Every year in the United States, over 200,000 thousand men are treated for swollen male breast tissue, a condition referred to as gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is caused by a hormone imbalance in the body with many causes, including puberty, aging, anti-androgens, and many more. A link between the amount of estrogen in the body has also been found to be a link in patients with gynecomastia. A great deal of the gynecomastia treatment focuses on managing the condition itself. Here are the current treatment options available today.
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Testosterone Replacement
While medical treatments are available for gynecomastia, the data on their effectiveness is limited, with no formal drugs approved for treatment by the FDA. One medical treatment option available is testosterone replacement. Testosterone replacement is helpful for older adults who have lower hormone levels. Treatment can also assist with libido, mood, and the production of red blood cells. However, testosterone replacement is only beneficial for individuals who have a low count, not for men with normal levels.
Anti-Estrogen Therapy
Another option currently available for gynecomastia therapy is anti-estrogen medication, such as Tamoxifen, that limits the effects of estrogen on tissues in the male body. While Tamoxifen can reduce breast tissue caused by gynecomastia, it has been unable to completely eradicate it. This option is typically used for more severe cases to help reduce the amount of breast tissue for the patient.
Cosmetic Options
Long-term and severe cases of gynecomastia are best dealt with before the breast tissue begins to scar. Once the tissue does scar, medications are not likely to be effective, with the only treatment possible at that point being surgical removal. Considering cosmetic options may be a safer choice to consider before severe cases of scarring occur. Reduction mammoplasty or breast reduction surgery is the most commonly administered cosmetic procedure to treat gynecomastia. The procedure removes excess tissue to restore a more masculine chest. While any guy does not want to hear the term “breast reduction surgery” to treat their “man boobs,” it may be the most effective and quickest way to having that masculine body back again!
Explore Your Options Today
While surgical procedures are advised to be a last resort, they are now easier and safer than ever! Gynecomastia is an unfortunate condition that can easily be deterred with the appropriate procedure, such as reduction mammoplasty. Explore your options today to see how this cosmetic procedure can help you live a better life!