I'm a Man — Why Do I Have Breasts?

There are certain things you can rely on, like death and taxes — and that men don’t have breasts. So why are yours suddenly getting larger? You may be surprised to learn that several underlying reasons can cause breast development in men, most of them involve a hormonal imbalance, and many are easy to treat.

Here, Frederick H. Watkins, MD, explains the primary causes of male breast development called gynecomastia and what he can do about it.

Hypogonadism and hyperthyroidism

Diseases like hypogonadism, which lowers testosterone, and hyperthyroidism, which produces too much thyroxine, upset your hormone levels. When hormones like testosterone, estrogen, or prolactin become unbalanced, men can develop chest tissue that resembles female breasts. 

In some cases, natural hormone fluctuations during puberty or middle age cause gynecomastia; medical conditions and certain medications can also be culprits.

Certain medications and drugs

The medications you take for other conditions may be the culprit behind your growing breasts. For example, anti-androgens, hormone replacement therapy, some antibiotics, and anti-anxiety medications are known to trigger breast tissue growth because they disrupt your hormonal balance. 

If you take anabolic steroids to bulk up your muscle mass, you may develop breast tissue in addition to bigger pecs. And if you dabble in other drugs, such as marijuana, amphetamines, heroin, and methadone, which elevate your estrogen level, you may end up with plump breasts to show for it. 

Liver and kidney failure

Certain medical conditions like liver and kidney disease can up your chances of developing gynecomastia. As liver disease progresses, it decreases sex hormones like testosterone and increases estrogen. This hormone imbalance can cause breast tissue enlargement and tenderness.

Kidney failure triggers an electrolyte imbalance, decreases testosterone, and increases estrogen, making it another possible cause of gynecomastia. 

Treating underlying kidney and liver problems may relieve some of the symptoms of gynecomastia.

Tumor-induced estrogen production 

Anything that increases estrogen in a male may trigger gynecomastia, and tumor-induced estrogen production definitely qualifies. Pituitary tumors are the most common culprits, but tumors in your testes, prostate, or adrenal glands can interfere with the production or absorption of hormones and trigger gynecomastia too.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition can elevate your estrogen level and lead to gynecomastia. Making matters worse, poor nutrition tanks your immune system, makes you more prone to infections, and makes it harder to recover from gynecomastia. 

Additionally, malnutrition can increase fat tissue in your chest, which can also contribute to an increase in breast tissue size associated with gynecomastia.

Help for male breasts

In many cases, resolving the underlying causes of gynecomastia will reduce your breast tissue and alleviate your problem. However, Dr. Watkins may recommend surgical removal and/or liposuction to eliminate your overdeveloped breast tissue and recontour your chest. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Watkins in McLean, Virginia, or Rockville, Maryland, and find out which treatment option is best for you. Call our office most convenient to you or request an appointment online