Gynecomastia in Men What is gynecomastia? Gynecomastia is an enlargement of breast tissue in males. A man may feel an area of firm tissue in one or both breasts. The breast may become enlarged and tender. A man with gynecomastia may describe his breast as feeling rubbery or firm. It occurs in babies, teens, and men. How is gynecomastia diagnosed? Gynecomastia is often found during a physical exam. Most of the time, no treatment is needed. This condition will go away with time. Your doctor may recommend a mammogram or ultrasound of the breast. If breast cancer is suspected, you may need a biopsy of your breast. You may have lab tests done to look at your hormone levels and overall health. Your doctor may stop the use of certain medicines. You may need to meet with a surgeon to discuss different surgical options. What is the cause of gynecomastia? When gynecomastia occurs in men, it is often caused by medicine, disease, or hormone changes.  A lack of testosterone and an increase in estrogen may be one cause. Your doctor may prescribe treatment with hormones.  The thyroid does not work as it should.  Your doctor will ask for a list of medicines you are taking. Some medicines that cause this problem fall into these groups: o Heart. o Steroids. o Anti-epileptic. o Anti-depressants. o Anti-ulcer.  The use of alcohol, marijuana, and other “street” drugs may be a cause.  In rare cases, breast cancer may be the cause of breast tissue growth. Please follow up with your doctor for further treatment. Your health care team may have given you this information as part of your care. If so, please use it and call if you have any questions. If this information was not given to you as part of your care, please check with your doctor. This is not medical advice. This is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Because each person’s health needs are different, you should talk with your doctor or others on your health care team when using this information. If you have an emergency, please call 911. Copyright ©8/2016. University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7074.