HEALTH CONDITION

Gynaecomastia

Gynaecomastia is where men have bigger breasts than usual. It's common and may not need treatment, but can sometimes be caused by other conditions.

Check if you have gynaecomastia

Gynaecomastia affects men and boys. The main symptom is getting bigger breasts than usual. Your nipples or breasts may also look swollen or feel sore. 1 or both breasts may be affected.

Causes of gynaecomastia

Causes of gynaecomastia can include: hormone changes in men aged over 50, or during puberty being overweight certain medicines conditions such as an overactive thyroid , kidney disease , or cirrhosis drug use, including anabolic steroids the effect of pregnancy hormones on some newborn babies

Treatments for gynaecomastia

Gynaecomastia is often harmless and may not need treatment, but if it's a problem for you, your GP may recommend: medicines that reduce or increase certain hormones losing weight, if you're overweight If your gynaecomastia is caused by a condition, getting treatment for the condition may help reduce the size of your breasts. Surgery can reduce your breasts if other treatments have not worked, but it may not be available on the NHS. When gynaecomastia happens in newborn babies, or when it's caused by puberty, it usually goes away by itself over time.

Source: NHS, last reviewed 31 May 2024. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.