Breasts in males (gynaecomastia)

What is gynaecomastia?

Breast development in boys during puberty is more common than people realise. The condition, called gynaecomastia, affects between 50 and 70 per cent of them.

Symptoms

Firm breast tissue grows under the nipples. This can feel tender, but more often causes great embarrassment.

Causes and risk factors

The most likely cause is an imbalance between the male and female hormones, testosterone and oestrogen, during puberty. In most cases, the breast development disappears completely within two or three years without the need for treatment.

There are other causes, too. Drugs such as cannabis or anabolic steroids can cause breast development, so it's important to find out if this is the case. If it is, talk to your son about why using these isn't a good idea.

Gynaecomastia is also a side-effect of some prescribed medicines.

In very rare cases, disease or a tumour that's secreting hormones may cause the breasts to enlarge. This can be confirmed with an ultrasound scan.

Treatment and recovery

Developing breasts causes teenage boys great embarrassment. Many won't socialise and will avoid situations where they have to undress in public, such as sports changing rooms.

When the problem interferes with their normal social development - or if the breast tissue is continually uncomfortable - then medical treatments such as hormonal therapies may be recommended.

A straightforward operation can be done to remove the breast tissue, but this is very rarely necessary.