Gynecomastia — Symptoms and Treatment

Gynecomastia is the breast enlargement in males, due to increased glandular proliferation. This is very common condition and mostly physiological in neonates, pubertal boys and elderly persons. Some cases are pathologic and secondary to drugs, chronic liver and kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Majority are asymptomatic and do not need treatment. If treatment is needed, it should be tailored against the etiology of gynecomastia. Symptomatic gynecomastia that does not resolve with treating the cause can respond to antiestrogens or aromatase inhibitors. Finally, surgical intervention should be offered only to severely symptomatic cases.