What Is Teenage Gynecomastia?

Teenage gynecomastia is a medical condition characterized by the development of enlarged breast tissue in males during adolescence (at the age of 13-19), which can result in the development of swollen, sensitive, or even painful breasts.

While it’s natural for some boys to experience temporary breast enlargement during puberty due to hormonal fluctuations, it can persist beyond adolescence, causing emotional distress and affecting one’s self-esteem.

Let’s understand the causes, symptoms and treatment options for teenage gynecomastia.

Causes of Teenage Gynecomastia

Here are the common causes of teenage gynecomastia:

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes are the more prevalent cause of teen gynecomastia. Testosterone and estrogen regulate the growth and development of breast tissue. During puberty, these hormonal levels can undergo fluctuations, and the temporary elevation of estrogen levels can trigger the development of gynecomastia.

Certain Medications and Substances: Certain medications, such as anti-androgen, anti-anxiety medications, antibiotics, and anabolic steroids or taking certain substances like marijuana or alcohol, can also lead to gynecomastia in teens.

Other causes of teenage gynecomastia may include:

• Obesity
• Genetics
• Certain medical conditions, like Klinefelter syndrome, hypothyroidism, and liver disease.

Symptoms of Teenage Gynecomastia

The main symptom of teenage gynecomastia is enlarged breasts. Other symptoms are as follows:

• Tenderness or pain in the breasts
• Nipple discharge
• Discomfort when wearing clothing
• Self-consciousness

Treatments for Teenage Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia surgery in Delhi is a viable solution to treat gynecomastia. However, the surgery is typically performed around the ages of 16 to 17 because, at this time, the hormonal changes get stabilized.

Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The best gynecomastia surgeon in Delhi will make a small incision (4 to 5mm) on the side of the chest and insert a cannula to remove the excess glandular tissue. Advanced technologies like MicroAire, Vaser, and BodyTite are also employed to achieve the best outcome. Sometimes, the surgeon may also need to remove excess skin through liposuction. In this procedure, a cannula is inserted to break the fat. The cannula is attached to a thin suction tube to remove excess fat from the breasts. Liposuction is often used for boys with mild to moderate gynecomastia.

If gynecomastia is caused by excess fat, weight management can be an effective way to manage gynecomastia. In some cases, weight loss may help to reduce the appearance of enlarged breasts, but it is not always effective. However, it is not a permanent cure because a combination of factors causes gynecomastia.

If you are an adolescent male considering treatment for gynecomastia, consult with your doctor about the risks and advantages of each treatment choice.