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What are the available treatments for gynecomastia?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My issue is that I have developed gynecomastia and love handles that will not go away. Despite working out and losing a significant amount of fat, the fat in these areas remains stubborn. I am concerned that there might be a hormonal imbalance, such as elevated estrogen levels.

What tests should I undergo to check for hormonal imbalances? I have had this body type since childhood, particularly after puberty. Please review the attached picture.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bhattacharyya

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bhattacharyya is a trusted Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, childbirth, and postpartum management. His expertise covers the treatment of conditions related to the uterus, ovaries, breasts, and overall gynecological wellness. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Bhattacharyya provides personalized care and guidance, ensuring comprehensive solutions for maternal health and gynecological concerns across all stages of a woman’s life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Gynecomastia is quite common and often requires treatment for cosmetic reasons. It may be a natural consequence of obesity or due to a hormonal imbalance. It is important to have a checkup to determine if there is any hormonal imbalance.

Basic tests typically include a testicular examination and assessments of serum thyroid levels and testosterone. Often, these tests come back normal. If that is the case, there are two main options:

  1. Aggressive weight reduction and bodybuilding, which you are already pursuing. This approach can be effective if you are highly motivated.
  2. Surgery, which is a common procedure where fat around the nipples is removed. This is also a permanent solution.

Do not be overly concerned; this type of surgery is routine and often yields excellent results.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

Should I meet with a doctor in person to discuss the tests, or can I proceed with them on my own? Please let me know which tests I need to undergo. I will contact you once I have the results.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bhattacharyya

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bhattacharyya is a trusted Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, childbirth, and postpartum management. His expertise covers the treatment of conditions related to the uterus, ovaries, breasts, and overall gynecological wellness. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Bhattacharyya provides personalized care and guidance, ensuring comprehensive solutions for maternal health and gynecological concerns across all stages of a woman’s life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You can start with a few preliminary tests to assess whether there is a hormonal issue. However, keep in mind that sometimes these tests may fall within the normal range, which could indicate that your gynecomastia is physiological. For a basic assessment, you should have a blood test for TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), LFT (liver function tests), prolactin, creatinine, total and free testosterone, and estradiol.

Kind regards.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I am back with the test results you suggested for assessing the possibility of gynecomastia. Please review the attached photos of the report.

Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bhattacharyya

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bhattacharyya is a trusted Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, childbirth, and postpartum management. His expertise covers the treatment of conditions related to the uterus, ovaries, breasts, and overall gynecological wellness. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Bhattacharyya provides personalized care and guidance, ensuring comprehensive solutions for maternal health and gynecological concerns across all stages of a woman’s life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your blood reports (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity). The results are both positive and challenging. On the positive side, all your test results are normal and within acceptable limits. This indicates that your condition is not due to any hormonal disturbances but is instead physiological. Therefore, drug therapy will not be effective at this time.

What you are experiencing is not true gynecomastia but lipomastia, which is a collection of fat tissue. To address this, you will need to focus on reducing breast fat and tightening your underlying chest muscles. Aim to lower your BMI (body mass index) to below 22. Joining a gym can provide you with guidance on weight reduction and muscle toning.

Effective exercises include:

  1. Push-ups: These tighten the upper chest muscles and help reduce their size.
  2. Incline dumbbell press: This can lift and reduce the saggy appearance of chest fat.
  3. Seated row: This works the pectoral muscles, helping to firm up the chest.

If, after more than a year of consistent treatment and exercise, there is no significant improvement, surgery may be the only remaining option.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At May 9, 2018
Reviewed At August 28, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bhattacharyya is a trusted Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, childbirth, and postpartum management. His expertise covers the treatment of conditions related to the uterus, ovaries, breasts, and overall gynecological wellness. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Bhattacharyya provides personalized care and guidance, ensuring comprehensive solutions for maternal health and gynecological concerns across all stages of a woman’s life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Decision Helper
Gynecomastia Treatment Decision Helper

Considering Treatment for Chest Fat?

Answer a few quick questions to understand if your chest fat is likely physiological (lipomastia) or potentially related to hormonal imbalances (gynecomastia).

  • Distinguish between true gynecomastia and lipomastia.
  • Understand if hormonal imbalances play a role.
  • Explore non-surgical and surgical treatment options.

This tool provides guidance, not a diagnosis. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bhattacharyya is a trusted Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, childbirth, and postpartum management. His expertise covers the treatment of conditions related to the uterus, ovaries, breasts, and overall gynecological wellness. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Bhattacharyya provides personalized care and guidance, ensuring comprehensive solutions for maternal health and gynecological concerns across all stages of a woman’s life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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