Gynecomastia is a medical condition also known as “man boobs”. It is characterized by the enlargement of the breast tissues in men. This condition is caused by the depletion of the male hormone testosterone causing the domination of the female hormone, estrogen. While this condition may be due to hormonal imbalance, there are a few medics and patients imply how can gynecomastia be caused by HIV treatment therapy?
It is important to learn more about gynecomastia. The condition has been known to occur naturally during neonatal stage, puberty, and old age but they eventually disappear without any form of treatment in just a few weeks.
There are however, pathological causes that may need treatment procedures like surgery. Experts say that there are certain medications that can cause the occurrence “man boobs”, these include:
•Medications to treat prostate cancer that contain anti-androgens that inhibit the production of the male hormones.
•Anabolic steroids are also said to cause the development of “man boobs”.
•Valium, which is used as anti-anxiety medications, can trigger the development of “man boobs”.
•Some antibiotics
•Heart medications
•Ulcer medications
•Some anti-depressants
•Medications used to treat AIDS and HIV therapy treatments
For years, doctors have never stopped in their researches and studies to connect the relation between HIV therapy treatments to gynecomastia. There have been reported cases of the occurrence of “man boobs” while patients were undergoing HIV treatment, HAART or highly active antiretroviral therapy.
Can gynecomastia be caused by HIV treatment therapy? This has been a perennial question for years. In their case studies, “man boobs” became evident in patients undergoing HAART treatment just three to seven months from the initial treatment. Further studies have to be made in order to draw a more conclusive approach on the exact effect of HAART.
How do doctors determine the proper diagnosis? Doctors first look into the patients’ medical history. Enlargement of the breasts can also be caused by muscle hypertrophy of the pectoral muscles. The presence of tumors has to be determined as well. They are on the lookout for the following:
•Experts believe that “man boobs” development is asymptomatic. Patients normally won’t notice any symptoms.
•They also have to determine when marked enlargement was observed, including the duration of the enlargement.
•Doctors check for tenderness and if there is pain when touched.
•There might also be a presence of sexual dysfunction.
•The patient’s drug use history has to be checked as there are certain illegal substances that can cause the development of “man boobs”. Abuse might also put a man at risk, like alcohol, marijuana, and heroin.
Examination and Prognosis
Doctors have to establish that there is actual enlargement of the breast tissue. There are cases where the enlargement is manifested by adipose tissue proliferation. Doctors look out for distinct discs when pinched during examination. Mammography can make the results conclusive.
The size and asymmetry is also measured.
Doctors will have to perform laboratory tests to establish the depletion of testosterone. “Man boobs” can also be caused by liver disease; hence, it also has to be established to make proper diagnosis. Hyperthyroidism can also be indicative of the condition.
The question can gynecomastia be caused by HIV treatment therapy will continue unless more concrete assumptions and results are established.
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