Reproductive health
Medicines for Gynaecomastia
Enlargement of breast tissue in men and boys, usually due to a hormone imbalance — often harmless and settling on its own, but sometimes needing assessment or treatment.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males, caused by a shift in the balance between the hormones oestrogen and testosterone. It is very common and often normal at certain life stages — in newborn babies, during puberty (when it usually settles within months to a couple of years), and in older age.
- How it is treated: Management depends on the cause, the age and how much it bothers the person.
- Self-care: Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and avoiding recreational drugs and unregulated supplements (some of which affect hormones) can help.
- When to seek help: See a GP if breast enlargement is new in an adult, one-sided, firm or associated with a distinct lump, nipple discharge or skin changes, or is causing distress, so the cause can be assessed and breast cancer excluded.
What it is
Gynaecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males, caused by a shift in the balance between the hormones oestrogen and testosterone. It is very common and often normal at certain life stages — in newborn babies, during puberty (when it usually settles within months to a couple of years), and in older age. It can also result from being overweight, certain medicines, alcohol or recreational drugs, and, less often, from underlying hormonal or other medical conditions. It is usually harmless, but a firm or one-sided lump, or associated changes, should be checked, as — rarely — male breast cancer can occur. It can also cause self-consciousness and distress.
How it is treated
Management depends on the cause, the age and how much it bothers the person. In puberty, reassurance is often all that is needed, as it usually resolves on its own. Where a medicine, alcohol or drug is responsible, reviewing or changing it may help, and losing excess weight can reduce the appearance when fat is a factor. If an underlying hormonal or medical condition is found, it is treated. When gynaecomastia is persistent, causing significant distress, or the diagnosis is unclear, referral for further assessment — and occasionally treatment such as surgery — may be appropriate. Any suspicious lump is assessed to exclude breast cancer.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Gynaecomastia
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and avoiding recreational drugs and unregulated supplements (some of which affect hormones) can help. Reassurance is often enough during puberty, when it usually settles by itself.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP if breast enlargement is new in an adult, one-sided, firm or associated with a distinct lump, nipple discharge or skin changes, or is causing distress, so the cause can be assessed and breast cancer excluded.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Gynaecomastia: frequently asked questions
Is gynaecomastia normal?
Often, yes — it is common and normal in newborns, during puberty (usually settling on its own), and in older age. It usually reflects a temporary hormone imbalance, but a firm or one-sided lump should be checked.
Can men get breast cancer?
Yes, though it is rare. This is why a new, firm, one-sided breast lump, nipple changes or discharge in a man should always be assessed by a doctor.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Gynaecomastia
- NICE CKS — Gynaecomastia
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