannot get rid of the problem, it may be recommended to remove gynecomastia in men. The price of such a procedure in different clinics is different, and the operation itself consists in eliminating excess tissues and fat deposits in the area of the mammary glands.
