What is it?

Breast hypertrophy in men, or gynecomastia, is an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue. Gynecomastia is typically caused due to a hormonal imbalance- an increase in estrogen levels and decrease of testosterone levels, or blockage of its effect. Gynecomastia is normally seen in newborn who are still affected from the mother’s hormones, boys in puberty and older men. It can affect one or both breasts. Many medications can cause gynecomastia such as anti-androgens, anabolic steroids, AIDS medications (Sustiva) , ADHD medications (Adderall), Valium, tricyclic antidepressants, antibiotics and more. There are also some medical conditions that can cause breast hypertrophy such as hypogonadism, tumors, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, liver failure and malnutrition. Alcohol may also cause this phenomenon.