Overview
It comes from an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone.
Medicines, marijuana, alcohol, anabolic steroids, and liver or kidney disease can cause it.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Breast swelling in a male
- Swollen breast tissue in a male
Less common
- Tenderness
When to get medical care
Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayA hard, fixed lump, skin dimpling, or nipple bleeding.
See a doctor soonNew breast swelling in an adult.
Causes
Hormone changes, medicines, drugs.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- Puberty
- Older age
Diagnosis
A clinician examines.
Questions you may be asked
- Medicines, supplements, drugs
The exam
Breast and testicle exam.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Blood tests: Hormones.
- Ultrasound or mammogram: If a lump.
Treatment
Find and remove causes.
Self-care
- Review medicines with your doctor
- Stop anabolic steroids and marijuana
Medicine or surgery for lasting cases.
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to an endocrinologist (hormone doctor).
Outlook
Often goes away.
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Swollen breast tissue in males (gynecomastia)
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.