Can gynecomastia be treated without surgery?

Although there are a number of causes for gynaecomastia, hormonal imbalances account for the majority of cases. Nearly 70% of pre-teen boys and up to 65% of older men experience it, making it most prevalent in puberty and in men over 60. Although males of any age can be affected, it is more common in these specific age ranges because during these periods hormones are more likely to become unbalanced. 

Both men’s and women’s bodies contain oestrogen and testosterone; however, the former is higher in females and the latter in males. Elevated oestrogen levels promote the growth of glandular breast tissue and inhibit the body’s production of testosterone. Gynecomastia is frequently caused by an increase in oestrogen and a reduction in testosterone. 

Because hormones are triggered during puberty, gynecomastia may appear in pre-teens with elevated oestrogen levels. The same is true for men who go through what some refer to as “manopause” later in life. Your body is once more attempting to balance hormone changes after the age of 50 when your testosterone levels start to decline. In addition to fluctuating hormone levels, gynecomastia can also result from:

• Elevated oestrogen hormones linked to excess fat.
• Use of prescription opioids, alcohol, and illicit substances (such as marijuana)
• Use of drugs to treat anxiety and depression
• Disorders such as hyperthyroidism, liver disease, or kidney disease
• Use of steroids that increase muscle mass

Gynecomastia can be resolved without surgical intervention. Lifestyle changes or adjusting medications can help restore hormonal balance, potentially reducing or eliminating the condition. Here are some lifestyle modifications that may help:

• Treating underlying health issues like kidney, liver, thyroid, or adrenal disorders
• Modifying medications that contribute to increased oestrogen levels
• Considering hormone therapy to regulate testosterone and oestrogen balance
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Avoiding recreational drugs and anabolic steroids
• Incorporating exercise and a healthy diet to reduce excess body fat

In some cases, gynecomastia subsides as hormone levels naturally stabilise. Collaborating with a healthcare professional to identify and address the root cause can also help resolve the condition.

Breast reduction surgery is required if you have a feminine chest and want to eliminate extra breast tissue completely. This procedure can help provide contours and give your chest a more manly appearance, and the effects are permanent. Depending on your particular condition and intended outcome, there are a number of different options.

Liposuction is one of the most popular treatments for this condition. Excision is an additional therapeutic method that requires the removal of larger volumes of glandular tissue. Regardless of the method, surgery helps to create a more manly chest contour. Men who have received these different therapies report a more positive body image and better self-esteem.