Overview

Common during puberty, aging, or due to medications. It may cause psychological distress even if not harmful.

Causes

• Puberty (physiological gynecomastia)
• Medications (e.g., spironolactone, steroids)
• Obesity (increased estrogen from fat cells)
• Liver/kidney disease
• Anabolic steroid use

Symptoms

• Soft or firm tissue under nipple
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Swelling may be one- or both-sided
• No discharge or skin changes (if benign)

Treatment: Modern Medicine

• Diagnosis: Physical exam, hormone testing (Testosterone, Estradiol), Ultrasound
• Treatment:
  • Observation (if puberty-related)
  • Hormone therapy (Tamoxifen in persistent cases)
  • Surgical removal (liposuction or mastectomy) if distressing or large

Treatment: Traditional Medicine

• Ayurveda: Triphala, Guggulu, Ashwagandha
• Siddha: Amukkara, Nilavembu
• Unani: Qurs Kushta Faulad, Majoon Muqil
• TCM: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, acupuncture to balance Qi
• Homeopathy: Calcarea carb, Lycopodium, Thuja
• Nutraceuticals: Zinc, DIM (Diindolylmethane), Vitamin D

Caution

• Hard, fixed lumps or nipple discharge require ruling out male breast cancer
• Address underlying liver or hormone disorders

Prevention

• Avoid anabolic steroids, alcohol, soy overuse
• Exercise and weight management
• Regular hormone checkups in older men