Gynecomastia Symptoms Every Man Should Watch Out For

Gynecomastia is a term that many men might have never heard before, but this condition is surprisingly common. If you have noticed that your chest looks unusually puffy or felt self-conscious when looking at the mirror, you are not alone. Most adult males and about 60% of adolescent boys are affected by Gynecomastia. Recognizing its early symptoms while it is benign would help avoid discomfort and prevent serious conditions in the long run. Let’s dig deeper to better understand Gynecomastia, the symptoms and signs to watch out for, the progression of the condition, and when to see a doctor.

Understanding Gynecomastia before It Progresses

Gynecomastia occurs when male glandular tissue becomes enlarged. It occurs when an imbalance is caused by a female hormone called estrogen and a male hormone called testosterone. Though men’s body naturally has low levels of estrogen, a spike in their level would lead to testosterone decline, leading to enlargement of breast tissue. Some people might think that obesity is the sole reason behind the development of Gynecomastia. However, though being overweight might cause your chest to appear bigger due to excess fat, the actual reason is the enlarged glandular breast tissue. It is a common medical condition that affects millions of men across the globe and causes emotional stress and discomfort. If you or your loved one has Gynecomastia, it is important to understand it better to seek medical attention at the earliest.

Gynecomastia affects men at different stages of life in varying age groups

• Adult Men: Gynecomastia is common among adult men peopulation aged between 50 and 69 years. As the production of testosterone hormone becomes less as one ages, the level of estrogen will increase leading to this condition. About 65% of the adult men develop this condition at some point of time[1].
• Adolescent Kids: Teenagers and adolescent kids might develop Gynecomastia during their puberty. About 70% of teenagers are estimated to face glandular tissue enlargement during the transition stage when the hormone levels keep fluctuating.
• Newborn Males: About 90% of newborn males will have enlarged breast tissue due to the high estrogen levels passed from their mothers. This tends to resolve naturally after a couple of weeks of delivery.

Most Common Symptoms of Gynecomastia in Men

You can recognize Gynecomastia by the visual difference in your chest region, even though the symptoms might vary depending on its severity.

• Enlarged Glandular Tissue: It is one of the common symptoms that indicate the occurrence of Gynecomastia. You might have extra glandular tissue in one or both breasts, which may cause slight swelling.
• Sensitivity / Tenderness: Some of you might feel pain or tenderness in the chest area. You might feel sore upon pressing or touching the chest with Gynecomastia.
• Firm / Rubbery Lump: The extra breast tissue formation due to Gynecomastia will be firmer to touch than regular fat. You might also notice a tiny lump just below the nipple with a rubbery texture.
• Visible Changes in Nipple: You might notice some changes in nipples, such as swollen, puffy, or raised. Some men might even have wider and darker areola around the nipple.
• Breast Misshape: Gynecomastia can affect one breast, making it bigger and growing out of shape, causing an asymmetric look.

Early vs. Advanced Signs: How It Progresses Over Time

Gynecomastia tends to progress from one stage to the other with symptoms becoming worse and more severe, making it much more visible as it advances to the next stage. Knowing which stage of Gynecomastia you are at will help in identifying the right treatment option. It is important to seek treatment for Gynecomastia during the initial stage to prevent it from becoming serious. Keep reading to learn more about the signs of 4 stages of Gynecomastia [2] to get treated accordingly.

1st Stage Gynecomastia: Early Stage

During this early stage of Gynecomastia, you might experience mild symptoms, as there would be slight glandular tissue enlargement. The key signs of this stage are:

• Slight Tissue Enlargement: Mild tissue enlargement in either or one breast.
• Small Lump: A tiny disc-like lump below the nipple that is firm yet rubbery to touch. The lump might be visible upon lying down and might move slightly upon touching.
• Nipple Sensitivity: You might experience sensitivity or tenderness in the nipple.
• Discoloration: The area around your nipples will have discolouration and nipples will have a cone-like appearance.

2nd Stage Gynecomastia: Intermediate Stage

This stage will have more tissue enlargement in one or both breasts, making it look bigger. This stage is perfect for Gynecomastia surgery to derive positive outcomes. Major signs include:

• Prominent Tissue Overgrowth: Your breast will appear bigger as the glandular tissue growth increases and becomes firm.
• Changes in Nipple: Your nipple will have a protruded look, making it visible even through clothing. The diameter of the areola will increase and look darker.
• Stretch Marks Appear: The chest area will have more stretch marks as the breast tissue continues to increase in size.

3rd Stage Gynecomastia: Moderate Advanced Stage

During this stage, the breast appears to look bigger and fuller causing psychological and emotional distress, as it becomes noticeable even after wearing clothes. Other prominent signs are:

• Enlarged Breast: As you advance into the 3rd stage of Gynecomastia, the chest area becomes prominent due to the rise in adipose / fatty tissue and glandular tissue.
• Droopy and Protruding Breast: Your breasts become noticeable as they will droop and looks protruded due to an increase in glandular tissue.
• Seek Medical Advice: You must fix an appointment with your physician to regulate hormones and cut down tissue growth in chest. He might prescribe aromatase inhibitors, or SERMs or selective estrogen receptor modulators to inhibit glandular growth and regulate hormones.

4th Stage Gynecomastia: Highly Advanced Stage

The traits of this Gynecomastia stage are the development of excess fatty tissue and glandular tissue in the chest area. So, naturally, the breast looks bigger and fuller. The only solution to treat 4th grade Gynecomastia is opting for a surgical procedure. Other noticeable signs are:

• Pain and Discomfort: You might feel difficulties, pain and discomfort when performing daily activities due to the heaviness and size change of the breasts.
• Skin Issues: The severity of Gynecomastia will cause skin ulceration, irritation and itchiness.
• Psychological Issues: Your mental health might be affected as you grow conscious of puffy breasts leading to stress, anxiety and psychological distress.

Gynecomastia or Just Fat? How to Tell the Difference

You can schedule an appointment with your surgeon for a breast examination to determine the cause of the enlarged breast. However, you can also make an evaluation based on these factors.

• Level of Pain: If your chest is affected by Gynecomastia, you might feel mild to severe pain. If it’s just chest fat, you wouldn’t feel pain or discomfort.
• Touch and Feel The Fat: Your chest fat will usually be soft when you touch while Gynecomastia due to enlarged breast tissue will be firmer. You might also feel a tiny lump that has a rubber-like feel or hard to touch when you perform a pinch test.
• Chest Appearance: If you have Gynecomastia, your chest will appear rounder with a protruding nipple. Your chest fat will look puffy, droopy, and saggy without any shape.
• Body’s Response to Diet and Workouts: When following an exercise plus diet regime, chest fat will reduce quickly and have a well-defined look. With Gynecomastia, you might not notice any changes, and the glandular tissue will be prominent when you lose weight.

What Causes These Symptoms? Underlying Triggers to Know

Gynecomastia symptoms might be triggered by a few factors such as:

• Imbalance in Hormones: A high estrogen level or a low testosterone level will cause excess glandular tissue growth. It might be common among adolescents and the elderly[3].
• Medical Issues: If you have thyroid disorders, liver issues, kidney disease, testicular condition, or hypogonadism, then it can affect your hormone production leading to Gynecomastia.
• Certain Medications: If you are talking chemotherapy drugs[4], anabolic steroids, ACE inhibitors or channel blockers, it can cause Gynecomastia[5].
• Drug Consumption: Using alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines and heroin can disrupt the hormone levels and lead to Gynecomastia[6].
• Other Factors: Factors like genetic predisposition and obesity might also trigger Gynecomastia[7].

When to See a Doctor for Gynecomastia Symptoms

You must see a doctor as soon as you notice one or more symptoms related to Gynecomastia like discharge from the nipple, hard or rubbery lump, swelling in chest, pain or nipple tenderness. Such symptoms of Gynecomastia must not be taken lightly and might indicate the presence of an underlying health issue. Remember, you must consult the doctor if you are uncomfortable or feel embarrassed about your enlarged breast even when wearing loose clothing. Consult a best plastic surgeon today to find the right treatment option and get relief from symptoms.