Gynecomastia in Puberty: How to Care for Your Son

Gynecomastia (guy-nuh-ko-MAS-tee-uh) is when men or boys develop breasts. Some boys get gynecomastia while they are going through puberty. It usually goes away on its own within 2 years. 

• If your son feels uncomfortable, offer support:

  • Reassure him that this goes away in most boys. 

  • Help him find loose-fitting or thicker shirts that can help make gynecomastia less noticeable.

• Follow your health care provider's recommendations for:

  • Making any follow-up appointments.

  • Making any appointments with specialists.

• Your son's gynecomastia is getting worse or doesn't go away within 2 years.

• Your son has a lot of pain in the breasts.

• Your son is very upset by the gynecomastia.

What are the signs and symptoms of gynecomastia? Gynecomastia causes breast enlargement. It can happen in one or both breasts. Sometimes a small, rubbery lump can be felt under the nipple. The breast area might feel sore, especially in the months after gynecomastia begins.

What causes gynecomastia? The most common reason that adolescent boys get gynecomastia is from the hormones in puberty. Hormones are chemical messengers. The ones involved in puberty can get out of balance and lead to gynecomastia.

Some medicines, drugs (including alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, and heroin), and anabolic steroids (taken to build muscle and improve strength) also can cause gynecomastia. Rarely, gynecomastia can be a sign of other medical conditions.

Do health care providers ever treat gynecomastia during puberty? Usually no treatment is needed. If gynecomastia is very severe, there is medicine that can help. And if gynecomastia lasts past puberty, surgery can reduce the size of the breasts.