Concern

Gynecomastia Treatment in Campbell

Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of breast glandular tissue in males, resulting from an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. The condition can affect one or both breasts and may cause tenderness or discomfort. Gynecomastia is common across the lifespan, occurring in newborns, adolescent boys during puberty, and older men as hormone levels change. While many cases resolve on their own, persistent gynecomastia may cause psychological distress and can be addressed through medical or surgical treatment.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kamakshi R. Zeidler, MD, FACS · Updated April 2026

At a Glance

Gynecomastia affects over 50% of males at some point in their lives, with prevalence peaks in newborns, adolescents, and men over 50^[4]

In adolescents, more than 90% of gynecomastia cases resolve spontaneously within one to two years without treatment^[1]

The condition results from an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone, and can be caused by medications, medical conditions, or normal hormonal changes^[5]

Gynecomastia is the most common benign disorder of male breast tissue and is not associated with increased risk of breast cancer in otherwise healthy men^[2]

Signs & symptoms

Enlargement of breast tissue, often described as a firm or rubbery mass beneath the nipple
Breast tenderness or sensitivity, particularly in early stages
Swelling in one or both breasts, which may be asymmetric
A palpable, moveable lump under the nipple area
Nipple discharge in some cases
Psychological distress or self-consciousness related to breast appearance

What causes Gynecomastia

Imbalance between estrogen and testosterone hormone levels
Normal hormonal fluctuations during puberty, with estradiol rising faster than testosterone
Age-related decline in testosterone production, particularly in men over 50
Medications including spironolactone, finasteride, digoxin, cimetidine, and certain antipsychotics
Medical conditions such as hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, liver cirrhosis, and kidney failure
Substance use including anabolic steroids, marijuana, and alcohol
Obesity, which can increase estrogen production through aromatization of androgens in fat tissue

Risk factors

Adolescence (puberty-related hormonal changes)
Age over 50 years
Obesity or excess body fat
Use of anabolic steroids or testosterone supplements
Medications that affect hormone levels (e.g., prostate cancer treatments, anti-ulcer drugs)
Chronic liver disease or cirrhosis
Kidney failure or dialysis
Klinefelter syndrome or other conditions affecting testosterone production
Alcohol use
Exposure to estrogen-containing products or endocrine-disrupting chemicals

How it's assessed

Physical examination to assess breast tissue, distinguish from pseudogynecomastia (fat-only enlargement), and check for masses
Medical history review including medication use, substance use, and family history
Blood tests for hormone levels including testosterone, estradiol, LH, and DHEAS
Thyroid function tests to rule out hyperthyroidism
Liver and kidney function tests
Mammography or breast ultrasound to evaluate tissue composition and rule out breast cancer
Testicular ultrasound if a testicular abnormality is suspected

How is Gynecomastia treated

Several approaches can address gynecomastia:

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Recovery & outlook

In newborns, gynecomastia typically resolves within a few months as maternal estrogen clears
In adolescents, more than 90% of cases resolve spontaneously within one to two years
Persistent gynecomastia lasting longer than 12 months may become fibrotic and less likely to resolve without intervention
Surgical treatment generally produces lasting results with high patient satisfaction
Gynecomastia is not life-threatening but can cause significant psychological impact

Frequently Asked Questions

Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of breast glandular tissue in males caused by a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. It can affect one or both breasts and is common during puberty, in newborns, and in men over 50. The condition is distinct from pseudogynecomastia, which involves fat accumulation without glandular tissue growth.
Common signs include a firm or rubbery mass beneath the nipple, breast tenderness or sensitivity, and visible swelling in one or both breasts. The enlargement may be asymmetric. Some individuals also experience nipple discharge, though this is less common.
Gynecomastia results from an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. Common causes include normal hormonal changes during puberty or aging, medications such as spironolactone or finasteride, medical conditions like liver disease or thyroid disorders, and substance use including anabolic steroids and marijuana.
Seek medical evaluation for new or rapidly growing breast tissue, breast pain or tenderness that persists, nipple discharge (especially if bloody or dark), a hard or fixed lump, or if the condition causes significant distress. Prompt evaluation can help rule out rare conditions like male breast cancer.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Many cases resolve on their own, particularly in adolescents. Options include addressing underlying causes, adjusting medications, hormone-blocking medications for persistent cases, and surgery (male breast reduction) for cosmetically significant gynecomastia that has not responded to other approaches.
In many cases, yes. Newborn gynecomastia typically clears within a few months, and most adolescent cases resolve within one to two years. However, gynecomastia lasting longer than 12 months may become fibrotic and less likely to resolve without intervention. Persistent cases in adults often benefit from medical evaluation.
Gynecomastia surgery, also called male breast reduction, typically involves removal of excess glandular tissue through a small incision near the areola. Liposuction may be combined with excision when both glandular and fatty tissue are present. The procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis.