Definition
Puberty gynecomastia is the excessive growth of breasts in young men during puberty. This is caused by an increase in mammary gland tissue. In contrast, pseudogynecomastia is a pseudo gynecomastia in which breast growth is caused by increased fat growth.
In puberty gynecomastia, the breasts may swell only slightly, but may also become more prominent, so that the breasts resemble those of a girl. Breast growth can occur on one or both sides. Overweight boys are more frequently affected than normal weight boys. Apart from the aesthetic aspect, the psychological strain is of great importance.
Causes
Gynecomastia can occur at any age and have various causes. In addition to genetic factors, hormonal imbalances and side effects of medication play a major causal role. In puberty gynecomastia, the hormonal changes that occur during this phase are the cause of excessive breast growth.
There is an imbalance between the male sex hormone testosterone and the female sex hormone estrogen. An excess of estrogen leads to increased growth of the mammary glands. Since an increased conversion of testosterone into oestrogen takes place in fatty tissue, overweight boys are more frequently affected by puberty gynecomastia. Pubertal gynecomastia occurs in about 60% of adolescent boys. The peak of the disease is in the 14th year of life.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is a gaze diagnosis. One speaks of puberty gynecomastia if a boy has an excessive amount of breast tissue. Although the diagnosis is usually obvious at first sight, a detailed anamnesis and physical examination should be carried out.
It is also important to differentiate whether the breast is merely excessive fatty tissue or actually mammary gland tissue. If the affected boy presents himself to the doctor, he or his parents will be asked, among other things, about the child’s previous development, previous illnesses, illnesses of siblings or parents. It is also important since when the BrustBrüste have increased in size. This is followed by a physical examination, possibly a blood sample is also taken. Since puberty gynecomastia occurs relatively frequently, i.e. it is quite typical for this age, it is usually not necessary to undergo further detailed tests immediately, but it is sufficient to wait and see.
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