Low testosterone level in male is often responsible for the condition that leads to enlarged breast tissues called gynecomastia. Testosterone is a naturally occurring male sex hormone. It is this hormone that helps in the sexual growth of men and develops physical features. However, it also affects men’s sex drive and mood.
The imbalance of testosterone in the body generally leads to gynecomastia. Gynecomastia and testosterone low levels both are treatable. However, it is first essential to know the condition’s underlying cause.
Understanding Low T
With ageing, the level of testosterone gradually starts decreasing. It is referred to as hypogonadism or lows T. As per the studies, 1 to 4 men have low T. It eventually leads to various other conditions such as:
- Reduced libido
- Low sperm count
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Enlarged male breast (gynecomastia)
To understand the condition better, book an appointment at ALCS clinic and talk with some of the top doctors.
Understanding Gynecomastia
The male body produces both testosterone as well as estrogen. However, the level of estrogen is very low. If the testosterone level in men becomes too low compared to estrogen or the level of estrogen is excess, a large breast develops.
At puberty, there is a noticeable change in the body’s hormonal activity, which leads to men gyno. Generally, at this time, the condition gets resolved on its own without any treatment. As a result, both breasts can have the same excess of breast tissue, or one may have more than the other.
In older men, gyno may occur and remain; hence, it needs to be treated. Around 1 to 4 men between 50 to 80 ages experience testosterone gyno. It is not harmful or severe but can lead to sore breast tissue.
Causes of low Testosterone gyno
The primary cause of low T is generally ageing. However, some underlying health conditions can also lead to this condition. Your doctor can make you understand better whether the cause of low T is an underlying condition such as:
- Damage to testes that produce testosterone
- Accident
- Inflammation
- Testicular cancer
- Radiation and chemotherapy
- Diseases affecting the hypothalamus and pituitary gland
- Taking anabolic steroids
Your doctor can better understand your condition and know the actual cause of the condition.
Treatment
Various treatments are available for the treatment of gynecomastia and low T.
- Gynecomastia
Some medicines can be used to treat the condition of testosterone gyno. However, the medications are approved to treat breast cancer and not gynecomastia. Since the health department does not approve it for the treatment of gynecomastia, the use of such medicines is known as “off-label”. The off-label treatment is safe, but it is always advised to talk to your doctor before starting it.
Apart from medications, there are other surgical options as well. For example, liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the body. Doctors can also use it for the removal of breast fat. Mastectomy is another surgical procedure that is used for the removal of breast tissue glands. The procedure is performed using a small incision and with quick recovery. It may also include corrective and cosmetic treatments to enhance one’s look.
- Low T
Along with gynecomastia, one should also get treatment for low T. With age; the testosterone level also starts to decline. Thus, older men with gyno generally go for gynecomastia testosterone replacement therapy. The treatments are available as follows:
- Skin gels
- Patches
- Injections
Those who undergo gyno testosterone replacement therapy experience improvement in the:
- Energy
- Sex drive
- Erections
- Sleep
- Muscle mass
There is also a change in one’s look and mood. Those who experience low T can resolve gynecomastia with testosterone replacement therapy.
Sides effects of Treatment
The gyno testosterone replacement therapy also has some side effects. Men with prostate cancer or breast cancer should not decide to get gyno testosterone replacement therapy as there is a significant controversy surrounding the treatment of increasing the risk of prostate cancer. It is also believed to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, obstructive sleep apnea, and excess red blood cell production. It is best to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of gyno testosterone replacement therapy.
Conclusion
With ageing, the condition of low T and gynecomastia becomes quite common. There are various treatment options available for the treatment of testosterone gyno conditions. Talking to your doctor about which treatment to undergo is always recommended. They will understand your condition and accordingly provide the most effective treatment. The treatments can improve the quality of life one has. The condition tends to lower confidence; talking with a therapist can also help. Joining a support group with men having similar conditions can also provide a better perspective on the condition and its treatment.
If you are experiencing testosterone gyno condition, then it is best to contact your doctor and get treatment. ALCS clinic has top doctors who can help you with effective and safe treatment. So book your appointment now.
