According to your description it seems
that you could be experiencing
gynecomastia, or the development of
abnormally large mammary glands in males
resulting in breast enlargement. Sometimes
even milk secretion can be present
(galactorrhea). In 80% of all cases,
gynecomastia affects only one breast
(unilateral) and in 20% of cases both
breasts become enlarged (bilateral). The
bilateral form of gynecomastia should
first be distinguished from false
gynecomastia (pseudogynecomastia) in obese
men. The unilateral form should first be
distinguished from some breast tumor.
Causes of gynecomastia is not always clear
but the most common reason is a hormonal
imbalance. Hormonal imbalance can be due
to various conditions:
1. Increased levels of the hormone
prolactin – caused by pituitary tumor or
particular medicines (cimetidine,
omeprazole, spironolactone, imatinib
mesylate, finasteride and certain
antipsychotics);
2. Increased levels of the estrogenic
hormones – present in case of certain
testicular tumors, tumors that produce
androstenedione or HCG, hyperthyroidism,
cirrhosis, taking drugs for treating
prostate cancer etc.
3. Decreased levels of testosterone -
congenital or acquired testicular
disorders, abusing anabolic hormones,
disorders of the hypothalamus and
pituitary gland.
Abusing marijuana and local usage of
products that contain lavender and tea
tree oils are also suspected to cause
gynecomastia but that has not been
confirmed scientifically.
In your case, it seems that this case of
gynecomastia is caused by increased
prolactin. You can consult an
endocrinologist about your condition.
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