Different changes occur in the body with adolescence. Changes such as the onset of hairing, deepening of the voice, increase in the amount of muscle in the body, and enlargement of the testicles are seen. In addition to these, some people also experience enlargement of the breast tissue. Although this condition, which is seen in men, does not directly cause health problems, it can lead to traumatic consequences, especially in adolescence. Gynecomastia in puberty is usually temporary and does not require any treatment. So, what should be done in cases where it is permanent?
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What is Adolescent Gynecomastia?
The levels of many hormones begin to change with adolescence. Testosterone and estrogen are among them. Due to hormonal changes that affect androgens and estrogens in the body, abnormal breast growth can be seen in men. This situation is called adolescent gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia that occurs in adolescence is expected to completely disappear between 6 months and 2 years. However, if the growth in the breasts does not go away during this period and the situation continues in adulthood, the person is considered to have gynecomastia.
This condition, which continues in adulthood, can only be fixed with surgical intervention. However, sometimes the reason for the growth in the breasts may be lipoidosis. This condition, called pseudo gynecomastia or fatty gynecomastia, can be improved with diet, weight loss, and liposuction.
Gynecomastia is known as male breasts in public. It is the situation where the breasts get bigger and look like women’s breasts. The word gynecomastia is derived from the Greek word for woman-like breasts, and this name is given to this condition.
Why Does Gynecomastia Develop During Adolescence?
The main reason for gynecomastia during adolescence is the changes in hormone levels. Although this condition can occur at any time in life, it usually appears in adolescence. During this period, the level of testosterone hormone in men is much higher than estrogen. However, if the opposite happens, that is, if more estrogen is produced than there should be, breast tissue enlargement and accordingly gynecomastia develop.
The main reason for gynecomastia in adolescence is abnormal changes in hormone levels. However, it is known that sometimes it can be seen due to different reasons.
How Long Does Gynecomastia in Adolescence Last?
Gynecomastia seen in adolescence usually goes away automatically within 6 to 24 months. No treatment is required in this period.
Although in some people it is seen between the ages of 10-12, the most common period is between the ages of 13-14. While 80% of people with adolescent gynecomastia recover without treatment, 20% continue to experience this problem into adulthood.
Read Also: Which Questions Should I Ask My Doctor About Gynecomastia Surgery?
How to Get Rid of Gynecomastia During Adolescence?
Gynecomastia in adolescence usually goes away automatically. However, if the growth of the breasts has not gone away after adolescence, first it should be diagnosed correctly. Because the growth in the breasts can also be caused entirely by lipoidosis as well as the enlargement of the breast tissue. Both can also be seen simultaneously. Different treatment methods are applied for each of these.
If the main reason for the growth is the enlargement of the breast tissue, surgical methods are preferred. However, those who do not want to have surgery can wear a special compression garment, thus making sure that the size of the breasts is not noticeable. For growth due to lipoidosis, methods such as diet, exercise, and liposuction can be used.
Gynecomastia surgery is performed after the age of 17. It is not possible to perform this surgery earlier. Besides, estrogen-suppressing drugs have been developed for the treatment of this condition. However, their effectiveness has not yet been confirmed. Therefore, the only solution to real gynecomastia today is a surgical operation.
Does It Have a Non-Surgical Treatment?
The most effective treatment for this problem is gynecomastia surgery. However, in some people, it is known that non-surgical methods are also effective up to a point. Depending on the underlying cause of the growth, such treatment methods may be preferred. Some of the relevant methods and their details are as follows:
· Off-Label Medications
The cancer medication tamoxifen or raloxifene may be prescribed by your doctor as an off-label treatment.
· Medication Change
If it is suspected that gynecomastia has developed due to a side effect of a medication used, this medication can be changed by your doctor.
· Hormone Therapy
With Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), the testosterone level can be increased, and accordingly, the growth of the breasts can be stopped up to a point.
· Different Health Problems
Treating diseases such as malnutrition and hypothyroidism can reduce the symptoms of gynecomastia.
· Diet and Exercise
If the growth in the breasts is caused by lipoidosis, this growth can be significantly eliminated by diet and exercise.
Apart from hormone imbalance, gynecomastia can also develop due to steroid use, excessive alcohol, and similar reasons. In such cases, gynecomastia may also be fixed when the cause of the problem is eliminated.
Although these are non-surgical treatment methods, it should be noted that they will not show the same effect on everyone. The permanent solution to the problem that occurs due to the breast tissue is only possible with surgery.
Read Also: Is It Possible to Get Rid of Gynecomastia with Only Exercise?
Which Foods Cause Gynecomastia in General?
Foods that cause gynecomastia are;
- Deep-fried foods,
- Beer,
- Frozen meat,
- Strawberry,
- Shrimp,
- Dairy products,
- Beet
- Soy products
The main characteristic of these foods is that while they increase estrogen production, they suppress testosterone production. Men can prefer foods such as below that have the opposite effect so that their breasts don’t grow;
- Avocado,
- Salmon,
- Brown rice,
- Hazelnut,
- Fig,
- Egg
- Asparagus
Schedule a Consultation
If you suspect gynecomastia in your children who have entered adolescence, you can have them examined by a specialist doctor right away. The level of expertise and experience of the doctor to be preferred will allow the diagnosis and treatment process to be carried out both correctly and with high quality.
Our doctors at COSMETICIUM are highly experienced in gynecomastia experienced in adolescence. With the right diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment, they can eliminate this problem permanently in a short time. By preferring our clinic, contact us so that your teen-ager children in adolescence can overcome this problem in a short time without major traumas.
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