GYNAECOMASTIA
Definition
- Gynaecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in men, which can be unilateral or bilateral.
Types
- Pseudogynaecomastia: fatty infiltration and hypertrophy of the breast tissue, often due to obesity.
- True gynaecomastia: enlargement of the ductal and glandular tissue of the breast.
- Neonatal gynaecomastia: a transient condition in newborn males due to maternal estrogen during pregnancy.
- Familial gynaecomastia: a rare condition where males have a genetic predisposition to gynaecomastia.
- Gynecomastia associated with hormone-sensitive cancers.
Causes
- Hormonal imbalance: increased levels of estrogen relative to testosterone.
- Certain drugs: anabolic steroids, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), and some medications used to treat prostate cancer.
- Liver disease: cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver tumors can cause hormonal imbalances.
- Pituitary tumors: can cause an overproduction of prolactin and other hormones.
- Testicular problems: undescended testes, testicular cancer, and orchitis.
- Hypothyroidism: an underactive thyroid gland can cause hormonal imbalances.
Clinical Features
- Bilateral, symmetrical, or asymmetrical breast tissue enlargement.
- Breast tenderness or pain.
- Enlargement may be tender or firm.
Investigations
- Clinical examination and history.
- Hormonal analysis: serum testosterone and estrogen levels.
- Liver function tests: to rule out liver disease.
- Thyroid function tests: to rule out hypothyroidism.
- Imaging studies: ultrasound or mammography to evaluate breast tissue.
Complications
- Emotional distress and body image issues.
- Difficulty with breast tissue regression after treatment.
- Risk of breast cancer.
Management
- Lifestyle modifications: weight loss, exercise, and stress reduction.
- Hormone replacement therapy: to restore hormonal balance.
- Medications: to treat underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism or liver disease.
- Surgical options: mastectomy, liposuction, or breast reduction.
Treatment
- Medical treatment: to address hormonal imbalances and underlying conditions.
- Surgical treatment: mastectomy, liposuction, or breast reduction.
Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines
- Calcarea carbonica: for breast tissue enlargement and hormonal imbalances.
- Calcarea phosphorica: for weight loss and hormonal balance.
- Sepia: for breast tissue regression and emotional distress.
- Lachesis: for hormonal imbalances and breast tissue enlargement.
- Belladonna: for breast pain and tenderness.
- Ignatia: for emotional distress and body image issues.