Why Do Some Men Have Breasts? Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia Explained - GoodRx (2024)

You might be surprised to learn that boys are born with breast tissue, just like girls. Due to hormonal differences, male breast tissue typically does not develop in the same way as female breast tissue. But it’s still possible (and common) for boys and men to develop breast tissue at different times in their lives.

There are a few reasons for this. While many causes of “man boobs” are harmless, sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying health issue or a side effect of medications. But how can you tell when to worry about male breast development? Let’s dive right in.

Types of ‘man breasts’: Gynecomastia vs. pseudogynecomastia

There are two types of male breast development:

1. Gynecomastia is abnormal breast growth caused by a growth of glandular breast tissue. Hormonal changes typically cause it, and it can be normal during different stages of growth and development.

2. Pseudogynecomastia is abnormal breast growth caused by fat cells. Weight gain usually causes it.

It can be difficult to know if you have gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia. With gynecomastia, people usually feel firm and rubbery tissue around the nipples. Pseudogynecomastia may feel softer. It can be harder to notice when it happens with weight gain.

What causes breast growth in men?

There are many possible causes of male breast growth. Gynecomastia can be normal in different stages of growth and development (this is called “physiologic gynecomastia”). This kind of normal breast growth in men usually doesn’t need treatment.

Are male breasts a sign of another health condition?

Sometimes treatments or underlying medical conditions cause breast growth in men. Examples include:

• Medications, such as spironolactone, some antipsychotics, and certain prostate cancer medications

• Hormonal changes, such as high prolactin or low testosterone levels

• Steroid use

• Drug and alcohol use

• Liver or kidney disease

• Testicular tumors

• Malnutrition or malabsorption

How common are ‘man boobs’?

Breast growth in men is pretty common. In fact, most men will develop some breast tissue at some point during their life, especially in the later years of life. But it’s not just something that happens to older men. It can be pretty common in infants and adolescents, too.

There are reports of physiologic gynecomastia in:

• 60% to 90% of infants

  See Also

  Enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia) - Symptoms and causes

• 50% to 60% of adolescents

• 70% of men 50 to 69 years old

When to see your healthcare provider

Anytime you notice a change in your body, it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider. While gynecomastia can be normal, it may also increase the risk of breast cancer in men.

Unwanted breast development in men can also cause discomfort and psychological distress.

It’s especially important not to wait too long if you notice any of the following:

• A breast lump or growth

• Breast changes on one side

• Breast pain

• Emotional or psychological distress related to breast growth

Your healthcare provider can help you navigate emotional discomfort and check for any other potential causes of breast symptoms.

How do you treat male breasts?

The first step in treatment is figuring out the cause. When gynecomastia is part of normal development, it often resolves on its own with time.

If a medication causes breast growth, you and your healthcare provider can discuss the risks, benefits, and possible alternatives. Stopping the medication may reduce breast growth.

Sometimes male breasts do not go away on their own, and they may increase in size or cause other symptoms. If this happens, talk with your healthcare provider about treatment options.

There are some off-label medications to help treat gynecomastia, such as:

• Bromocriptine (Parlodel)

• Cabergoline (Dostinex)

• Tamoxifen

• Raloxifene (Evista)

Surgery is sometimes an option to reduce breast size. This may be the case when there’s a risk for cancer or when breast tissue gets in the way of daily activities. Experts do not recommend surgery until after puberty.

At the end of the day, the best way to treat gynecomastia depends on your specific situation, so talk to your healthcare provider for more personalized advice.