Gynecomastia: A Treatment Perspective
Gynecomastia: A Treatment Perspective
We need to see and treat Gynecomastia for what it is. It is normal, a medical condition and no reason for shame, embarrassment or humiliation. This diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plans/options are increasingly becoming a more common finding in men, as more feel confident and take action to deal/cope with it and get help.
Most often Gynecomastia occurs, develops, onsets spontaneously, not traceable to a direct cause necessarily, even related to normal puberty or aging, just another part of life, living, body, male gender we still are yet to uncover and understand better. The learning is ongoing, as is the research and medications.
Medications, the very thing that is supposed to help, can also hinder and actaully contribute or cause gynecomastia as wells. These meds are, can be frequent causes of breast enlargement or tenderness, pain, even the laction-type of the disorder.
Other interesting insights around primary hypogonadism, neoplasma, hCG, underlying systemic disorders (liver disease, renal failure, thyrotoxicosis) breast enlargement due to distrurbances in the hormonal/endocrine balance, estrogen/androgen ratio.
For the most part scientists and medical practitioners are on the same page, when it comes to treatment for this problem with female breasts in men:
-Correcting any reversible causes
-Take a closer look at how and what could be related to medications
-Treatment of any serious underlying disorders that are discovered, especially tumors
-Hormonal imbalance correction
-Medical treatment aimed at reducing the effective estrogen/androgen ratio
-Surgical removal of excessive tissue (more effective in younger patients or those in which the breast tissue has become hardened).
Gynecomastia is more common that most of us will think initially at first glance. It is a relatively common physical finding, diagnosis and occurence in the male gender (at any age).
Here are some more things to be on the look-out for that might be making the scenario worse:
– calcium-channel blockers
– cancer
– chemotherapeutic agents
– digitalis glycosides
– histamine2-receptor blockers
– Ketoconazole
– neuroleptic agents
– Spironolactone
Some medicines can also cause these types of symptoms on a once-of or temporary basis.
Ensure that you get your routine, clinical and physical exam from your doctor.
Mention any concerns that you might have, regarding your breasts and related enlargement, lactation etc. that you might be or have experienced in recent days, weeks, months, years – if it has happened before, you have other sufferers in your family etc.
Endocrinological workup, tests and diagnosis are all important, so you can get on your way to healing better and quicker. Those suffering from spinal cord injury and even those undergoing antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection should be tested regularly for gynecomastia.