Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen is a drug that plays an important role in the treatment of breast cancer (breast cancer) in women. In breast tissue, Tamoxifen inhibits the action of estrogen. The efficacy of Tamoxifen in the treatment of gynecomastia has been tested in several small studies.

Here it was shown that in many cases a reduction in the size of the mammary gland tissue could be achieved with a reduction in pain. However, as the studies only had very small case numbers in each case, there is no current recommendation for the use of Tamoxifen in puberty gynecomastia. Since the mammary gland tissue usually regresses spontaneously (without treatment), the drug therapy with Tamoxifen should in any case only be offered to patients in whom no such spontaneous regression has occurred. Tamoxifen could be used here as an alternative before surgical removal of the excess tissue. However, the individual case should be discussed with the treating pediatrician.

Operational measures?

Surgery should be considered in puberty gynecomastia, especially if the mammary gland tissue does not regress spontaneously. However, the process of waiting can be lengthy, as the regression can last for years. If the psychological strain is too great, surgical removal of the excess tissue can be considered earlier.

The operation is not a serious intervention. Nevertheless, every operation should be carefully considered, as it always involves risks. It may be possible to try out tamoxifen before the decision to undergo surgery. This should be decided by the treating doctor.

Is it possible to “train away” a puberty gynecomastia?

No. In a real puberty gynecomastia, breast growth is caused by an increase in mammary gland tissue due to the influence of hormones. Compared to fat, this tissue cannot be trained away.

At the most, regular strength training will make the contours firmer and therefore a little less noticeable. Pseudogynecomastia, on the other hand, is an enlargement of the male breast due to an increase in fatty tissue, which occurs mainly in overweight people. This type of gynecomastia can be reduced by strength training. However, since many adolescents who suffer from puberty gynecomastia are overweight, light physical training should be generally noticed.