Gynecomastia is a common condition that affects men and boys. The breasts enlarge and swell abnormally. All men and women have mammary glands, but because they are undeveloped and tiny, they are not visible in men. Newborns, boys going through puberty, and older males can all have enlarged mammary glands. Gynecomastia refers to more than just being overweight, it manifests itself in an abnormal increase in breast volume in men that affect only one breast or both simultaneously (unilateral gynecomastia and bilateral gynecomastia. ). Gynecomastia breast tissue won't decrease by exercising or decreasing weight.

There are different causes for gynecomastia, the most common of which are:

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances frequently lead to gynecomastia. The problem lies with the sex hormones, specifically an imbalance between estrogen (which stimulates breast growth) and testosterone.

It occurs in newborns due to maternal estrogens crossing the placenta before delivery.

Although the mechanism of its start in adolescents is still unclear, it would result from a delay in the production of testosterone throughout puberty.

It is brought on by the decrease of testicular testosterone production in elderly males (those over the age of 60).

Taking medications and other substances

Taking certain treatments, including hormonal drugs or certain chemotherapy, can cause swelling of the mammary glands. Doping products or drugs can also have this effect.

Some drugs that can cause gynecomastia include:

• Anti-androgen medications: used to treat prostate cancer and enlarged prostate.
• Specific kinds of antianxiety and antidepressant medicines.
• Some drugs for the treatment of heart disease.
• Antibiotics and certain antiviral medications.
• Chemotherapy medications.
• Some medicines for the treatment of epilepsy.
• Amphetamines: used to treat hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders.
• Steroids: used by sportsmen that are anabolic androgenic.
• Specific medications for the treatment of cirrhosis and liver disease.

The special case of obesity

Pseudogynecomastia or adipomastia are terms used to describe the condition of obesity. The glandular tissue, which nevertheless maintains its usual size, is not swelled in this instance, instead, the breast is swollen by fat.