Puberty is a time of rapid growth and numerous changes happening in your body, and some changes in teenage boys might leave them feeling confused and questioning whether it is normal or not. One such confusing change is the breast enlargement in the body, also called gynecomastia. In a situation like this, many teens and parents are not able to understand if these are normal or a sign of a hormonal imbalance in their child. That is why it is important to understand what signs are common and when to seek help from a pediatric endocrinologist to get timely treatment.
In this blog, we are going to dive deep into understanding whether breast tissue is normal in teenage boys, how long teenage gynecomastia last and its causes.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia in teens is a condition of male breast enlargement. Even though this change can happen at any age, it is most common to encounter it during puberty due to hormonal fluctuations happening inside the body. Gynecomastia is different from having fat deposited in the chest, which is called pseudogynecomastia; it involves glandular breast tissue, which often happens with tenderness or swelling under the nipple.
It is common for most teenage boys to experience some level of gynecomastia during puberty, but the majority of the time, it naturally resolves when the hormonal fluctuations stop.
Causes of Gynecomastia in Teens
There are many factors that play a role in breast gland tissue growth during puberty, when the body is going through multiple changes. Some of the common reasons for teenage gynecomastia are:
Hormonal Imbalance
During puberty, testosterone (male hormones) levels increase, and at times, there can be a temporary rise in estrogen (female hormones) levels too. Estrogen is naturally present in males and can trigger the growth of breast gland tissues. It gets normal with the resolution of hormonal imbalance in teenage boys.
Gentical Reasons
Some boys are genetically more vulnerable to gynecomastia. If close male family members have experienced chest swelling during their puberty years, a teen is more likely to experience it too. Genetics has an influence on hormonal sensitivity and the effects on growth, as well as the resolution of the tissue.
Body Fat Distribution
Excess concentration of fat in the chest area can make the growth of breast tissues in boys more noticeable. Teens with a higher level of body fat may develop pseudogynecomastia, where fat gets deposited in the chest area and causes the chest to look swollen or puffy. This situation is different from gynecomastia.
Medications
Certain prescribed medications can disrupt hormone balance and can cause temporary growth of breast tissues. Medications like antidepressants, hormonal treatment, or anti-anxiety can either cause a rise in estrogen levels or a reduction in testosterone levels, which leads to hormonal imbalance and breast enlargement.
Health Conditions
Though not a very common cause, some health conditions can cause gynecomastia in teens, like thyroid disorder, liver or kidney issues, or endocrine disorders. All these conditions are hormone-related and need to get timely guidance in case of persistent and painful breast tissue growth.
How Long Does Gynecomastia Last?
For most of the cases of gynecomastia, the growth of breast tissue in teenage boys resolves in the range of 6 to 24 months as the hormone level balances out. Teens and parents need to remember that this condition is usually temporary and part of normal development, and several factors can affect the duration of this condition, such as:
- Age at the onset of gynecomastia
- Severity of breast tissue development
- Individual hormonal fluctuations
- Body composition and fat distribution
When Should Parents See a Doctor?
While most of the cases are just hormonal imbalances, an appointment with a pediatric endocrinologist helps you to detect a serious medical condition on time and provides reassurance. Parents should seek medical advice if:
- Breast tissue continues to enlarge beyond 2 years
- There is significant pain, tenderness, or discomfort
- There is a lump that feels very hard or irregular
- Nipple discharge is present
- There are other signs of hormonal imbalance
Diagnosis and Testing
If you book a consultation with the best pediatric endocrinologist in Dubai for this situation, the common evaluation methods will include:
Physical examination: This is performed to differentiate glandular tissue growth from fat deposits.
Medical history review: Going through prescribed medications, if any, family history, and pubertal stage.
Blood test: It is used to check for hormone imbalance and to measure testosterone and estrogen levels.
Imaging: It includes taking ultrasound or MRI scans when this is a serious condition, not a temporary one.
Final Thoughts: It Is Normal, But Consistent Monitoring Is Needed
Breast tissue development in teen boys is usually a normal part of puberty, caused by temporary hormonal changes. Understanding the difference between normal signs of growth and signs of hormonal issues is important to stay reassured and avoid unnecessary worry. Most cases get resolved naturally, but consistent monitoring of signs is important to detect hints of a serious condition.
Visit Dr Ashish Malpani, the best consultant pediatric endocrinologist, who will help ensure that your child gets proper medical and emotional support.