CAN LOW TESTOSTERONE CAUSE GYNECOMASTIA?

Gynecomastia is the atypical breast enlargement of one or both breasts in men.  Enlarged breasts in men are not uncommon, especially as a newborn or during puberty.  In newborns, the gynecomastia may include minor lactation or milk flow (also referred to as galactorrhea) and often disappears within a couple of weeks.  During puberty, the condition usually lasts for just a couple months.

The testosterone and male estrogen balance
Specifically, enlarged breasts in men occur when the balance between testosterone and male estrogen is drastically altered.  While mainly considered to be a female hormone, every man possesses low levels of estrogen to regulate sperm production, bone density and mood.

Breast enlargement in men often occurs after the age of 50 and is frequently associated with andropause; Andropause causes testosterone levels to drop, which leaves less of the hormone available to balance out the estrogen.  Increased estrogen production and severe hyperthyroidism can also cause the  gynecomastia.   Enlarged male breasts are more likely to occur in overweight men due to the effects that obesity has on the body.  Furthermore, weight gain is also a symptom of andropause, so it is not uncommon for a man to experience both concurrently.

The solution: gynecomastia treatments
Many men have sought to reduce gynecomastia with male breast reduction surgery, this option is often unnecessary.  Frequently, the most successful option among gynecomastia treatments is natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.  Since the cause is hormonally based, it only makes sense that the treatment should be to correct the hormonal imbalance. Balanced testosterone and estrogen levels will very likely reduce gynecomastia.

Dr. Gary C. Bellman specializes in hormone balancing and will not only bring your estrogen and testosterone into balance, but will also individualize a plan to eradicate any external causes for your hormone imbalance—for instance, gynecomastia.  It is likely that this gynecomastia treatment will also provide relief from other andropause symptoms such as weight gain and erectile dysfunction.

For a consultation, please contact our friendly office staff.

West Hills, CA 91307
818.912.1899