Drugs That May Cause Gynecomastia

Just like women, men’s breasts consist of glandular and fatty tissue. Men
typically have less though. But when there is abnormal or excess growth
tissue, men can have breasts that begin to take on a more womanly
appearance.
This condition is known as gynecomastia , which translates from the Greek
for “woman-like breasts.” It’s quite common – with 40-60% of men
experiencing it. And there are quite a few drugs that may cause
gynecomastia.
Men experiencing gynecomastia often feel self-conscious about their
appearance. For many, breast reduction surgery is a great solution.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Simply put, testosterone typically controls male traits such as body hair and
muscle mass. Meanwhile, estrogen is responsible for female traits including
breast growth.
Females produce a small amount of testosterone and males produce a
small amount of estrogen. When estrogen levels are too high in men and
there’s an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone, it can cause
gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia can occur naturally during different phases of a male’s life.
Over half of newborn boys are born with enlarged breasts. This is the result
of being under the effects of estrogen from their mothers while in utero. In
this case, gynecomastia resolves within two to three weeks.
Gynecomastia may show up again during puberty as hormone levels start
to fluctuate in young men. If there is a surge of estrogen that counters the
effects of testosterone, it can result in larger breasts. This usually resolves
within six months to two years of the onset of puberty.
Finally, gynecomastia returns around mid-life and breast enlargement
frequently peaks in men between 50 and 80. It is at this stage of life when
male breast reduction surgery is most warranted.

While the discrepancy in hormones is the most common cause of
gynecomastia, there are other conditions that can cause this condition.
Certain injuries or diseases of the testicles can affect testosterone
production and create an imbalance. And obesity can result in higher
estrogen production. There are also a number of drugs that have
gynecomastia as a side effect.
Drugs That May Cause Gynecomastia
Men who are struggling with prostate enlargement or cancer are often
subscribed anti-androgens . These can disrupt the balance between male
and female hormones and lead to breast enlargement in men. Common
examples include anti-androgens flutamide, finasteride (Proscar, Propecia),
and spironolactone (Aldactone).
Other medications that can cause abnormal breast growth are certain anti-
anxiety medications such as Valium, HAART drugs for HIV, anabolic
steroids, ulcer medications such as Tagment, and even some antibiotics.
For men experiencing gynecomastia because of certain drugs, breast
reduction surgery may be a possible solution.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that excessive use of alcohol or illicit drugs
such as heroin and amphetamines can also cause breast enlargement.
Men experiencing gynecomastia as a result of these are typically not good
candidates for breast reduction surgery.
Don’t Live With the Embarrassment of Gynecomastia
Many men don’t know that certain drugs may cause gynecomastia.
So if you’re experiencing gynecomastia due to the use of certain drugs or
other factors, breast reduction surgery may be a possible solution. You’ll
see how simple it is to restore an appealing, more masculine appearance
to your upper body through male breast reduction surgery.
Contact us today. Our board-certified surgeons and caring staff put your
comfort, safety, and satisfaction first and foremost.