Gynecomastia Causes

Gynecomastia is caused by a decreased amount of the hormone testosterone in comparison to the amount of estrogen. This decrease may be due to certain conditions that cause blockage or reduction of the effects of testosterone or estrogen levels increase. Hormonal changes can be produced by several causes, among them are the following.

Natural hormonal changes



The testosterone and estrogen hormones are responsible for regulating the development and maintenance of sexual characteristics in both men and women. Testosterone controls male traits such as muscle mass and body hair. Estrogen controls female traits, including growth of the breasts.

Most people think that estrogens are produced exclusively by the female, but the reality is that men also produce it. The fundamental difference is in the amount of these hormones produced. Men who produce high levels of estrogen and an amount not balanced with respect to the amount of hormones testosterone can cause gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia in infants

Due to the effects of maternal estrogen, more than half of male infants are born with enlarged breasts. In general, the inflamed breast tissue disappears in two or three weeks after birth.

Gynecomastia during puberty

During puberty hormonal changes can cause breast swelling develop. It is relatively common and the effects will go away without any treatment performed within six months to two years.

Gynecomastia in men

At least one in four men is between 50 and 80 years of age are affected by gynecomastia.

Drugs

Medicines that can cause gynecomastia include:

Anti-androgens such as flutamide, finasteride (Proscar) and spironolactone (Aldactone).

Anabolic steroids and androgens.

Some medicines to treat AIDS, as Efavirenz (Sustiva).

Anti-anxiety medications such as diazepam (Valium).

Tricyclic antidepressants.

Antibiotics.

Ulcer medications such as cimetidine.

Cancer treatment (chemotherapy).

Heart medicines such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and calcium channel blockers.

Also the intake of alcohol or drugs such as amphetamines, marijuana, heroin and methadone can cause gynecomastia.

Health states

There are different health conditions that can cause a hormonal imbalance. Including:

hypogonadism

Any health condition that causes an imbalance of the normal production of testosterone as Klinefelter syndrome or pituitary insufficiency, can cause gynecomastia.

aging

Normal aging causes hormonal changes that can cause gynecomastia. More frequently in men who are overweight.

tumors

Some tumors, especially those related to the testes, adrenal glands or the pituitary gland may cause alteration of the male-female hormone balance.

hyperthyroidism

In this state the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine.

kidney failure

About half of those who undergo hemodialysis regularly may have gynecomastia due to hormonal changes.

Liver failure and cirrhosis

Drugs and liver malfunction causes hormonal fluctuations that are associated with gynecomastia.

malnutrition

A poor diet can lead to the collapse of normal testosterone levels and maintain constant levels of estrogen, causing a hormonal imbalance. Gynecomastia can also occur when you start normally nourished.

Herbal Products

Vegetable oils, such as lavender, used in shampoos, soaps and lotions have been associated with gynecomastia.