The breast tissue that is enlarged can return to its former state after the underlying condition is treated or managed, or the drug that causes it is stopped. Physiologic gynecomastia, the normal enlargement of breast tissue, goes away after the temporary estrogen-testosterone imbalance.
The chronic conditions that can cause breast tissue to swell include liver failure and hyperthyroidism, where the production and metabolism of testosterone is compromised. Malnutrition and hypogonadism can lower testosterone levels. Klinefelter’s syndrome, characterized by the malfunction of testes, is an irreversible condition, so this requires hormonal replacement to potentially reduce breast tissue size.
Anabolic steroids or exogenous androgens are common drugs that can cause effeminate signs, like breast tissue enlargement, or thinning of hair. The adverse effects of these agents are due to the conversion of androgen to estrogen or estradiol. When these are used for a long period of time, during which there is an increased level of testosterone in the blood, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release chemicals that would inhibit the release of the endogenous (or naturally-occurring) testosterone from the testes. Since there is already an increased level of testosterone in the blood, the liver converts the androgen to estrogen at high levels. In addition to the muscles losing bulk, prostate cancer and hypogonadism could develop.
The growth of breast tissues that occur at certain stages in life, like during the onset of puberty or at birth, is perfectly normal and does not need any medical or surgical intervention. The maternal hormone, estrogen, is still in the blood circulation of a newborn. There is a slight hormonal imbalance during puberty, which causes changes in a male adolescent’s body. One of which is gynecomastia, a temporary change that is not expected to occur.
Breast enlargement in males will go away with chest exercise, instead the chest region will only become more pronounced. The muscles will push out the breast tissues. However, if it is lipomastia, or the fatty deposition in breast tissues that needs to be addressed, exercise can help. If obesity is the issue, a healthy diet and an active lifestyle can help in weight reduction.
The only treatment for gynecomastia is to target the contributing factor. Surgery is the last resort one should think of, if he thinks that the syndrome or condition causing it has no cure, or if the organ producing testosterone fails to function normally.
Breast reduction, where the fatty tissues around the breasts are removed, can be an option for someone who can afford it. There is also the removal of the breast tissue, known as mastectomy. Any surgical procedure can have complications or negative outcomes, such as breast asymmetry, tissue death, incision scars, or tissue infection. Given these potential downsides, it is important to think carefully before deciding to undergo breast reduction. The advantage of mastectomy though, is that the breast tissue will no longer grow, even if the person has an irreversible disease or condition that has caused the breast to enlarge in the first place.
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