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Gynecomastia

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Andrology

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Abstract

Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of mammary gland tissue in males and must be distinguished from pure lipomastia and carcinoma. By itself, gynecomastia is not a disease entity, but a symptom of a variety of causes leading to a dysbalance between androgens and estrogens. Gynecomastia can cause considerable psychological and psychosocial problems (body dysphoria, reduced self-esteem, etc.). Gynecomastia of the newborn, at puberty and in old age, are considered almost “physiological.” It is important to recognize whether gynecomastia is caused by an estrogen or hCG-producing testicular tumor requiring prompt treatment. Common causes of gynecomastia are primary (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome) and secondary hypogonadism. Numerous medications, drugs, and products of daily use (cosmetics and food) as well as occupational exposure can cause gynecomastia. Treatment consists first of all in the removal of causative agents. In addition, there is no evidence-based pharmacological therapy, only treatment trials with drugs not approved for this indication. Empathic guidance of the patient is the task of the treating physician. Ultimately, only gynecomastectomy remains, which should be performed by a plastic surgeon experienced in senology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany

    Eberhard Nieschlag

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  1. Eberhard Nieschlag
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Correspondence to Eberhard Nieschlag .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany

    Eberhard Nieschlag

  2. Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany

    Hermann M. Behre

  3. Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany

    Sabine Kliesch

  4. Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany

    Susan Nieschlag

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Nieschlag, E. (2023). Gynecomastia. In: Nieschlag, E., Behre, H.M., Kliesch, S., Nieschlag, S. (eds) Andrology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-31574-9_32

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-31574-9_32

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-31573-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-31574-9

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