Gynaecomastia
Gynaecomastia is a common condition that causes men’s breasts to grow larger than normal (sometimes referred to as “man boobs”).
It is most commonly seen in teenage boys and older men although can also be seen temporarily in new-born babies as a result of circulating maternal hormones that have crossed the placenta.
The condition can vary from a small amount of extra tissue around the nipples to more prominent breasts generally. It may affect only one or both breasts and occasionally may be tender or uncomfortable.
Gynaecomastia may be caused by a hormone imbalance, obesity, puberty or by certain drugs (both prescribed and illicit) including anabolic steroids and excessive alcohol consumption. It can also be caused by certain chronic health conditions such as kidney failure or liver disease. In rare instances the condition may result from an underlying genetic disorder such as Klinefelter syndrome.
New onset one sided gynaecomastia in an older male may occasional be caused by an underlying breast cancer and should prompt early review with your GP.
Selfcare and more information
In most cases gynaecomastia is a benign (harmless) condition that requires no specific treatment although it may cause significant distress due to the appearances it produces. It’s occurrence during puberty is usually a temporary response to hormone changes which settles with time.
Obesity is a common cause of gynaecomastia – this is because being overweight can increase levels of oestrogen, which can cause breast tissue to grow. If you’re overweight, you’re also more likely to have excess fat that can enlarge the breast tissue. For some people losing weight or doing more exercise can help.
As men get older, they produce less testosterone. Older men also tend to have more body fat, and this can cause more oestrogen to be produced. These changes in hormone levels can lead to excess breast tissue growth but there are no proven medical treatments besides weight loss that can reverse these changes.
Certain medicines such as anti-ulcer drugs and diuretics (“water pills”) have potential side-effects that include gynaecomastia. If you are concerned that you are experiencing a side-effect from medication that you have been prescribed, then you should discuss your concerns with your GP before stopping it.
The use of certain illegal drugs such as Cannabis and anabolic steroids can also lead to gynaecomastia.
Surgical treatment
Local commissioning policies are in place for this condition
Please be aware that there are local commissioning policies in place for this condition. This means that certain treatments may not be available to you on the NHS.
Please click here for more information.
Male breast reduction surgery for gynaecomastia is regarded as a cosmetic procedure by the local commissioners and is therefore not routinely funded by the NHS.
Waiting for a specialist opinion
If you have been referred for a specialist opinion your details will be reviewed, and it may be recommended that you are seen by a hospital clinician. Information to support you in choosing your preferred hospital, including waiting times can be found below.
How long will I wait?
If a hospital assessment and/or treatment is clinically recommended you will be referred for to a specialist. Click below to find out more about waiting times for routine hospital assessment and/or treatment.