A 45-year-old man from Nairobi seeks advice on his excessively large breasts, asking if it's a disease and what to do. Health experts describe the condition as gynaecomastia, stemming from an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone hormones. Consulting a doctor for examination is recommended to identify causes and treatments.
Jerry, a 45-year-old man from Nairobi, wrote to a doctor expressing his concern: "I am a 45-year-old man and I have been having the problem of my breasts becoming excessively large. Is this a disease and what should I do to deal with this issue?"
This condition is known as gynaecomastia, where excess breast tissue develops around the nipples, causing the breasts to enlarge. It can affect both breasts or one, and sometimes causes pain.
The main cause is an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone hormones. Men typically have low levels of estrogen, which prevents breast tissue growth, while high testosterone inhibits estrogen effects. Without this balance, gynaecomastia can occur.
Often, the exact cause is unknown, and the condition may resolve over time, though it persists in some cases. Other factors include obesity (which produces more estrogen), puberty or old age (hormonal changes), alcohol or tobacco use, marijuana, certain medications, kidney or liver diseases, genetic issues, or tumors on the testicles, adrenal glands, or pituitary.
To manage it, visiting a doctor for an examination is essential to check for other issues. If it's a hormonal imbalance, medication will be prescribed. If medications don't help, surgery can remove excess tissue. Any underlying diseases will be treated directly.