Medical professionals have highlighted the importance of seeking medical evaluation for men with enlarged breasts, also known as gynaecomastia, as it is considered abnormal.
Consultants in endocrinology have advised individuals with this condition to seek immediate medical attention, as it could be a sign of underlying health issues such as hormonal imbalances, liver or kidney disease, or certain medications. Early diagnosis is crucial in order to address potential health concerns and explore treatment options.
Experts stress the importance of consulting a healthcare professional to understand the cause of breast development in males and receive appropriate guidance and care.
Gynaecomastia, characterised by the overdevelopment of breast tissue in males, can occur during puberty, infancy, and old age, and may sometimes be a normal occurrence.
Professor Oladapo Ashiru, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology, emphasizes the need for medical evaluation for abnormal breast tissue development in men.
He warns against overlooking this condition, as it could indicate an underlying health issue and potentially lead to infertility problems in the future.
Dr. Oluwakemi Ashubu, a consultant paediatric endocrinologist, echoes the importance of seeking medical help for male breast development, as it could be a symptom of a serious medical condition that requires attention. Ignoring such symptoms could result in further complications and expenses down the line.
The endocrinologist explained, “Sometimes, breast development in men may result from reactions to certain medications. Individuals with renal diseases, like kidney problems, who take specific drugs, may experience this.”
“However, if the breast tissue returns to normal after discontinuing the medication, it is typically not a concern, Ashubu explained.
She highlighted that for these individuals, it might not be an issue, but if the breast tissue remains enlarged after stopping the medication, it raises alarms and requires clinical evaluation.
The expert proceeded: “In this part of the world, we don’t take fertility lightly, whether in males or females. We may need to conduct more investigations to determine the underlying cause and provide treatment to reduce the breast tissue.
“If breast development occurs during puberty, it may not be a cause for concern, as it often results from hormonal changes as boys transition into adolescence and adulthood. Typically, their breast size should return to normal after this stage. However, if the enlargement persists, it warrants further investigation to determine the underlying issues.”
She highlighted that if breast enlargement happens during puberty or is a side effect of certain medications, particularly those used for renal problems, physicians often do not view it as a concern.
Ashubu stressed, “However if breast tissue remains enlarged after puberty, it is important to seek medical help. There are several factors we assess to understand why this is occurring.
“In cases of renal problems, I have managed patients who experienced breast enlargement while on certain medications, but once they discontinued the medicines, their breasts returned to normal. Similarly, those who were overweight saw their breast tissue flatten after losing weight.
“I have also observed that some boys develop breast tissue during puberty, which often resolves as they complete their developmental changes. However, I have not had to investigate further in those instances.
“The only time we don’t take immediate action is during puberty. If a child is overweight, we recommend weight loss. For those on medications for kidney issues, we look for alternatives that serve the same purpose without causing breast enlargement.”
She highlighted that in such cases, collaboration with their doctors to identify the best alternatives becomes pivotal as this issue can impact their psychological well-being and self-esteem.
“If you notice any changes in your body that you have never seen before, seek medical advice right away. Don’t assume it would resolve on its own; let an expert assess the situation.
“Neglecting these symptoms could lead to infertility in the long run if there is an underlying hormonal imbalance,” she emphasized.
