11 Gynecomastia Causes Men Need to Know

2. Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism occurs when the body produces lower levels of sex hormones than usual. In males, the testes produce testosterone, a hormone that supports male growth, body development, and many physical characteristics. Several factors can interfere with normal testosterone production. These include genetic conditions, injury to the testes, increased body fat, and exposure to certain medications such as chemotherapy drugs, opioid pain relievers, or glucocorticoids.

Problems in parts of the brain that regulate hormone release can also reduce testosterone levels. When testosterone levels decline, the balance between testosterone and estrogen can shift. Although males normally produce small amounts of estrogen, testosterone usually remains the dominant hormone. If testosterone becomes too low compared with estrogen, this imbalance may allow breast tissue to develop.

Hypogonadism may begin before puberty or later in adulthood. When it develops before puberty, normal male developmental changes may occur more slowly. Growth, muscle development, and the appearance of facial or body hair may be reduced, and the voice may not deepen as expected.

3. Hormone-Secreting Tumors

Hormone-secreting tumors can develop in organs that help control hormone levels, including the testicles, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland. These glands help regulate the production and signaling of testosterone and estrogen in the body. When a tumor affects one of these glands, normal hormone control may begin to change. Some tumors directly increase estrogen levels, while others reduce testosterone production.

Certain pituitary tumors can also raise hormone signals that influence how other glands produce sex hormones. In some cases, tumors release substances that indirectly affect hormone activity and further shift this balance. As estrogen becomes relatively stronger than testosterone, breast tissue may begin to grow.

Although these tumors are uncommon, ongoing hormone imbalance may gradually cause firm breast tissue to develop beneath the nipple. In addition to hormonal changes, some tumors may alter the timing and intensity of hormone signaling, which can influence how tissues respond over time. These effects may develop gradually and vary depending on the type of tumor and the gland involved.

4. Anabolic Steroid Use

Anabolic steroids are synthetic forms of testosterone. Some men use them to build muscle or improve athletic performance, while others receive them for certain medical purposes. However, misuse is common in gyms and sports settings.

When extra testosterone from these drugs enters the body, it can disrupt the natural hormone balance. Part of the added testosterone converts into estrogen, a hormone that supports breast tissue growth. As estrogen levels rise compared with testosterone, breast tissue in males may begin to enlarge.

Gynecomastia related to steroid use may affect one or both breasts. The chest may feel tender or sore, and in some cases the enlarged tissue does not shrink even after the person stops using the drug. The risk may increase when anabolic steroids are combined with other performance-enhancing substances.

5. Pharmaceuticals

Several types of drugs have been linked to gynecomastia. These include antiandrogens used to treat prostate conditions and anabolic steroids or other synthetic hormones. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may also play a role.

Certain heart drugs, such as calcium channel blockers and antiarrhythmic agents, have also been associated with male breast enlargement. In addition, some antibiotics, antifungal medications, acid-reducing drugs used for stomach ulcers, and chemotherapy agents may contribute. Some medications also affect how the liver processes hormones, which can gradually alter hormone balance.

Others directly change hormone activity in the body by lowering testosterone levels, increasing estrogen activity, or blocking the effects of male hormones. When the balance between testosterone and estrogen shifts, breast tissue in males may begin to grow. The likelihood of these effects may increase with long-term use or higher doses.

6. Recreational Drug and Alcohol Use

Alcohol and recreational drugs can disrupt the normal balance between testosterone and estrogen. Alcohol is one of the most common substances linked to gynecomastia. Heavy or long-term drinking can interfere with hormone signals from the brain that help regulate testosterone production. Over time, this may also lower testosterone levels.

Because the liver helps break down hormones, alcohol-related liver damage can allow estrogen levels to rise gradually. Several recreational drugs have also been associated with gynecomastia, including cannabis, heroin and other opioids, amphetamines, and methadone. These substances can affect how the brain signals the testes to produce testosterone, and some may also influence hormone activity directly.

Repeated exposure can make hormone imbalance more persistent, especially when use continues over long periods. When the balance between testosterone and estrogen shifts, breast tissue in males may begin to grow. In some cases, the enlargement may lessen if substance use stops before breast tissue becomes more established.

7. Herbal Treatments and Plant Products

Some herbal products and plant-based supplements can influence hormone activity in the body. Certain plants contain natural compounds that act in ways similar to estrogen. When these compounds affect the balance between estrogen and testosterone, breast tissue in males may begin to grow. Soy products contain plant compounds known as phytoestrogens.

However, very high intake from concentrated supplements may influence hormone balance in some cases. Products containing lavender oil or tea tree oil have also shown mild estrogen-like activity in some reports. Repeated skin exposure through lotions, oils, or other topical products may contribute in certain situations. When these products are linked to changes, stopping their use may allow hormone activity to return to its usual pattern.

Other plant-based supplements sometimes discussed in relation to hormone changes include ginseng, fenugreek, saw palmetto, and red clover. These products may influence how the body produces or responds to certain hormones, although research findings vary and effects can differ from person to person.

8. Malnutrition and Obesity

Malnutrition and obesity can both influence hormone balance in the body. Hormones help regulate many physical processes, including how breast tissue responds to growth signals. When this balance shifts, gynecomastia may develop. Malnutrition occurs when the body does not receive enough nutrients. This may result from a poor diet, eating disorders, or long-term illness. Low body fat and reduced protein intake can lower testosterone levels. As testosterone declines, the effects of estrogen on breast tissue may become more noticeable.

Obesity affects hormone balance in a different way. Excess body fat contains enzymes that convert testosterone into estrogen. As estrogen levels increase relative to testosterone, breast tissue in males may begin to grow. Obesity can also increase the risk of liver problems. The liver helps regulate hormone levels by breaking them down.

When the liver does not work well, hormones may not break down properly, which can upset hormone balance. This may become more noticeable with age as testosterone levels slowly decline. Weight changes can also affect chest shape, and extra chest fat may sometimes look like breast enlargement even without added gland tissue.

9. Liver Disease

Your liver plays an important role in controlling hormone levels in the body. One of its key tasks is breaking down hormones so they remain in balance. When the liver does not function properly, this process becomes less effective and hormone levels may shift.

When liver tissue becomes damaged, the body may not clear estrogen as efficiently. As estrogen levels rise compared with testosterone, this imbalance can stimulate breast tissue growth. Chronic liver conditions, such as cirrhosis, can further disturb this balance. These conditions may lower testosterone levels while allowing estrogen activity to increase.

Several factors can raise the risk of liver disease. These include long-term heavy alcohol use, chronic hepatitis infections, fatty liver disease linked to obesity, and liver scarring from other causes. Alcohol plays a major role in many cases. Regular heavy drinking can damage liver cells and interfere with how the body processes hormones.

Over time, these effects may contribute to increased breast tissue growth and may also lead to other physical changes associated with liver disease. Some people develop swelling in the abdomen, yellowing of the skin or eyes, easy bruising, or ongoing fatigue. When breast enlargement appears along with these signs, it may suggest an underlying liver problem.

10. Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that regulates energy use and supports hormone activity in the body. Through its hormone signals, the thyroid influences several functions, including heart rate, metabolism, and the interaction of other hormones. When the thyroid does not function normally, it can disturb the balance between estrogen and testosterone.

Changes in this balance may contribute to breast tissue growth in males. An overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism, increases hormone activity in the body and speeds up hormone processing. This can raise estrogen activity relative to testosterone, which may lead to breast tissue growth.

An underactive thyroid, called hypothyroidism, slows many body processes. Lower thyroid activity can reduce testosterone levels and alter how hormones are processed over time, which may also contribute to breast tissue growth. Thyroid disorders can occur at any age, although they become more common later in life.

11. Other Chronic Illnesses

Some long-term health conditions can contribute to gynecomastia by affecting how the body regulates hormones. When the balance between testosterone and estrogen shifts, breast tissue in males may begin to grow. Certain organ diseases can influence this process. Chronic liver disease, for example, can interfere with the breakdown of hormones. When the liver cannot clear estrogen effectively, estrogen levels may rise relative to testosterone, which can stimulate breast tissue growth.

Kidney disease may also affect hormone balance. When the kidneys do not function properly, waste products can build up in the body and disrupt normal hormone regulation, which may contribute to breast tissue growth.

Some tumors can also change hormone levels. Tumors in the testicles, adrenal glands, or pituitary glands may increase estrogen activity or reduce testosterone production. Although these cases are uncommon, they can lead to noticeable breast tissue changes.

Chronic illnesses often require medical treatments that may further influence hormone balance. Certain therapies, such as chemotherapy agents or hormone-based treatments, can alter hormone activity and increase the likelihood of breast tissue growth.