Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia refers to the swelling of the breast tissue in boys or men that is caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. This can affect one or both breasts, sometimes disproportionately. Boys going through puberty may develop Gynecomastia due to changes in hormone levels, though other causes also exist. This condition goes away on its own.

The symptoms of Gynecomastia include swollen breast gland tissue and breast tenderness.
Several things can upset the hormonal balance, including the following:

• Chronic liver disease
• Aging
• Tumours
• Kidney failure
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypogonadism
• Alcohol
• Illicit drug use
• Medications such as trycylic antidepressants, antibiotics, ulcer medicines, heart medicines, steroids etc.

Contact your doctor if you have swelling, pain and nipple discharge in one or both breasts!