Overview
Gynecomastia is an expansion of the amount of breast gland tissue in boys or men due to an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia can occasionally have an unequal impact on one or both breasts.
Pseudo gynecomastia describes an increase in fat in male breasts without an increase in glandular tissue.
Although there are other causes as well, gynecomastia can result from the regular changes in hormone levels in infants, boys going through adolescence, and elderly men.
Gynecomastia is normally not a serious problem, although treating it can be difficult. Gynecomastia can make men and boys feel self-conscious and uncomfortable about their breasts.
Gynecomastia could disappear by itself. If it persists, surgery or medication might be beneficial.

Symptoms
Gynecomastia in adult males is typically asymptomatic. An illness’s warning signs and symptoms could include:
Pain, particularly in adolescents.
Swollen breast tissue.
Breast tenderness.
Nipple sensitivity with rubbing against clothes.

When to see a doctor

If you have:
Swelling.
Pain or tenderness.
Nipple discharge in one or both breasts.

Causes

When contrasted to estrogen, lower testosterone levels result in gynecomastia. The decline may be caused by circumstances that interfere with testosterone’s functions, reduce testosterone, or increase estrogen levels.
The following are some elements that may affect how hormones are balanced:
Natural hormone changes:
Gynecomastia in infants: Because of the impact of their mother’s estrogen, more than half of male children are born with larger breasts. The increased breast tissue often disappears two to three weeks after giving delivery.
Gynecomastia during puberty: It is rather typical for hormonal changes brought on by puberty to induce gynecomastia. Usually, the swollen breast tissue will disappear naturally in six months to two years.
Gynecomastia in adults: Between 24% and 65% of men between the ages of 50 and 80 are believed to be affected. Most affected men, however, have no symptoms.

Medications:
Prostate cancer, as well as other disorders, are treated with anti-androgens. Examples include flutamide, finasteride (Proscar, Propecia), and spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir).
Treatment of hormone deficits, delayed puberty, or muscle loss due to another illness with anabolic steroids and androgens.
medicines for AIDS. Some HIV drugs, particularly Efavirenz, might produce gynecomastia due to their estrogen-like characteristics (Sustiva).

Recreational drugs, illicit drugs and alcohol.

Herbal products:
Hypogonadism: Gynecomastia can be related to conditions that reduce testosterone production, such as Klinefelter syndrome or pituitary insufficiency.
Aging: Gynecomastia can be brought on by aging hormone changes, especially in overweight men.
Tumors: Some tumors have the potential to release hormones that alter the ratio of male to female hormones, such as those that impact the testicles, adrenal glands, or pituitary glands.
Risk factors
Adolescence.
Older age.
use of anabolic steroids to improve performance in sports.
certain medical diseases, including thyroid disease, hormonally active malignancies, liver and renal disease, and Klinefelter syndrome.
Complications

Gynecomastia has little physical side effects, but it might result in emotional or psychological issues because of one’s appearance.

Prevention

You may alter a few things to reduce your risk of getting gynecomastia, including:
Don’t take drugs: examples include amphetamines, heroin, marijuana, and anabolic steroids.
Avoid alcohol: Don’t drink alcohol.